Written questions by Hamilton.

What steps his Department is taking to increase the number of clinical oncologists in regions with the lowest consultant-to-population ratios.

We’re building our cancer workforce. As of February 2025, there are over 1,800 full time equivalent doctors working in the speciality of clinical oncology in National Health Service trusts and other core organisations in England. This is almost 150, or 8.9%, more than last year.We will publish a new workforce plan to ensure the NHS has the right people in the right places to deliver the care patients need, transforming the health service and making it fit for the future.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of reports of the murder of Danilo Benavides in Arauca on 2 March 2025.

We are concerned at the murders of former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) combatants, including that of Danilo Benavides in Arauca on 2 March 2025. We urge the Colombian authorities to investigate and tackle the root causes of violence to prevent such attacks. At the UN Security Council, we consistently call for the strengthening of protection and reintegration measures for former FARC combatants. Through UK funding, we have long supported the implementation of the peace agreement, including the security and reintegration of its signatories.

What plans his Department has to include the (a) diagnosis, (b) treatment and (c) research of urinary tract infections in the (i) 10-year Health Plan and (ii) Women’s Health Strategy.

The 10-Year Health Plan will set out how we tackle the inequities that lead to poor health. This will include how we will improve access to and the experience of care for conditions such as chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs). More tests and scans delivered in the community, better joint working between services, and greater use of apps and wearable technology will all support people to manage their conditions, including chronic UTIs, closer to home.Recurrent UTIs are more prevalent in women. This Government is committed to prioritising women’s health as we build a National Health Service fit for the future, and our focus is on turning the commitments in the Women's Health Strategy into tangible actions to improve health for women.

What information his Department holds on whether the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence plans to publish guidelines for the (a) diagnosis and (b) treatment of chronic urinary tract infections.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has an established prioritisation process overseen by a prioritisation board, for the identification of priorities for guidance development. Anyone can suggest a topic through the NICE website at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/forms/topic-suggestionNICE has no current plans to develop guidance on chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) at this time and the topic has not been considered by its prioritisation board. However, NICE has produced a clinical guideline on antimicrobial prescribing for recurrent UTIs which provides recommendations on treatments and self-care for the prevention of recurrent UTIs. This guideline is available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng112

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to help tackle the impact of the recruitment of children by armed groups on (a) the humanitarian situation and (b) human rights in Colombia.

The UK Government is concerned by reports of a sharp rise in child recruitment by armed groups in Colombia. The UK is a key member of the UN's Group of Friends of Children and Armed Conflict (CAAC) which plays a key role in promoting the protection of children affected by armed conflict, including through preventing recruitment. We align the activity of this multilateral group to the recommendations in the UN Secretary General's annual report on CAAC. We also regularly raise the issue of CAAC in our interventions at the UN Security Council (UNSC). We welcome the progress the Colombian government has made in the consultative phase of its Action Plan on Youth, Peace, and Security which if implemented effectively could help prevent youth and child recruitment. In November 2024, the Minister for Latin America and the Caribbean attended the Violence Against Children Conference in Colombia. At the conference, she discussed with Colombian counterparts how to strengthen the capacity of child protection systems to address significant threats to their wellbeing including in armed conflict.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to help support at-risk human rights defenders in (a) Mexico and (b) the El Bajío community in Sonora.

The UK recognises the essential role that civil society and human rights defenders play in promoting and protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. Our Embassy in Mexico monitors the human rights situation in Mexico closely and maintains close communication with human rights defenders and civil society organisations. We also continue to engage regularly on human rights and related issues with the Mexican authorities at ministerial and official level. Representatives from the UK Government and the Mexican Government held their second Multilateral and Human Rights Dialogue on 13-14 May 2025 where both Governments reaffirmed their commitment to human rights. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials met with representatives of the El Bajio community on 14 May in London to understand their concerns.

Whether his Department plans to commission an independent review of the (a) carbon capture and storage programme and (b) associated cluster model ahead of the next Carbon Budget Delivery Plan.

Currently, we do not plan to commission an independent review into the CCUS programme. The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority provides oversight of the Programme as a Government’s Major Projects Portfolio, through Gateway Reviews and reporting. In 2024, the Programme was subject to a National Audit Office review and subsequently a Public Accounts Committee hearing. Internally, we continue to evaluate our work and to ensure we are delivering value for money to taxpayers. We will publish a report setting out our plan to meet carbon budgets in October. This will set out the policies and proposals that will enable the UK to meet Carbon Budgets 4-6 and will reflect the role that CCUS will play in meeting these targets.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce consumption of ultra-processed food among children.

United Kingdom dietary recommendations are based on robust independent risk assessments by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). In its 2023 and 2025 position statements on processed foods and health, the SACN concluded that while there are limitations in the evidence, on balance, most people are likely to benefit from reducing their consumption of processed foods high in energy, saturated fat, salt, and free sugars, and low in fibre.In relation to foods and drinks that would be classified as high in calories, saturated fat, salt, and free sugars, work on our health commitments is progressing through:implementing the television and online advertising restrictions for less healthy food or drink;consulting on plans to ban the sale of high-caffeine energy drinks to children under 16 years old; andgiving local authorities stronger, clearer powers to block new fast-food outlets near schools and where young people congregate.There are a range of actions have already been taken to create a healthier environment to help children reduce their consumption of foods high in energy, saturated fat, salt, and free sugars, and these include:the Healthy Start scheme, which in April 2025 supported over 361,000 people;the Nursery Milk Scheme, which provides a reimbursement to childcare providers in England and Wales for a daily 1/3 pint portion of milk to children and babies; andthe School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, which provides approximately 2.2 million children in Key Stage 1 with a portion of fresh fruit or vegetables per day at school.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps his Department has taken in response to reports of human rights abuses in Bangladesh.

The UK has a long-standing commitment to the promotion and protection of human rights. We commend the Interim Government of Bangladesh for inviting the UN Human Rights Office to investigate last summer's events. We support efforts to safeguard human rights and encourage collaboration with the UN and international partners to build a stable democratic future in Bangladesh. In November 2024, I raised the situation in Bangladesh with Chief Adviser Yunus during my visit. In February, Human Rights Ambassador, Eleanor Sanders visited Bangladesh and discussed justice, accountability, and fundamental freedoms. The UK is investing up to £27 million through the Bangladesh Collaborative, Accountable and Peaceful Politics programme to support civic and political space, reduce corruption, and prevent violence.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the revised funding limits under the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund on children in kinship care.

I refer my hon. Friend, the member for Leeds North East, to the answer of 13 May 2025 to Question 49523.

How many applications his Department had (a) received and (b) paid for the LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme on 29 May 2025; and what steps he is taking to decrease the time taken to make those payments.

The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme launched in December 2024, and as of 2 June 2025, the Scheme had received 1,054 applications, and 39 applicants had received their payment. The first payments were made within 16 weeks of the Scheme opening and payments are continuing to be made. The Independent Panel and Appeals Board Members were both recruited on 13 May 2025, and the Independent Panel had their first sitting on 21 May 2025. We are mindful of the need for timeliness, although it is a complex process, and the Scheme needs to be delivered effectively and correctly. The Scheme continues to make progress with applications, with process capacity expected to increase in the coming months. Priority has been given to applicants with life limiting health conditions and those aged 80 and over. Reflecting our focus on the most vulnerable veterans without delay.

Whether her Department plans to review the loss of transitional protection under Universal Credit for claimants who form a couple, including where one partner acts as a carer.

Transitional Protection is designed to give customers notified to move to Universal Credit time to adjust. It is not intended to permanently replicate legacy benefits and ends when there is no longer a meaningful comparison between a household’s final legacy benefit and Universal Credit awards, such as due to a relevant change in circumstances. The relevant change of circumstances that end the Transitional Element include a sustained decrease in earnings, formation of a new benefit unit, such as a couple separating or a single customer becoming a member of a couple, or where a Universal Credit claim terminates. There are no plans to review this loss of transitional protection even if one partner is a carer.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure continuity of transport support for disabled students aged 16 to 18.

This government’s ambition is that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the right support to succeed in their education and as they move into adult life.Local authorities are responsible for transport to education and training for 16-19 year olds. Post-16 transport guidance requires local authorities to make the necessary transport arrangements or provide financial support to ensure young people can participate in education or training. The needs of young people with SEND should be specifically considered and the arrangements put in place for each group must be documented in local authority transport policy statements.In addition to their statutory responsibilities, many local authorities do offer some form of subsidised transport which, combined with the 16-19 bursary, has been intended to provide financial support to students from low-income households. These decisions are best made locally, in consideration of local needs, the resources available and other local circumstances.

What steps she is taking to ensure that medical students in receipt of the NHS Bursary can also access full student maintenance loans in their final years of study.

The department works closely with the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) on a wide range of matters to ensure the education system is supporting healthcare students, including student funding.The government needs to ensure that the student funding system is financially sustainable, and funding arrangements are reviewed each year. We will continue to engage with the DHSC to consider the financial support that medical students receive.Students attending the fifth and sixth years of undergraduate medical courses and years 2 to 4 of graduate entry medical courses qualify for NHS bursaries. The government has announced an increase to all NHS bursary maintenance grants and allowances for the 2025/26 academic year by forecast inflation, 3.1%, based on the Retail Price Index (RPIX) inflation index.Medical students qualifying for NHS bursary support also qualify for non-means tested loans for living costs from the department. The government has announced that maximum loans for living costs for the 2025/26 academic year, including reduced rate non-means tested loans for students undertaking NHS bursary years, will also increase by 3.1%.

With reference to his Department's White Paper entitled Restoring control over the immigration system, published on 12 May 2025, whether the expansion of the Point-Based System to increase in the standard qualifying period for settlement to 10 years would apply to future applicants to the British National (Overseas) visa scheme.

The Government is committed to supporting members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK and those who may come here in future.Further details of all measures announced in the Immigration White Paper will be set out in the normal way in due course, and where necessary, will be subject to consultation.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure local authorities have (a) clear guidance and (b) funding to meet the March 2026 deadline for collecting (i) food, (ii) drink, (iii) liquid cartons and (iv) other core recyclable materials under Simpler Recycling reforms.

We have published guidance to assist local authorities, other waste collectors and workplaces implement the Simpler Recycling requirements on GOV.UK. This includes guidance on: Simpler recycling: household recycling in EnglandSimpler recycling: workplace recycling in EnglandCollecting paper and card with other dry recyclable materials: written assessmentsEnsuring good waste collection services for households We welcome stakeholder feedback, and we are working with our networks of local authority and waste collector stakeholders, as well as sector experts the Waste and Resources Action Programme, to identify and develop additional guidance where appropriate. Regarding funding, Extended Producer Responsibility payments will be provided to local authorities for the costs of collecting and managing household packaging waste through efficient and effective services. This includes the collection of additional packaging materials for recycling such as plastic films and flexibles. We have provided local authorities in England with £261.66 million in capital and £56.2 million in resource funding for the 2023/24 and 2024/25 financial years for the weekly collection of food waste from households. A second resource funding payment will be provided in the 2025/26 financial year. Ongoing resource funding from 1 April 2026 is subject to an agreement through a further spending review.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the implications for his Department’s policies of the speech by the BBC Director General on 14 May 2025.

We have noted the speech given by the BBC Director General on 14 May. The Government is in close touch with the BBC on all issues - we have regular discussions at both senior and official level. The Government highly values the BBC World Service, which provides impartial accurate news to a global audience of 320 million. The Government is providing a funding uplift of £32.6m (31 per cent) for the World Service in FY 2025/26.  It remains the world's most trusted international news service. Any decisions on government funding for the World Service for future years will be made through the ongoing Spending Review process.

What steps he is taking to help armed forces (a) veterans and (b) families to access NHS dental treatment.

We are working to ensure that everyone who needs to see a dentist will be able to do so. This includes our valued members of the Armed Forces community, including our respected veterans, who have spent their careers defending our country. The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists. Armed forces families and veterans will be able to benefit from the improved access these changes bring, like other civilian members of the public.Free NHS dental care is available to people who meet the following criteria:- under 18 years old, or under 19 years old and in full-time education;- pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months;- being treated in an NHS hospital and the treatment is carried out by the hospital dentist, although patients may have to pay for any dentures or bridges;- receiving low-income benefits, or under 20 years old and a dependant of someone receiving low-income benefits; or- receiving War Pension Scheme payments, or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme payments and the treatment is for your accepted disability.Support is also available through the NHS Low Income Scheme for those patients who are not eligible for an exemption or a full remission of dental patient charges. Further information is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/who-is-entitled-to-free-nhs-dental-treatment-in-england/

Whether a VALOUR-recognised support centre will be located in Leeds.

I repeat the lines that my mMnisterial colleague, the Minister for Veterans and People gave: that VALOUR is a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support. The detailed structures and processes that will underpin VALOUR will be designed in collaboration with relevant partners and further details will be announced in due course. on 12 May to Questions 50185, 50186, 50187, 50189, 50190, and 50191 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge), and Question 50424 to the Gallant and hon. Member for Spelthorne (Mr Jopp).

Whether he plans to incorporate mental health training into midwifery education.

There are no such plans. Undergraduate midwifery education and training already incorporates aspects of mental health training. It is the responsibility of the Approved Education Institutions and practice partners to develop the specific content and design of midwifery programmes to meet the standards set by the midwifery regulator, the Nursing and Midwifery Council.