Written questions by Morello.

What assessment her Department has made of changes in the level of insurance costs for thatched properties in West Dorset constituency in the last five years.

The government has not made a specific assessment regarding the availability of home insurance for thatched buildings. Insurers make commercial decisions about pricing and the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. The UK’s home insurance market is competitive, with many providers offering a variety of insurance products. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of financial services, has a statutory objective to promote competition in the interests of consumers. The government would always recommend that consumers shop around to find the most suitable cover at the best price. For more specialised risks, such as thatched roofing, it may be helpful for consumers to consult an insurance broker, who will be able to help search the market for specialist providers.

Media and Sport, pursuant to Question 121975 on Musicians: EU Countries, what recent engagement her Department has had with (a) the European Commission, (b) Members of the European Parliament and (c) the sector on improving access to touring visas for UK artists performing in the EU.

This government recognises that current visa arrangements can create real challenges for the Creative Industries, whose work often involves moving between multiple countries over short periods. We are working closely with the music industry to assess the impact on the sector and remain in open and constructive dialogue with the EU, with a view to improving arrangements across the European continent. Most recently, on 24th March, I attended the first UK-European Commission High-Level Meeting on Culture where I met with Commissioner Micallef (Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport). This marked a step forward since the inaugural UK-EU Summit in May last year, where we committed to deepening UK-EU cultural exchange, including the activities of touring artists. Government and industry are also working together in this effort, including through the new Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC). I attended a panel session on 24th March at the European Parliament, hosted by MEPs Hannes Heide and Bogdan Zdrojewski in collaboration with the CEC, focused on strengthening UK-EU cultural exchange, including removing barriers to cross-border touring. The Government remains committed to securing improvements for our creative and cultural sectors and continuing to work closely with industry to ensure that these issues are clearly evidenced and understood.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment her Department has made with the Chancellor of the Exchequer of the potential impact of fire station closures on the level of insurance premiums.

The consideration and assessment of impacts resulting from proposed fire station closures in Dorset and Wiltshire, is the responsibility of the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) and its Chief Fire Officer. When considering proposals for changes to station provision, it is the responsibility of the FRA to assess the impact on response times as part of their overall assessment of community risk as part of their Community Risk Management Plan. Any possible impacts of the proposals are for consideration by the FRA.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the legal and strategic framework governing the use of UK bases by overseas countries in future conflicts.

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations' military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity which includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

Whether she has held discussions with relevant stakeholders on insurance premium increases for thatched properties.

The government has not made a specific assessment regarding the availability of home insurance for thatched buildings. Insurers make commercial decisions about pricing and the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. The UK’s home insurance market is competitive, with many providers offering a variety of insurance products. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of financial services, has a statutory objective to promote competition in the interests of consumers. The government would always recommend that consumers shop around to find the most suitable cover at the best price. For more specialised risks, such as thatched roofing, it may be helpful for consumers to consult an insurance broker, who will be able to help search the market for specialist providers.

Communities and Local Government, what steps her Department is taking to mitigate the potential impact of reduced fire cover on the level of insurance costs in West Dorset constituency.

The consideration and assessment of impacts resulting from proposed fire station closures in Dorset and Wiltshire, is the responsibility of the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) and its Chief Fire Officer. When considering proposals for changes to station provision, it is the responsibility of the FRA to assess the impact on response times as part of their overall assessment of community risk as part of their Community Risk Management Plan. Any possible impacts of the proposals are for consideration by the FRA.

Communities and Local Government, whether she has made an assessment with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the potential impact of fire station closures on the level of insurance costs in West Dorset constituency.

The consideration and assessment of impacts resulting from proposed fire station closures in Dorset and Wiltshire, is the responsibility of the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) and its Chief Fire Officer. When considering proposals for changes to station provision, it is the responsibility of the FRA to assess the impact on response times as part of their overall assessment of community risk as part of their Community Risk Management Plan. Any possible impacts of the proposals are for consideration by the FRA.

Media and Sport, what recent assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of current visa arrangements on creative industries.

This government recognises that current visa arrangements can create real challenges for the Creative Industries, whose work often involves moving between multiple countries over short periods. We are working closely with the music industry to assess the impact on the sector and remain in open and constructive dialogue with the EU, with a view to improving arrangements across the European continent. Most recently, on 24th March, I attended the first UK-European Commission High-Level Meeting on Culture where I met with Commissioner Micallef (Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport). This marked a step forward since the inaugural UK-EU Summit in May last year, where we committed to deepening UK-EU cultural exchange, including the activities of touring artists. Government and industry are also working together in this effort, including through the new Cultural Exchange Coalition (CEC). I attended a panel session on 24th March at the European Parliament, hosted by MEPs Hannes Heide and Bogdan Zdrojewski in collaboration with the CEC, focused on strengthening UK-EU cultural exchange, including removing barriers to cross-border touring. The Government remains committed to securing improvements for our creative and cultural sectors and continuing to work closely with industry to ensure that these issues are clearly evidenced and understood.

Media and Sport, what support her Department provides to artists and performers from West Dorset constituency seeking to tour in Europe.

This government recognises the impact that visa rules in Europe can have on artists and performers whose work spans multiple countries in quick succession. As your constituents in West Dorset will be aware, these arrangements arise from the UK and EU operating separate immigration systems, and the application of the 90/180-day rule is set at EU level. There is no single unilateral route for the UK to create a new simplified visa category that would apply within the Schengen Area. However, the Government continues to work with industry to identify practical improvements, and communicate these with our European partners. We welcome the European Commission’s new EU Visa Strategy published on 29 January, which explicitly commits to exploring "practical flexibilities" for the 90/180-day Schengen limit for touring artists, specialists, and hauliers. The Commission’s intention to explore potential flexibilities is a positive recognition of the challenges faced by sectors, and the UK stands ready to engage in these discussions. The Government also provides direct support for UK artists through initiatives such as the Music Export Growth Scheme, co-funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and the International Showcase Fund, funded by the DBT. These schemes are designed to help artists access international markets, expand their reach, and promote the UK’s creative talent globally. Addressing the challenges faced by artists and performers in our sectors is a key part of our broader strategy to strengthen and grow the UK’s creative industries, as set out in our Creative Industries Sector Plan published in June 2025. Supporting artists and performers touring the EU remains a priority.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled Dental patients to benefit from 700,000 extra urgent appointments, published on 21 February 2025, how many urgent dental appointments were delivered between 21 February 2025 and 21 February 2026.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the 700,000 additional urgent dental appointments announced on 21 February 2025 on levels of severe tooth problems.

Awaiting answer.

If he will set out the role that Ministers play in authorising the use of UK bases for US military strikes.

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations' military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity which includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of reclassifying valerian-based products.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is carrying out a review of the list of active ingredients that are considered medicinal by function to ensure that the substances on the list are appropriate and to safeguard animal health and welfare and public safety. This includes valerian-based products. The list of substances has been removed from Gov.uk while the review takes place.

What mechanisms are used to determine whether UK bases are used for offensive or defensive operations in support of allied military action.

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations' military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity which includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

Communities and Local Government, whether he has assessed the potential impact of fire station closures on the level of insurance costs for thatched homes.

The consideration and assessment of impacts resulting from proposed fire station closures in Dorset and Wiltshire, is the responsibility of the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) and its Chief Fire Officer. When considering proposals for changes to station provision, it is the responsibility of the FRA to assess the impact on response times as part of their overall assessment of community risk as part of their Community Risk Management Plan. Any possible impacts of the proposals are for consideration by the FRA.

Communities and Local Government, what discussions she has had with insurers on the potential impact of the level of fire service provision on insurers' risk assessments.

The consideration and assessment of impacts resulting from proposed fire station closures in Dorset and Wiltshire, is the responsibility of the Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Authority (FRA) and its Chief Fire Officer. When considering proposals for changes to station provision, it is the responsibility of the FRA to assess the impact on response times as part of their overall assessment of community risk as part of their Community Risk Management Plan. Any possible impacts of the proposals are for consideration by the FRA.

Media and Sport, what plans her Department has to discuss with EU Member States simplified visas for touring artists, including from West Dorset constituency.

This government recognises the impact that visa rules in Europe can have on artists and performers whose work spans multiple countries in quick succession. As your constituents in West Dorset will be aware, these arrangements arise from the UK and EU operating separate immigration systems, and the application of the 90/180-day rule is set at EU level. There is no single unilateral route for the UK to create a new simplified visa category that would apply within the Schengen Area. However, the Government continues to work with industry to identify practical improvements, and communicate these with our European partners. We welcome the European Commission’s new EU Visa Strategy published on 29 January, which explicitly commits to exploring "practical flexibilities" for the 90/180-day Schengen limit for touring artists, specialists, and hauliers. The Commission’s intention to explore potential flexibilities is a positive recognition of the challenges faced by sectors, and the UK stands ready to engage in these discussions. The Government also provides direct support for UK artists through initiatives such as the Music Export Growth Scheme, co-funded by the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), and the International Showcase Fund, funded by the DBT. These schemes are designed to help artists access international markets, expand their reach, and promote the UK’s creative talent globally. Addressing the challenges faced by artists and performers in our sectors is a key part of our broader strategy to strengthen and grow the UK’s creative industries, as set out in our Creative Industries Sector Plan published in June 2025. Supporting artists and performers touring the EU remains a priority.

Whether her Department is taking steps to support owners of thatched homes facing increased insurance premiums in West Dorset constituency.

The government has not made a specific assessment regarding the availability of home insurance for thatched buildings. Insurers make commercial decisions about pricing and the terms of cover they offer based on their assessment of the relevant risks. The UK’s home insurance market is competitive, with many providers offering a variety of insurance products. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of financial services, has a statutory objective to promote competition in the interests of consumers. The government would always recommend that consumers shop around to find the most suitable cover at the best price. For more specialised risks, such as thatched roofing, it may be helpful for consumers to consult an insurance broker, who will be able to help search the market for specialist providers.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether she has held discussions with relevant stakeholders on the reclassification of valerian-based products.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate is carrying out a review of the list of active ingredients that are considered medicinal by function to ensure that the substances on the list are appropriate and to safeguard animal health and welfare and public safety. This includes valerian-based products. The list of substances has been removed from Gov.uk while the review takes place.

Whether his Department plans to release a copy of the former US Ambassador' s completed conflict of interests form.

I refer you to the Government's statement and release of information on 11th March, the statement made by the Prime Minister on 20 April, and the Government’s response to the debate of 21 April, providing an update on the response to the Humble Address.