Written questions by Thomas.

What steps her Department is taking to end modern slavery.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of kinaesthetic learning.

Awaiting answer.

What steps he is taking to help ensure the availability of rapid paramedic treatment for people experiencing a stroke.

Awaiting answer.

What steps her Department is taking to diversify teaching styles within traditional school settings.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of potential links between high street barber shops and organised crime.

The Government is taking significant action to tackle high street money laundering and the organised crime that drives it, which has become an increasingly visible threat in our communities. Organised crime groups are exploiting cash intensive businesses to launder criminal proceeds, evade tax, and enable wider criminality across our high streets up and down the UK. The National Crime Agency assesses that it is likely that at least £1bn is laundered through a range of UK high street businesses such as, barbers, vape shops, take aways, and other cash – intensive sectors. Addressing this threat is a priority for this Government. On 19 May 2026, the Government announced a £30 million crackdown targeting cash intensive business such as barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops operating on our high streets, over three years. This includes the following activities:£20million of funding will go towards and enhanced law enforcement response, including establishing a new multi-agency coordination cell based in the National Crime Agency.Through this funding, police officers will also be uplifted across forces in hotspot regions. Altogether, 75 new police officers will be recruited across the NCA, Greater Manchester Police, West Midlands Police and a joint Kent Police and Essex Police UnitTrading Standards will also be backed with £6 million in new funding to bolster the response to sham businesses in at-risk local authorities. New officer training will be rolled out to identify suspicious businesses, strengthen business compliance and boost enforcement.A new cross government High Street Organised Crime Unit has also been established to bring together government departments, policing partners and Trading Standards. The unit will be responsible for identifying what more is needed – from stronger powers to better co-ordination – to stop this criminal activity from happening in the first placeThe remainder of the funding is split between HMRC and immigration enforcement This builds on the results achieved last year under Operation Machinize, led by the National Crime Agency in cooperation with the National Police Chief’s Council, targeting business premises such as barber shops, vape and tobacco shops, and other cash intensive businesses across the UK. Activity in March 2025 saw 380 premises visited across a three‑week operation, with officers securing freezing orders over bank accounts totalling more than £1m, executing 84 warrants, and arresting 35 individuals This was followed by a second phase of activity throughout October which involved every UK police force and Regional Organised Crime Unit, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, HM Revenue & Customs and Companies House. During this operation, the partnership saw: 2,734 premises visited and raided; 924 individuals arrested; over £13m of suspected criminal proceeds seized or restrained; and more than £2.7m worth of illicit commodities destroyed.

What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of potential links between vape shops and organised crime.

The Government is taking significant action to tackle high street money laundering and the organised crime that drives it, which has become an increasingly visible threat in our communities. Organised crime groups are exploiting cash intensive businesses to launder criminal proceeds, evade tax, and enable wider criminality across our high streets up and down the UK. The National Crime Agency assesses that it is likely that at least £1bn is laundered through a range of UK high street businesses such as, barbers, vape shops, take aways, and other cash – intensive sectors. Addressing this threat is a priority for this Government. On 19 May 2026, the Government announced a £30 million crackdown targeting cash intensive business such as barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops operating on our high streets, over three years. This includes the following activities:£20million of funding will go towards and enhanced law enforcement response, including establishing a new multi-agency coordination cell based in the National Crime Agency.Through this funding, police officers will also be uplifted across forces in hotspot regions. Altogether, 75 new police officers will be recruited across the NCA, Greater Manchester Police, West Midlands Police and a joint Kent Police and Essex Police UnitTrading Standards will also be backed with £6 million in new funding to bolster the response to sham businesses in at-risk local authorities. New officer training will be rolled out to identify suspicious businesses, strengthen business compliance and boost enforcement.A new cross government High Street Organised Crime Unit has also been established to bring together government departments, policing partners and Trading Standards. The unit will be responsible for identifying what more is needed – from stronger powers to better co-ordination – to stop this criminal activity from happening in the first placeThe remainder of the funding is split between HMRC and immigration enforcement This builds on the results achieved last year under Operation Machinize, led by the National Crime Agency in cooperation with the National Police Chief’s Council, targeting business premises such as barber shops, vape and tobacco shops, and other cash intensive businesses across the UK. Activity in March 2025 saw 380 premises visited across a three‑week operation, with officers securing freezing orders over bank accounts totalling more than £1m, executing 84 warrants, and arresting 35 individuals This was followed by a second phase of activity throughout October which involved every UK police force and Regional Organised Crime Unit, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, HM Revenue & Customs and Companies House. During this operation, the partnership saw: 2,734 premises visited and raided; 924 individuals arrested; over £13m of suspected criminal proceeds seized or restrained; and more than £2.7m worth of illicit commodities destroyed.

What steps her Department is taking to tackle organised crime on high streets.

The Government is taking significant action to tackle high street money laundering and the organised crime that drives it, which has become an increasingly visible threat in our communities. Organised crime groups are exploiting cash intensive businesses to launder criminal proceeds, evade tax, and enable wider criminality across our high streets up and down the UK. The National Crime Agency assesses that it is likely that at least £1bn is laundered through a range of UK high street businesses such as, barbers, vape shops, take aways, and other cash – intensive sectors. Addressing this threat is a priority for this Government. On 19 May 2026, the Government announced a £30 million crackdown targeting cash intensive business such as barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops operating on our high streets, over three years. This includes the following activities:£20million of funding will go towards and enhanced law enforcement response, including establishing a new multi-agency coordination cell based in the National Crime Agency.Through this funding, police officers will also be uplifted across forces in hotspot regions. Altogether, 75 new police officers will be recruited across the NCA, Greater Manchester Police, West Midlands Police and a joint Kent Police and Essex Police UnitTrading Standards will also be backed with £6 million in new funding to bolster the response to sham businesses in at-risk local authorities. New officer training will be rolled out to identify suspicious businesses, strengthen business compliance and boost enforcement.A new cross government High Street Organised Crime Unit has also been established to bring together government departments, policing partners and Trading Standards. The unit will be responsible for identifying what more is needed – from stronger powers to better co-ordination – to stop this criminal activity from happening in the first placeThe remainder of the funding is split between HMRC and immigration enforcement This builds on the results achieved last year under Operation Machinize, led by the National Crime Agency in cooperation with the National Police Chief’s Council, targeting business premises such as barber shops, vape and tobacco shops, and other cash intensive businesses across the UK. Activity in March 2025 saw 380 premises visited across a three‑week operation, with officers securing freezing orders over bank accounts totalling more than £1m, executing 84 warrants, and arresting 35 individuals This was followed by a second phase of activity throughout October which involved every UK police force and Regional Organised Crime Unit, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, HM Revenue & Customs and Companies House. During this operation, the partnership saw: 2,734 premises visited and raided; 924 individuals arrested; over £13m of suspected criminal proceeds seized or restrained; and more than £2.7m worth of illicit commodities destroyed.

What assessment her Department has made of the levels of criminal gangs operating illegal businesses on high streets.

The Government is taking significant action to tackle high street money laundering and the organised crime that drives it, which has become an increasingly visible threat in our communities. Organised crime groups are exploiting cash intensive businesses to launder criminal proceeds, evade tax, and enable wider criminality across our high streets up and down the UK. The National Crime Agency assesses that it is likely that at least £1bn is laundered through a range of UK high street businesses such as, barbers, vape shops, take aways, and other cash – intensive sectors. Addressing this threat is a priority for this Government. On 19 May 2026, the Government announced a £30 million crackdown targeting cash intensive business such as barber shops, vape stores, mini-marts and sweet shops operating on our high streets, over three years. This includes the following activities:£20million of funding will go towards and enhanced law enforcement response, including establishing a new multi-agency coordination cell based in the National Crime Agency.Through this funding, police officers will also be uplifted across forces in hotspot regions. Altogether, 75 new police officers will be recruited across the NCA, Greater Manchester Police, West Midlands Police and a joint Kent Police and Essex Police UnitTrading Standards will also be backed with £6 million in new funding to bolster the response to sham businesses in at-risk local authorities. New officer training will be rolled out to identify suspicious businesses, strengthen business compliance and boost enforcement.A new cross government High Street Organised Crime Unit has also been established to bring together government departments, policing partners and Trading Standards. The unit will be responsible for identifying what more is needed – from stronger powers to better co-ordination – to stop this criminal activity from happening in the first placeThe remainder of the funding is split between HMRC and immigration enforcement This builds on the results achieved last year under Operation Machinize, led by the National Crime Agency in cooperation with the National Police Chief’s Council, targeting business premises such as barber shops, vape and tobacco shops, and other cash intensive businesses across the UK. Activity in March 2025 saw 380 premises visited across a three‑week operation, with officers securing freezing orders over bank accounts totalling more than £1m, executing 84 warrants, and arresting 35 individuals This was followed by a second phase of activity throughout October which involved every UK police force and Regional Organised Crime Unit, Home Office Immigration Enforcement, Trading Standards, HM Revenue & Customs and Companies House. During this operation, the partnership saw: 2,734 premises visited and raided; 924 individuals arrested; over £13m of suspected criminal proceeds seized or restrained; and more than £2.7m worth of illicit commodities destroyed.

Media and Sport, what consideration the Government has given to extending Freeview as a service beyond 2034.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport is leading a project to assess the future of digital terrestrial television (DTT), also known as Freeview, beyond 2034. The project is continuing to gather and evaluate evidence and the Government has made no decisions at this time. Before any decision is made close consideration will be given to how any changes would impact audiences.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact on social mobility of priority given for student placements to Russell Group universities.

Awaiting answer.

What estimate he has made of the number of hospital admissions related to dental infections or complications preventable through earlier oral health education and intervention.

No estimate is available for the number of hospital admissions related to dental infections or complications preventable through earlier oral health education and intervention. However, official statistics on hospital tooth extractions for children and young adults being admitted to hospital for tooth extractions in the financial year ending 2025 are available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hospital-tooth-extractions-in-0-to-19-year-olds-2025

What steps he is taking to ensure patients with systemic conditions linked to poor oral health, like diabetes and cardiovascular disease, receive appropriate oral health education.

A range of actions support the provision of appropriate oral health education to patients with systemic conditions such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. For example, the Delivering Better Oral Health guidance, which is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/delivering-better-oral-health-an-evidence-based-toolkit-for-preventionThis guidance is a key resource for the oral health profession to address risk factors for cardiovascular disease such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and healthier eating. Oral health education should also be embedded in diabetes care pathways, to include educational programmes and oral health team members delivering patient education and motivation, alongside clinical management. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/commissioning-standard-dental-care-for-people-with-diabetes/Within hospitals, the Mouth Care Matters programme supports the oral health of patients, with further information available at the following link:https://www.hee.nhs.uk/our-work/oral-healthIn addition to this existing support, the Government is committed to reforming the dental contract by the end of this Parliament, with a focus on promoting prevention, matching resources to need, improving access, and rewarding dentists fairly, while enabling the whole dental team to work to the top of their capability.

What steps he is taking to secure the UK's supply of critical minerals.

The Government recognises the vital role of critical minerals in economic security, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing. Through the Critical Minerals Strategy, we are strengthening domestic resilience by supporting UK capabilities in processing, recycling, and responsible extraction, alongside better understanding future demand through a new growth minerals list. We are working with international partners to diversify supply chains and reduce exposure to concentrated markets, while leveraging the UK’s strengths in finance and innovation.

What estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of preventable conditions resulting from lack of access to oral health education and care.

No estimate is available of the costs to the National Health Service of preventable conditions resulting from lack of access to oral health education and care. The costs to the NHS of hospital admissions for decay-related tooth extractions, which are largely preventable, are estimated at £51.2 million in the financial year ending 2025. Further information is published at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/hospital-tooth-extractions-in-0-to-19-year-olds-2025This is why the Government is shifting to prevention through a national, targeted supervised toothbrushing programme where every £1 spent is expected to save £3 in avoided treatment costs.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic discussions she has had with allies about decreasing dependence on China for minerals.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent diplomatic discussions she has had with European counterparts about the potential merits of agreeing a combined minerals strategy.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

What steps she is taking to tackle stalking.

Stalking is an insidious crime that can leave victims living in fear just going about their daily lives. The Crime Survey for England and Wales for the year ending March 2025 estimated that 3.5% of people aged 16 to 59 years had experienced stalking in the last year. The trend has been relatively flat over the last 10 years. This Government is fully committed to tackling stalking and doing all that it can to protect victims.The Home Office part-funds the National Stalking Helpline, run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. This helpline ensures that victims have 24/7 access to support, advice and practical information. In FY2025-2026, the Home Office has provided £193,430.More broadly, the VAWG Strategy published on 18 December set out clear action to tackle stalking, including the appointment of Richard Wright KC to lead the Stalking Legislation Review, ensuring the criminal law on stalking is fit for purpose. A commitment was also made to strengthen the use of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs). This includes setting up SPO intensification sites in select forces which aim to drive up use of SPOs and provide opportunities to test innovative approaches to enforce conditions and monitor breaches, which could be adopted nationwide.In addition, we are improving police understanding, identification and response to stalking, by ensuring all police forces implement changes following the stalking super-complaint. To provide a framework to support police and other agencies to coordinate their response to stalking cases, we are also introducing a power for the Secretary of State to issue multi-agency statutory guidance on stalking through the Crime and Policing Bill.

What recent estimate her Department has made of the incidence of stalking cases being mishandled due to incidents occurring across the borders of two or more police forces.

Stalking is an insidious crime that can leave victims living in fear just going about their daily lives. The Crime Survey for England and Wales for the year ending March 2025 estimated that 3.5% of people aged 16 to 59 years had experienced stalking in the last year. The trend has been relatively flat over the last 10 years. This Government is fully committed to tackling stalking and doing all that it can to protect victims.The Home Office part-funds the National Stalking Helpline, run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. This helpline ensures that victims have 24/7 access to support, advice and practical information. In FY2025-2026, the Home Office has provided £193,430.More broadly, the VAWG Strategy published on 18 December set out clear action to tackle stalking, including the appointment of Richard Wright KC to lead the Stalking Legislation Review, ensuring the criminal law on stalking is fit for purpose. A commitment was also made to strengthen the use of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs). This includes setting up SPO intensification sites in select forces which aim to drive up use of SPOs and provide opportunities to test innovative approaches to enforce conditions and monitor breaches, which could be adopted nationwide.In addition, we are improving police understanding, identification and response to stalking, by ensuring all police forces implement changes following the stalking super-complaint. To provide a framework to support police and other agencies to coordinate their response to stalking cases, we are also introducing a power for the Secretary of State to issue multi-agency statutory guidance on stalking through the Crime and Policing Bill.

Whether he has a strategy on delivering preventative oral health education to adults outside of dental practices.

Promoting oral health advice and education is a fundamental pillar of contemporary health care and relevant to a wide range of professionals and commissioned services. For example, in England local authorities are responsible for assessing oral health needs, developing oral health strategies, and commissioning oral health improvement programmes for the local area. The evidence base on preventative advice is published and available for use by dental and other professionals at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/delivering-better-oral-health-an-evidence-based-toolkit-for-prevention

What steps her Department is taking to improve co-ordination between police forces in cases of stalking.

Stalking is an insidious crime that can leave victims living in fear just going about their daily lives. The Crime Survey for England and Wales for the year ending March 2025 estimated that 3.5% of people aged 16 to 59 years had experienced stalking in the last year. The trend has been relatively flat over the last 10 years. This Government is fully committed to tackling stalking and doing all that it can to protect victims.The Home Office part-funds the National Stalking Helpline, run by the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. This helpline ensures that victims have 24/7 access to support, advice and practical information. In FY2025-2026, the Home Office has provided £193,430.More broadly, the VAWG Strategy published on 18 December set out clear action to tackle stalking, including the appointment of Richard Wright KC to lead the Stalking Legislation Review, ensuring the criminal law on stalking is fit for purpose. A commitment was also made to strengthen the use of Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs). This includes setting up SPO intensification sites in select forces which aim to drive up use of SPOs and provide opportunities to test innovative approaches to enforce conditions and monitor breaches, which could be adopted nationwide.In addition, we are improving police understanding, identification and response to stalking, by ensuring all police forces implement changes following the stalking super-complaint. To provide a framework to support police and other agencies to coordinate their response to stalking cases, we are also introducing a power for the Secretary of State to issue multi-agency statutory guidance on stalking through the Crime and Policing Bill.