Written questions by Stainbank.

With reference to her Statement on Asylum Policy of 17 of November, Official Report column 509, which means other than sponsorship will be opened up to new, capped, safe and legal routes for asylum seekers.

The UK has rightly played its part alongside other countries in response to crises such as Ukraine, Hong Kong and Afghanistan.As set out in the policy statement, in addition to the sponsorship pathways, we are developing new capped safe and legal routes at pace for refugees and displaced people to access the UK for work and study purposes.This approach remains flexible to respond to global crises, as demonstrated by recent extensions to the Ukraine scheme and targeted support for individuals affected by conflicts in Gaza.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of clause 52 of the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill to permit the denial of refugee status to asylum seekers who are serious offenders.

Clause 52 ensures that convictions for Schedule 3 sexual offences will be assumed to be ‘particularly serious’ for the purpose of exclusion from the Refugee Convention. Not only have these individuals failed to respect the laws of the UK by committing heinous acts, but they have also undermined public confidence in the ability of the state to protect the public. All crime causes harm to victims, communities, and society in general. By their very nature, sexual offences (especially those which warrant the imposition of the notification requirement) can have very serious impacts on victims and the overall fabric of society. Parliament has debated these issues and considered these offences to sit in a unique category, not least given the effect they have on victims and communities. These individuals will be liable for removal at the earliest opportunity. Where removal is not possible due to our ECHR obligations, clause 52 will ensure that such individuals are not afforded the generous benefits of protection status in the UK.

Whether the £200m National Wealth Fund allocation to Grangemouth could be used for Ministry of Defence projects.

As set out in the Chancellor’s Statement of Strategic Priorities to the National Wealth Fund, it should consider the role it can play in supporting the delivery of the wider Industrial Strategy, including in defence.

With reference to her Statement on Asylum Policy of 17 of November, Official Report column 509, what the threshold of (a) income and (b) assets will be before an asylum seeker is required to receive before they are asked to contribute to their support.

These details are subject to further policy development which will be set out in due course.

With reference to the Statement on Asylum Policy of 17 of November, Official Report column 509, which international partners have raised similar concerns about the inability to apply the public interest to the Article 3 Absolute Right under the European Convention on Human Rights.

A number of Council of Europe members have expressed concern over the interpretation and application of the ECHR in the context of migration. An open letter of nine Council of Europe countries of 22 May 2025 called for "discussion about how international conventions match the challenges of today". We agree on the importance of addressing these challenges together and the Deputy Prime Minister will meet with other Justice Ministers at the Council of Europe on 10 December to set out the UK position and advance work on the ECHR reform agenda.

With reference to his Oral Statement of 11 November 2025 on Pensions, Official Report, col 44, whether the research findings from the 2007 report referred to in that statement have been shared with the Women Against State Pension Inequality campaign group.

The report, Evaluation of Automatic State Pension Forecasts (research report No 447), is publicly available on the National Archives website, and on 11 November we deposited a copy in the House Libraries.

When he plans to make a final decision decision on the Government response to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman’s investigation into Women’s State Pension age communications and associated issues.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions set out in his Oral Statement on 11 November 2025 that he will update the House on the decision as soon as a conclusion is reached.

With reference to his Oral Statement of 11 November 2025 on Pensions, Official Report, col 44, if he will publish the research findings from the 2007 report referred to in that statement.

The report, Evaluation of Automatic State Pension Forecasts (research report No 447), is publicly available on the National Archives website, and on 11 November we deposited a copy in the House Libraries.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of support to reduce industrial electricity costs on job (a) creation and (b) retention in energy-intensive manufacturing sectors in Scotland.

The Government delivers electricity cost relief schemes to provide support to businesses in energy intensive sectors across the country, including businesses in Scotland, to remain competitive and protect thousands of well paid, British jobs. The British Industry Supercharger cuts electricity costs for around 550 energy intensive businesses, and the Government recently confirmed an uplift in relief through its Network Charging Compensation Scheme from 60% to 90%. This will further reduce the gap in electricity prices between the UK and other countries. Additionally, from 2027, the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme will cut electricity costs for even more businesses.

With reference to his Department's policy paper entitled Clean energy jobs plan, published on 19 October 2025, what steps his Department is taking to support the development of sustainable aviation fuel production at the Grangemouth industrial cluster.

The UK Government is working closely with the Scottish Government on options for investment in Grangemouth supported by the Office for Investment and Scottish Enterprise. This is backed by £200 million from the National Wealth Fund for co-investment with the private sector, so far we have received over 100 enquiries. In line with the Clean Energy Jobs Plan, the Grangemouth Training Guarantee will support the transition for refinery workers into in-demand industries including into clean energy sectors and future project at Grangemouth. The Department for Transport is supporting the UK sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry through the SAF mandate, providing revenue certainty for SAF producers and the £63 million Advanced Fuels Fund available for SAF producers. Together these measures will give investors confidence to support commercial scale production of SAF in the UK, creating green jobs and developing skills.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the UK's withdrawal from the Dublin Regulation on the 31 of December 2020 on levels of irregular migration into the United Kingdom.

This government has not undertaken an assessment of the impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the Dublin arrangements in 2020. However, we are clear that cooperation with our EU partners is a crucial part of our response to the challenges posed by irregular migration. This is why the UK-France Agreement on the Prevention of Dangerous Journeys is so important, and why we will look at further such developments in future.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department is taking steps to reduce the amount of the UK International Aid Budget that is going towards in-donor refugee costs.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 November in response to Question 85799.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of Chinese ownership of critical transport infrastructure on national security.

Transport infrastructure is an integral part of the UK economy, moving people, goods and enabling economic growth, as recognised in the Industrial Strategy. The security of the sector is of the upmost importance to the government.Transport is one of the 17 key sectors in the National Security and Investment Act (NSIA). The government has the power to assess, and intervene in, investments in the UK's key transport infrastructure for national security risks. The NSIA is actor agnostic and allows the government to act regardless of an entity's nationality. Each transaction is taken on its own merit.

What assessment she has made with Cabinet colleagues of the potential security implications of the operation of buses that have been bought from China that can potentially be remotely deactivated.

The Government takes national security extremely seriously and recognises the systematic challenges of increased connectivity and the cyber security implications for almost every area of government policy, including vehicles. The Department works closely with the transport sector, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and other government departments to understand and respond to cyber vulnerabilities.

Whether her Department has emergency contingency plans in the event of remote de-activation of buses by a foreign manufacturer.

The Government takes national security extremely seriously and recognises the systematic challenges of increased connectivity and the cyber security implications for almost every area of government policy, including vehicles. The Department works closely with the transport sector, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) and other government departments to understand and respond to cyber vulnerabilities.

What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on reducing veteran homelessness in Scotland.

This is a Government that will always stand up for those who serve our country. I am working closely with Devolved Governments to ensure veterans across the UK have access to the support they need on housing, which is a devolved matter. I, and my predecessor have engaged regularly with the Scottish Government and with the Scottish Veterans’ Commissioner on issues affecting veterans who live in Scotland. The Reducing Veterans’ Homelessness Programme provides vital supported housing services to veterans across the UK. This programme has awarded grants to organisations across the UK, including £290,882 for organisations supporting veterans in Scotland. Organisations across the UK have been eligible to apply for funding under the Veterans’ Capital Housing Fund. This funding is used to refurbish or build new social and affordable accommodation for veterans. To date, this programme has awarded five grants to organisations in Scotland totalling £1,565,931.

Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to encourage collaboration between the UK and its international partners in the R&D sector.

Achieving the best outcomes for our citizens from our investment in R&D requires us to collaborate internationally. We are actively strengthening ties with key partners through:- Funding, including through Horizon Europe, the International Science Partnerships Fund and our core support to UK research institutions. DSIT’s overall R&D budget will grow in real terms over the SR period, totalling £58.5 billion from 2026/27 to 2029/30.- Our Science and Technology Network which operates in 65 locations across the world to build partnerships and collaborations on science, technology and innovation.- Dialogues and bilateral agreements with more than 20 international partners, including with the US, Australia, India, Germany, EU and Japan which cover issues including data adequacy, future technologies, and institutional co-operation.- Being an active member of G7, G20, OECD through which we seek to align norms and standards.- Collaborations with global partners on shared research infrastructures including world-leading facilities like CERN and new capabilities like the Square Kilometre Array Observatory – headquartered near Manchester with telescopes under construction in Australia and South Africa.

What assessment she has made of the recommendations of Project Willow on the HEFA Cap delay.

The Government launched Project Willow to find an industrial future for Grangemouth – identifying nine low-carbon and renewable energy business models that could create 800 jobs by 2040. Government is ready to take these forward as co-investment projects with the private sector. Backed by £200 million from the National Wealth Fund, investment agencies are working to find investors for these proposals and other low carbon and clean energy proposals in the Grangemouth area. So far c.100 enquiries have been received.HEFA (hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids) is a fuel developed from oils or fats, such as used cooking oil. The Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate caps the amount of HEFA that can be used to meet the main obligation under the Mandate to encourage the development of more advanced fuels. The suggested delay to the HEFA cap would undermine this approach and is not being considered. To ensure the Mandate remains aligned with technological and commercial developments, it will be continuously monitored. Formal reviews will be published at least every five years, with the first scheduled for 2030. These reviews will also ensure continued alignment with broader government policies and strategies.

What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on the proposed closure of the Forth Valley College's campus at Alloa; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of such a closure on the delivery of Project Willow's objectives.

While education policy is devolved to the Scottish Government, we recognise the importance of colleges to the economies and communities of Scotland’s towns and cities.As the First Minister said at First Minister's Questions on 2 October, their Cabinet Secretary for Education is considering all options to protect the future of the Alloa campus. The Scotland Office continues to engage regularly with the Scottish Government on all matters relating to Grangemouth, and the Secretary of State for Scotland, alongside Minister Shanks, met with Cabinet Secretary Gillian Martin on 21 October to discuss the progress of investment there.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her Department's policies of the Israeli Government's approval of the E1 Construction Plan.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 3 September to question 71442.