Written questions by Smith.

What data her department holds on the number of road traffic collisions involving both electric vehicles and pedestrians.

The number of road traffic collisions involving both battery electric vehicles and pedestrians in Great Britain, for the last 5 years is shown in the table below:YearCollisions2020592021139202229220234482024591 Data and statistics on personal injury road collisions and casualties in Great Britain are based on data reported to the Department by police forces via the STATS19 data collection system. Data on vehicle propulsion are sourced from DVLA vehicle registration figures.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will make it her policy to support efforts to create a Special Rapporteur for Women and Girls Living Under Occupation at the United Nations.

In our discussions with the United Nations and other international bodies, the UK continues to push for greater priority to be given to the risks facing women and girls in conflict, as set out in the Foreign Secretary's speech on 24 November, available at the link below:https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/twenty-five-years-of-women-peace-and-security.

What analysis his department has undertaken about the potential effects of fracking on house prices and home insurance costs across the North of England and the United Kingdom.

There has been no hydraulic fracturing for shale gas extraction (“fracking”) since the effective moratorium was put in place in England in 2019. Similar restrictions are in place across other parts of the UK. Prior to the moratorium, only three wells have been hydraulically fractured for shale gas. The Department has not undertaken any analysis of the impact of fracking operations on house prices and home insurance costs. The Government has stated its intention to ban fracking for good.

Representing the Speaker's Committee on the Electoral Commission, whether the Committee has made an assessment of the (a) public's perception of the independence of the Commission and (b) potential impact of the Electoral Commission strategy and policy statement, published on 29 February 2024, on the public's perception of the Commission's independence.

The Commission publishes annual research on public attitudes to elections and democracy. In the latest study, published in April 2025, 52% of respondents said they trust the Commission to be an independent regulator. Historical data is available on the Commission's website.The Commission strives to foster public trust in its independence and ensure it is clear for voters and campaigners to see. It remains opposed to the principle of a strategy and policy statement, by which a government can guide its work, because it could be used in ways that might damage political party or public trust.In February 2025, the Commission reported to the Speaker's Committee on how it had had regard to the Strategy and Policy Statement, designated by the then-UK Government in Febrary 2024. The Commission balanced its duties and responsibilities as they related to the statement with the regard it gives to other factors, particularly the will, priorities and legislative agendas of the UK's three parliaments, and its statutory duties.

Representing the Church Commissioners, what discussions the Church of England has had with Church of England academies with admission processes that exclude potential pupils of another faith or none.

In a voluntary aided (VA) school or former VA school that has converted to become an academy, school admissions are the responsibility of the governing body or trust directors. Church of England schools, as Church Schools, have to consult with the Diocesan Board of Education as they set their admissions policy and oversubscription criteria. In doing so they will be mindful of the need to be true to their foundation principles and respond to parental preference, whilst meeting their desire to serve the community for which the school was established.The Church of England Vision for Education sets out our aspiration to be ‘deeply Christian, serving the common good’, and schools, in consultation with their dioceses, will consider how best to achieve this at a local level.Schools cannot and do not exclude pupils on the basis of faith, but when a school is oversubscribed, they apply oversubscription criteria which have to be fair, clear and objective. It is right for such policies to be set locally (following regular consultation) because each local context varies enormously. For example, a school which is the only school serving a particular community is likely to take a different approach to admissions compared to a context where there are several schools available and where parental demand for the ethos and type of education offered by a Church of England school is more pronounced.The National Church Institutions can only comment on best practice, I would suggest that if the Hon. Member for Lancaster and Wyre has a specific school in mind, the local diocese education team would be best placed to discuss the matter with her. The details of Blackburn Diocese’s Education team can be found here: https://www.bdeducation.org.uk/schools/

Representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to rebuild trust with survivors of abuse within the Church of England.

The Church of England recognises that trust among victims and survivors varies greatly, as each survivor is on a different journey. We engage with a high number of people with lived experience, and we are committed to learning with those with lived experience and rebuilding trust, relationships, and steps to healing and recovery.Some survivors are rebuilding trust through support services such as the Interim Support Service, and diocesan support provision, while others actively shape safeguarding improvements by co-developing policies and practices. We recognise that for many survivors developing trust is hard to do, and we acknowledge that reality and seek a victim-led approach.In recent years the Church has created multiple opportunities for survivors to speak out and influence change, through survivor participation opportunities, feedback forms, questionnaires, and involvement in interview panels, project boards, and audits, including the National Safeguarding Team audit last summer.We regularly update the survivor participation webpage and send a monthly newsletter to maintain open communication and transparency.Last year, we co-developed a National Survivor Participation Framework with victims and survivors, which now guides engagement across the Church, and we achieved a milestone of having the Redress Scheme – also co-designed with survivors at the heart of it- to be approved by the General Synod.Looking ahead, we plan to activate a framework tailored to listening to children and young people, create a national system to capture the impact of survivor engagement, and embed the Framework across dioceses and cathedrals. Building trust is a long-term commitment, and we continue to work with victims and survivors, and external agencies, to build on the work we have started.

Representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Church is taking to support (a) LGBTQ+ clergy and (b) people considering entering ministry.

Many dioceses now offer specific LGBT+ chaplaincy teams to offer specialised support to LGBT+ candidates, ordinands and clergy, with more in development. Dioceses work on this to locally developed plans, not national guidance or advice.All candidates, ordinands and clergy receive support to discern and develop their vocation through their local church and clergy, through Diocesan Directors of Ordinands, Theological Education Institutions, and through archdeacons and bishops.Dioceses also offer appropriate support, where required, for the wellbeing of clergy, including offers of counselling, retreats and sabbaticals.

When he plans to respond to the letter dated 21 July 2025 and re-sent on 7 October 2025 from the hon. Member for Lancaster and Wyre and nine other hon. Members on Sodium Valproate.

We received the Hon. Member’s correspondence of 21 July 2025 and responded on 20 November 2025.

What recent progress she has made on taking steps to reduce the drink drive limit; and when she plans to publish (a) a draft of and (b) a consultation on the road safety strategy.

This Government takes road safety seriously. We are committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. We are considering a range of policies under the new Road Safety Strategy; the first for ten years. This includes the case for changing the motoring offences, such as drink driving. We are considering concerns raised by campaigners and bereaved families. We will set out more details in due course.

What assessment has been made of the potential impact of the licensing taskforce recommendations on the workstreams of each of the five Mission Boards.

The Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system. A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system. While no assessment has yet been made of the impact of any reforms to be taken forward, that would form part of the further stages of this work.

What steps his Department is taking to consider feedback provided during the public call for evidence on Reforming the licensing system, published on 7 October 2025; and what assessment he has made of the level of (a) opposition and (b) concern within responses that might prompt him to reconsider his proposals.

The Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system. A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system. Representations including any opposition or concern will be reviewed fully as part of this process and will be helpful in shaping the development of proposals.

Whether members of the Licensing Taskforce were given (a) advanced sight of and (b) input into the wording of the licensing call for evidence questions.

The Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system. A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system. In the course of developing the Call for Evidence questions a number of stakeholders were consulted and saw drafts of the call for evidence before this was finalised. This included some members of the Licensing Taskforce.

Whether each Mission Board was (a) represented, (b) involved in and (c) consulted as part of the Licensing Taskforce workstream; and what their level of involvement was.

The Licensing Taskforce reported its findings in July and relevant Government departments were involved in determining the response to that report. That included the Department for Business and Trade, the Home Office, HM Treasury, the Department for Health and Social Care, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. A cross-government team has been established with the involvement of those departments to take forward a review of the proposals and subsequent implementation where appropriate. That further stage of activity has led to the Call for Evidence which will inform next steps. The Call for Evidence is open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the licensing taskforce recommendations on progress towards meeting the targets of the Mission Boards for (a) safer streets, (b) tackling violence against women and girls and (c) reducing antisocial behaviour and building safer communities.

No assessment has yet been made of the impact of any potential reforms on safer streets, tackling violence against women and girls, and reducing ASB and building safer communities. The Government is currently inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system. As part of this we are reviewing a number of reform proposals recommended by the Licensing Taskforce in July. Any legislative changes subsequently taken forward will be subject to an impact assessment, consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.

What assessment of trends in the level of post-pandemic changes to (a) drinking patterns and (b) resulting health harms were (i) requested by and (ii) provided to the Licensing Taskforce by his Department to inform their proposed licensing reforms.

Following the Licensing Taskforce, which was jointly let by the Department for Business and Trade and industry, the Government is considering which recommendations to take forward. As part of this, the Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate, and enabling licensing system, including public health considerations. This work is being led by the Department for Business and Trade and the Home Office with support from other departments, including the Department of Health and Social Care.A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-systemPublic health considerations will be kept under review. Any legislative changes will be subject to an impact assessment, consultation, and parliamentary scrutiny.We will continue to work across Government to consider what other measures might be needed to reduce the negative impact that excessive alcohol consumption is having on health, crime, and the economy.

What assessment she has made of the potential challenges of launching the current licensing call for evidence with a rapid 4-week window for responses.

The Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system. A four week Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system. A rapid evidence gathering exercise is appropriate at this stage in the development of policy relating to licensing reforms. Further consultation and engagement with stakeholders is anticipated at later stages of policy development and implementation, dependent on the specific proposals that are being taken forward. Any legislative changes will be subject to an impact assessment, consultation and parliamentary scrutiny.

What discussions he had with experts on (a) alcohol licensing and (b) the Licensing Act 2003 on the proposals set out in the call for evidence entitled Reforming the licensing system, published on 7 October 2025.

Earlier this year the Government established a Licensing Taskforce which was co-chaired by the then Minister for Services, Small Business and Exports, Gareth Thomas MP. The Taskforce held discussions with experts on the licensing regime in reaching its conclusions. The Government welcomed the Taskforce report and is inviting further views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system. A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.

What recent progress his Department has made on introducing mandatory health information on alcohol labels; and when he plans to publish a consultation on this matter.

In Fit for the Future: 10-Year Health Plan for England, the Government committed to strengthen and expand on existing voluntary guidelines for alcohol labelling by introducing a mandatory requirement for alcoholic drinks to display consistent nutritional information and health warning messages. The plan can be accessed online at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/10-year-health-plan-for-england-fit-for-the-futureDepartment officials are working at pace to review all available evidence and to develop policy options that will be used in a formal consultation in due course. We have met a range of stakeholders, and we are making plans for further stakeholder engagement to take place shortly. Stakeholder insights will help shape the policy, to ensure that labelling requirements are more effective.

What steps did the Licensing Taskforce take to consult (a) local authorities, (b) police forces, (c) Police and Crime Commissioners, (d) directors of public health and (d) local licensing committees on proposed reforms to alcohol licensing.

The Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system.A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system.In July this year, the Licensing Taskforce concluded a review of licensing and its report is available at:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/licensing-taskforce-report-and-government-response/licensing-policy-sprint-joint-industry-and-hm-government-taskforce-reportThe report lists the members of the Taskforce, including representatives from the Local Government Association, the Institute of Licensing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and gives an indication of how they went about their review. The Government responded to that report welcoming its recommendations and setting out next steps. As part of the current Call for Evidence and subsequent policy development, the Government is committed to engaging with local authorities, police forces, Police and Crime Commissioners, directors of public health, local licensing committees and members of the public among others.

Whether he received representations on his proposed changes to the Licensing Act 2003.

Changes to the Licensing Act 2003 were proposed as part of a Licensing Taskforce which concluded its work in the Summer. Consideration of those proposals and options for implementation, where appropriate, is currently underway. To inform that work, the Government is inviting views and evidence to inform the development of a modern, proportionate and enabling licensing system. A Call for Evidence is currently open until 6 November in order to gather views and evidence to inform proposals for reforms to licensing. This is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/reforming-the-licensing-system. Representations are being received through the consultation and these will be reviewed fully.