Written questions by Taylor.

Food and Rural Affairs, what progress has been made on the creation of the Western Forest.

In March 2025, the Government launched the first new National Forest in 30 years, the Western Forest. The forest will see 20 million trees planted across the West of England and create at least 2,500 hectares of new woodland, bringing nature closer to people, helping to prevent flooding, supporting wildlife, and contribute to our nature and legal environment targets. As the accountable body for the Western Forest, the Forest of Avon Trust is working with the National Forest Company and regional partners, recruiting a strong team to mobilise the project, scoping the most suitable sites for the creation of the forest’s foundations, and raising awareness of the project across the region.

Communities and Local Government, what steps the Government is taking to improve the Building Safety Regulator's processes to ensure the statutory eight-week timeframe for work to existing buildings is consistently met for all unsafe high-rise buildings in the remediation programme.

The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has a prominent role in supporting delivery of the Remediation Acceleration Plan (RAP), from monitoring through to enforcement, and accelerating the pace of remediation. The department published a further update to the RAP on 17 July.On 30 June, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government announced significant changes marking a new phase of operations for the BSR, including governance changes, new leadership and a new operating model which aims to speed up the processing of both new build and remediation applications. In addition to the new model, the BSR is setting up a standalone enforcement unit for remediation cases which is expected to be operational in autumn.

Whether she plans to provide exemptions to Developing Countries Trading Scheme countries for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms.

The UK has no current plans for an exemption from the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) for least developed countries (LDCs). UK imports from LDCs make up a very small proportion of total CBAM imports, approximately 0.03% (HMRC origin data 2023). Using a range of sources the Government estimates that, on average, less than 1% of LDCs’ total exports of goods from CBAM sectors are exported to the UK. The UK will continue to engage with its trade partners, including LDCs, ahead of the introduction of the CBAM.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to make use of innovative financing mechanisms to support global education outcomes.

Generating more innovative finance is a priority for the UK to address the $97 billion annual financing gap for global education.The UK is a founding donor to the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd). This innovative guarantee mechanism unlocks $7 in new concessional lending from Multilateral Development Banks, for every $1 of Official Development Assistance. In the start-up phase, IFFEd will unlock $1 billion.The UK is also engaging with philanthropy and the private sector to channel more finance to education. Through our support to the Global Partnership for Education Multiplier, the UK has helped raise a further $3.7 billion from 64 co-financers across 52 partner countries since 2021.In Sierra Leone and Ghana, we support the Education Outcomes Fund to mobilise impact investment to improve children's learning outcomes. In Kenya, we are testing disaster risk finance to protect school infrastructure, keeping children safe and learning when climate disasters hit.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of (a) the International Finance Facility for Education and (b) other innovative finance models on delivering value for money in education spending.

It is too early to assess the impact of the International Finance Facility for Education (IFFEd) which was established only in 2024. The first investment cases will be approved by IFFEd's Board at the end of 2025 and projects will then begin implementation by the Asian Development Bank. An evaluation of IFFEd will take place over the next three years to understand impact.The value for money assessments of our Results-Based Finance pilots through the Education Outcomes Fund (EOF) in Ghana and Sierra Leone are ongoing. Early analysis suggests the approach, which pays only for results achieved, leads to greater impact on children's learning outcomes. The final analysis will be available in 2026.The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Multiplier was externally evaluated in 2023. The Multiplier was found to be an effective mechanism for unlocking additional education finance, including from new philanthropic and private sector sources, of which 30% has been non-Official Development Assistance.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of transferring surplus warrior infantry fighting vehicles (a) awaiting disposal or (b) due to be decommissioned by 2030 to Ukraine.

Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) are key platforms for the British Army to meet Defence Commitments. Although small numbers are scheduled for disposal, these will have been selected in line with serviceability and suitability for role. As such, without substantial investment, they are not likely to offer significant capability to Ukraine and providing such small numbers would only increase the diversity of Ukraine’s armoured vehicle fleet – increasing their logistic and training burdens. The UK will continue to work with Ukraine to identify how best to help them to resist Russian aggression.

What steps she is taking to support young people into work in Hertfordshire.

I thank the honourable Gentlemen for his question. Mr Speaker, as well as building our new Jobs and Careers service, which will help young people in Hertfordshire have access to better opportunities, DWP have now signed a Grant Funding Agreement of up to £19.7 million with Hertfordshire County Council for the delivery of their local Connect to Work programme, which will open for participants - including young people - at the beginning of July.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he he has made of the potential merits of establishing a bilateral security agreement with Kosovo as an additional mechanism for the KFOR mission.

The Kosovo Force (KFOR) plays a vital part in maintaining a safe and secure environment in Kosovo, with a significant UK contribution including provision of the bulk of KFOR's Strategic Reserve Force which deployed to help manage down tensions in 2023. The UK provides a substantial package of bilateral security support to Kosovo through defence education, training, and advice under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding. In Kosovo in April, the Foreign Secretary discussed with Kosovo's President Osmani the potential for enhancing the UK-Kosovo bilateral relationship, including through defence and security cooperation. We will take forward further discussions once a new Kosovan government is in place.

What estimate she has made of the number of vehicles under the jurisdiction of her Department coming to their end of life; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of making those vehicles available to the Ukrainian military.

The Department has not made a specific estimate of the number of vehicles under its jurisdiction that are approaching the end of their operational life. It is also important to note that a proportion of vehicles are leased rather than owned outright, and therefore would not be available for disposal by the Department. Decisions regarding the disposal or repurposing of vehicles are made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account operational requirements, value for money, and relevant legal and security considerations. At present, there are no plans to assess the potential merits of making such vehicles available to the Ukrainian military. Any such decision would need to be considered in the context of broader cross-government policy on defence support and international assistance.

What estimate he has made of the number of vehicles owned by his Department coming to their end of life; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of making those vehicles available to the Ukrainian military.

The Department for Energy and Net Zero does not own any vehicles.

What estimate she has made of the number of vehicles under the jurisdiction of her Department coming to their end of life; and if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of making those vehicles available to the Ukrainian military.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer I gave on 11 June to Question 56574.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will estimate the number of vehicles under the jurisdiction of his Department coming to their end of life; and if he will make an assessment with the Secretary of State for Defence of the potential merits of making those vehicles available to the Ukrainian military.

The Environment Agency, through its strategic asset management programme, would be selling 193 commercial vehicle assets before the end of the current financial year.The granting of weapons and equipment to Ukraine is made in response to official requests made by the Ukrainian Government.We continue to liaise closely with Ukraine to deliver the capabilities they require to resist Russian aggression.The UK has provided over 240 armoured and protected mobility vehicles, alongside hundreds of support vehicles to Ukraine this year.The UK and partners will continue to ensure we equip Ukraine as best we can to defend its sovereign territory and ensure it is in a position of strength for any peace negotiations. This Government has stepped up support for Ukraine, with a record £4.5 billion of support this year alone. The Prime Minister has committed to £3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine for as long as needed.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help ensure that Lukoil is not able to avoid UK sanctions.

We cannot comment on future designations. The UK has targeted Russian oil and those who produce it, by banning its import, implementing the Oil Price Cap, sanctioning two Russian oil majors, and specifying 251 shadow fleet oil tankers. Ships sanctioned by the UK in 2024 collectively carried $1.6 billion less year-on-year in Russian oil and oil products in Q1 2025.We have also targeted those enabling Russia's illicit oil trade. These include a British national involved in procuring vessels for Russia's shadow fleet on behalf of Lukoil and networks established to enable the trade of Russian oil via the shadow fleet.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the level of regularity of bus services in Hemel Hempstead constituency on the ability of residents to commute to work.

The government knows that a modern public transport network is vital to keeping communities connected, and ensuring people can commute to work. The government believes that local transport authorities, working with bus operators, are best placed to determine and design local bus networks in their area. The government introduced the Bus Services (No.2) Bill on 17 December as part of its ambitious plan for bus reform. The Bill puts the power over local bus services back in the hands of local leaders and is intended to ensure bus services reflect the needs of the communities that rely on them right across England. In addition, the government has confirmed £955 million for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. This includes £243 million for bus operators and £712 million allocated to local authorities across the country, of which Hertfordshire County Council has been allocated £12.2 million. Local authorities can use this funding to introduce improvements to bus services to best meet the needs of passengers in their local area, including increasing the frequency of bus services.

When he plans to publish his Department's final delivery plan on myalgic encephalomyelitis.

We aim to publish our myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), final delivery plan by the end of June 2025.The plan will focus on boosting research, improving attitudes and education, and bettering the lives of the people with this debilitating disease. The responses to the interim delivery plan consultation, along with continued close engagement with other parts of the Government, the National Health Service, and external stakeholders, will inform the development of the final ME/CFS delivery plan.

What assessment his Department has made of the difference between travel concessions for (a) Metropolitan Police Officers and (b) NHS staff working in Central London; and whether she plans to introduce similar subsidised travel schemes for essential medical staff using National Rail services.

Any long-term changes or concessions made to rail fares policy will require balancing against the potential impacts on passengers, taxpayers and the railway. There are no current plans to review concessions in advance of the transition to Great British Railways, but it will have the opportunity to take a fresh look at the justification of the eligibility and restrictions of concessionary schemes.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 38911 on Clothing: Public Places, whether she plans to take steps to help support residents who are scared to leave their homes due to people wearing balaclavas in town centres in Hertfordshire.

This Government wants town centres to be vibrant, welcoming places where businesses thrive and people feel safe and come to shop, socialise and live. What the Hon Member describes about town centres in Hertfordshire is absolutely unacceptable.As part of the Government’s Plan for Change, and to support making the country’s streets safer, £66.3 million of Hotspot Action funding has been awarded to all 43 territorial police forces in England and Wales for 2025/26. Hertfordshire will receive £1 million of that funding.In addition, under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act, section 60AA permits officers on patrol to require the removal of face coverings over a 24 hour period, if an authorisation is in place, where there are grounds to believe criminal activity may take place in a particular area, and will last for 24 hours.Furthermore, stop and search powers permit individuals to be stopped by officers if there are grounds to suspect they are going to commit offences, such as robbery and theft.The implementation of a new Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee is also key to people feeling safe in their communities. The guarantee includes restoring patrols to town centres and delivering an additional 13,000 neighbourhood policing officers, PCSOs and special constables by the end of this parliament.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the sale of drug paraphernalia in high street retail outlets on levels of drug use among young people.

Under Section 9A of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (“the Act”), a person who supplies or offers to supply any article which may be used (or adapted to be used) in the unlawful administration of a controlled drug, is guilty of an offence.An exception is made in the Act around the provision of hypodermic syringes, and there are further exceptions in the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001, for the provision of certain articles when provided in the context of drug treatment.Enforcement is a matter for the police.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to protect shared ownership leaseholders from excessive administration fees imposed by housing associations during the resale of their share; and whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to ensure that such fees are proportionate to the share being sold.

Shared ownership landlords are required to publish clear information about the resales process for shared ownership properties on their websites. They are also required to outline their current selling fee in a ‘Key Information Document’ provided to prospective shared owners before reservation. Some shared ownership leases will also state the resale fee which can be charged by shared ownership landlords. The government is considering what more can be done to improve the experience of shared owners.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he ha made of the potential merits of using swift bricks when building new homes.

Natural England has identified that the lack of nest sites is a pressure on certain bird species, including the swift. Therefore, provision of swift bricks may aid recovery alongside other actions, such as to increase food resources. The revised National Planning Policy Framework, published by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) in December 2024, included several changes designed to enhance and protect the environment. For example, it expects developments to provide net gains for biodiversity, including through incorporating features such as swift bricks which support priority or threatened species. Defra policy officials are also working with MHCLG colleagues to consider what action may be appropriate to drive up rates of swift brick installation in new build properties.