Written questions by Reed.

Communities and Local Government, if he will provide additional funding through the Local Government Finance Settlement for 2026-27 for the cost of delivering services in rural and sparsely populated areas.

On Thursday 20 November, we published the government response to the Fair Funding Review 2.0, which sets out the government’s plan to introduce a fairer and evidence-led funding system. In doing so, we will target a greater proportion of grant funding towards the most deprived places which need it most, ensuring the best value for money for government and taxpayers. The government recognises that different parts of the country face different costs for delivering the same services. For this reason, we propose to take account of variations in costs between local authorities through an Area Cost Adjustment (ACA). The ACA considers differences in labour and rental costs, as well as the cost impact of longer journey times. We are also proposing to include a measure of remoteness, to account for the potential impact on cost for rural authorities that cannot readily access local markets because of their location. Taking into consideration the available evidence and the views of stakeholders, the government has made a judgement that remoteness should be accounted for when assessing the cost of delivering adult social care services.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of spirits duty increases on levels of pub closures in the last three years.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, with Tax Information and Impact Notes (TIINs) published alongside these announcements.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of spirits duty on the commercial relationship between UK distilleries and pubs.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, with Tax Information and Impact Notes (TIINs) published alongside these announcements.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of linking spirits duty to inflation on the viability of pubs.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, with Tax Information and Impact Notes (TIINs) published alongside these announcements.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of spirits duty increases on the viability of pubs in rural communities.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, with Tax Information and Impact Notes (TIINs) published alongside these announcements.

What assessment her Department has made of the effectiveness of spirits duty policy in supporting the economic sustainability of pubs.

The Chancellor makes decisions on tax policy at fiscal events, with Tax Information and Impact Notes (TIINs) published alongside these announcements.

Whether his Department has undertaken modelling on the potential impact of the UK not participating in the first tranche of procurements financed under the EU’s Security Action for Europe programme on the UK defence sector.

The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. We are working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement for cooperation under the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, including the His Majesty’s Treasury, the Department of Business and Trade and the Cabinet Office, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. While we will not give a running commentary on talks, this Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value to the UK and UK industry.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Security and Defence Partnership between the UK and EU on the defence sector.

The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. We are working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement for cooperation under the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, including the His Majesty’s Treasury, the Department of Business and Trade and the Cabinet Office, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. While we will not give a running commentary on talks, this Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value to the UK and UK industry.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the United Kingdom not securing access to the first tranche of Security Action for Europe projects on the economy.

The Brexit deal signed by the last Government did not include UK participation in Security Action For Europe (SAFE). Thanks to the Prime Minister’s EU reset we are now able to explore participation. The UK is committed to a broad and constructive relationship with the EU. We are working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes taking forward discussions on a bilateral participation agreement for cooperation under the EU’s Security Action For Europe instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, including the His Majesty’s Treasury, the Department of Business and Trade and the Cabinet Office, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. While we will not give a running commentary on talks, this Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value to the UK and UK industry.

What assessment his Department has made of the value for money of the Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft contract since 2008.

The RAF Voyager fleet provides value for money by serving as a versatile asset for air-to-air refuelling, strategic airlift, and VIP transport. Under the Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contract, Air Tanker is required to provide the Department with their performance data. This gives the Department complete transparency, ensuring regular monitoring and compliance with the terms of the agreement.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that defence companies in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor are able to (a) recruit staff, (b) receive investment and (c) expand.

As part of the Defence Industrial Strategy, we announced a £182 million skills package that will attract, develop and retain the high-skilled workforce required to meet the objectives of the Strategic Defence Review. This investment in skills, in addition to the creation of the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, will help defence companies across the UK, including those in the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. Further details will be announced with the publication of the Defence Finance and Investment Strategy in 2026.

What future air-to-air refuelling requirements will be considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

The Defence Investment Plan will consider the UK's future air-to-air refuelling requirements to ensure we meet our commitments to NATO and the nation. The outcome will be included in the Defence Investment Plan, which is due to be published this year.

What steps he plans to take to achieve £6 billion in new efficiencies within the defence budget during this parliament; and what the sources of these will be.

As set out in the SDR, we have identified £6 billion of new savings over the course of this Parliament, through efficiency and productivity savings, civilian workforce changes, structural simplification and contractual efficiencies.Alongside the Defence Investment Plan later this year, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) will publish a Defence Reform and Efficiency Plan, which will provide further detail on the range of reforms across the MOD which will deliver these efficiencies.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that Project Grayburn (a) supports economic growth, (b) strengthens UK-based supply chains and (c) creates skilled jobs across the United Kingdom.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on 28 April 2025 to Question 45196 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty) and on 14 May 2025 to Question 50537 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge).

What steps he is taking to replace the SA80 rifle.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave on 28 April 2025 to Question 45196 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty) and on 14 May 2025 to Question 50537 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge).

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for (a) the Home Department and (b) Science, Innovation and Technology on the potential merits of updating the Computer Misuse Act 1990 to enhance national cyber resilience through strengthened legal protections for cybersecurity researchers.

The Government recognises the significant role that UK cybersecurity professionals play in enhancing and protecting the country’s resilience against cyber threats; it is essential that we provide them with the necessary support. The Home Office is currently reviewing the Computer Misuse Act, and as part of this process, officials are considering the issue of strengthened legal protections for legitimate cybersecurity researchers. However, this work is complex and requires careful consideration. Without robust safeguards and oversight, the introduction of legal protections could significantly hinder law enforcement's ability to prosecute cyber criminality. To address this, the Home Office is collaborating with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the National Cyber Security Centre, law enforcement agencies, and the cybersecurity industry to evaluate the safeguards that would need to accompany any implementation of strengthened legal protections. An update will be provided in due course.

What steps her Department has taken to assess the impact of the barriers imposed by the Computer Misuse Act 1990 on cybersecurity professionals' ability to deploy and use artificial intelligence tools to enhance the UK’s resilience against increasing cyber threats.

The Government recognises the major role UK cybersecurity professionals play in enhancing and protecting the UK’s resilience against cyber threats, and it is vital that we support them.In an increasingly digital world, it is important that the CMA remains up to date and fit for purpose. The Home Office is in the process of reviewing the CMA, including considering the impact of emerging technologies such as AI. It is important that any changes brought forward are proportionate and do not undermine law enforcement’s ability to take action against cyber criminals. The Home Office will update on proposals taken forward in due course.

What estimate her Department has made of the potential impact of limitations on enhanced cybersecurity techniques under the current Computer Misuse Act 1990 on (a) the economy, (b) full-time equivalent jobs and (c) contracts awarded to other jurisdictions.

The Government recognises the major role UK cybersecurity professionals play in supporting the economy and protecting the UK’s resilience against cyber threats, and it is vital that we support them.In an increasingly digital world, the Home Office is committed to ensuring the Computer Misuse Act remains up to date and fit for purpose. The Home Office is reviewing the CMA. As part of this, officials are considering the issue of strengthened legal protections for legitimate cyber security researchers and how this could unlock economic growth. However, this work is complex and requires careful consideration, in order to protect law enforcement’s ability to prosecute cyber criminality.The Home Office will provide further updates in due course.

Whether the final delivery plan on myalgic encephalomyelitis will be published in March 2025; and what steps he plans to take to ensure its effectiveness without additional funding.

We aim to publish the myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), final delivery plan in the coming months. The content of the ME/CFS delivery plan has not yet been finalised. The responses to the 2023 interim delivery plan consultation, along with continued close engagement with stakeholders, will inform the development of the final ME/CFS delivery plan. The plan will focus on boosting research, improving attitudes and education, and bettering the lives of people living with this debilitating disease. Following the publication of the final delivery plan, we will monitor the progress across all actions in the delivery plan to ensure timely implementation and periodically report to stakeholders as appropriate.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the International Committee of the Red Cross on its role in hostage handovers conducted by Hamas.

We are in regular contact with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) which is facilitating the handover of hostages and the delivery of aid into Gaza. The UK reaffirms its support for the ICRC as the only humanitarian actor with the experience, capability, independence and mandate to carry out its important responsibilities. We believe it is critical that the ICRC is given regular access to the hostages, to fulfil its independent visiting role, as enshrined within the 1949 Geneva Conventions.