Written questions by Eccles.

If he will take steps to help ensure the new owners of Royal Mail honour agreements made with the Communication Workers Union and his Department.

The Secretary of State met Dave Ward, General Secretary of the CWU, and Daniel Křetínský, the owner of EP Group, on 16 February and again on 19 March 2026, to understand the progress on continued discussions on the CWU Agreement. The undertakings agreed between the Secretary of State and EP Group include provisions that require an independently assessed review of EP Group’s compliance with the Deed of Undertaking.

If he will make it his policy to adopt a UK-wide model similar to the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Act (Scotland) 2022, which empowers local authorities to set up fireworks-free zones.

There are currently no plans to adopt such a model UK-wide. The Government regularly engages with its counterparts in Scotland is keen to understand the impact Firework Control Zones have made before considering if similar changes are needed for England and Wales.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact the UK-US trade deal on meat products sold in the UK.

On 8th May, the UK Government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States. We have agreed new reciprocal market access on beef – with UK farmers given a guaranteed quota for 13,000 metric tonnes of beef exports at a very low tariff rate. Imports of hormone treated beef remain illegal. Our approach to this trade deal has ensured that any agricultural imports coming into the UK will meet the highest food standards.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the proposed UK-US trade agreement on the future of the NHS.

On 8th May, the UK government announced a landmark economic deal with the United States. The NHS will never be on the table for any trade agreement and the US trade deal will not lead to privatisation of the NHS. The NHS is not for sale under any circumstances, and this Government is firmly committed to keeping healthcare free at the point of use for everyone. This Government will continue to act in Britain’s national interest – for workers, for business and for families.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK-US trade agreement on the UK (a) steel and (b) aluminium sectors.

This government is determined to look after the country's national interest. That's why we have concluded a landmark economic deal with the United States, making the UK the first country to reach an agreement with President Trump. For steel and aluminium, the US has committed to remove the 25% Section 232 tariffs currently faced by UK exporters, by applying a quota system.UK Steel and ALFED, who represent the UK steel and aluminium industries respectively, have both publicly welcomed the deal.