Written questions by Lewis.

What review processes the Government has in place to assess the suitability of its trade and investment treaty commitments, including those over thirty-five years old, such as the UK-Russia Bilateral Investment Treaty.

The UK’s International Investment Agreements (IIAs) aim to enhance opportunities for UK businesses to expand overseas, with commitments that seek to limit the barriers they face, make it easier to navigate local rules, and ensure investments are treated lawfully, and protected against unfair or arbitrary action. There is no specific review process within such Agreements.

What assessment he has made of the likely costs of defending the arbitration being brought against the Government by Mikhail Fridman.

The Government maintains that it has acted consistently with domestic and international law obligations in the case of the legal challenges. In view of the ongoing proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Whether he plans to recommence arms sales to Israel.

We welcome the news that a deal has been reached on the first stage of President Trump's peace plan for Gaza - it is a moment of profound relief, particularly for the hostages, their families and the civilian population of Gaza.The ceasefire agreement must now be implemented in full, alongside which we will continue to keep all export licences under close review in line with our robust Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.We will work to support the full implementation of the peace plan.

Whether UK-US agreements have been made on trade in Liquified Natural Gas.

We cannot comment on the specifics of live trade negotiations. However, we are continuing talks on a wider UK-US economic deal which will look at increasing digital trade, enhancing access for our world-leading services industries and improving supply chains.The UK already imports liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US under existing commercial arrangements. In 2024, US LNG imports (measured in TWh) fell 41% compared to 2023. While the US was our largest LNG supplier in 2024, Norway remained the dominant source of overall natural gas - both play an important role in supporting our energy security.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2025 to Question 2958 on Carbon Emissions: Business, whether the Government plans to endorse the International Sustainability Standards Board.

The Government will shortly publish a consultation covering the endorsement of International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) Standards. It will seek views on UK versions of the ISSB Standards, which will be known as UK Sustainability Reporting Standards. The Government will take endorsement decisions later this year, following the consultation.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 September 2024 to Question 4008 on Childcare: Recruitment, what steps his Department is taking to (a) monitor and (b) enforce the payment of the National Living Wage in the early education and childcare sector.

The Government is clear that anyone entitled to the minimum wage should receive it. Robust enforcement action is taken against employers who do not pay their staff correctly. HMRC enforces the minimum wage on behalf of DBT, and they investigate where they believe an employer is not paying the minimum wage. This includes considering all complaints from workers, conducting proactive enforcement activities in sectors considered high risk, and delivering educational activity to support employer compliance.

Whether his Department made an assessment of the potential impact of increased data processing on water usage before the investment by Blackstone in a data centre in Blyth was announced.

Construction on Blackstone's chosen site for its £10bn data centre investment in Blyth will be subject to securing appropriate planning permission. As part of the planning process, applicants may be required to carry out Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) which may include an assessment of any issues around water scarcity and pollution, if it is considered that these could be impacted by the development. Whether a full EIA is required is a decision for the Local Planning Authority in the first instance.

Whether his Department made an environmental impact assessment of the data centre in Blyth before the investment by Blackstone was announced.

Construction on Blackstone’s chosen site for its £10bn data centre investment in Blyth will be subject to securing appropriate planning permission. As part of the planning process, Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) are carried out by applicants where a development is considered to have significant impacts on the environment. Whether a full EIA is required is a decision for the Local Planning Authority in the first instance.

Whether the Government has offered Blackstone tax incentives as part of the agreement to build a data centre in Blyth.

The Government does not provide any specific tax incentives for data centres. The site chosen by Blackstone for its data centre investment in Blyth, Northumberland, is in an Investment Zone tax site within the North East Investment Zone designed to support new investment in Advanced Manufacturing and Green Industries. Guidance on eligibility for tax reliefs in Investment Zone sites is available on gov.uk. His Majesty's Revenue and Customs administers National Insurance, Stamp Duty Land Tax, Enhanced Structures and Buildings Allowance, and Enhanced Capital Allowance relief, and the relevant billing authority administers relief on business rates.