Written questions by Leadbitter.

Whether Digital ID scheme users will be able to delete their Digital ID.

People will be able to remove their Digital ID from the GOV.UK Wallet held on their smartphone, as they will be able to with any other credential held in the app.

Innovation and Technology, whether the Digital ID scheme will use NHS data.

The credential will be able to display and/or share name, date of birth, information on nationality or residency status, and a photo (as the basis for biometric security). This is similar to documents like passports and eVisas. The consultation will explore whether it would be helpful for users if additional information, like address, should be captured. We have no plans to include NHS data in the credential.

Innovation and Technology, if she will take steps with Cabinet colleagues to ensure there will be no reduction in the (a) quality and (b) reliability of public services for those without possession of a digital ID.

Digital inclusion is central to our thinking on this. The Government will deliver a comprehensive inclusion programme to help ensure everyone eligible is able to access the new digital ID. This will include targeted support for both people and businesses who may struggle to access or engage with digital services or devices.The Government will launch a public consultation on the new digital ID by the end of the year, setting out the proposed approach in more detail and seeking views on this. This will include the proposed approach to inclusion.The Government will work closely with expert stakeholders to make the programme as effective and inclusive as possible.No one will see a reduction in accessibility to public services as a result of these plans; indeed, accessing public services should become much easier for people instead.

Innovation and Technology, what estimate her Department has made of anticipated (a) maximum and (b) minimum potential costs of (i) setting up and (ii) running a digital ID scheme.

The Government will launch a public consultation on the new digital ID by the end of the year. The eventual total cost and savings will depend on the design, build and delivery of the system, matters which will be included in the consultation.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential effectiveness of the proposed Digital ID scheme in locations without consistent internet access; and what steps she is planning to take to support businesses operating in these locations.

Digital inclusion is central to our thinking on this. The Government will deliver a comprehensive inclusion programme to help ensure everyone eligible is able to access the new digital ID. This will include targeted support for both people and businesses who may struggle to access or engage with digital services or devices.The Government will launch a public consultation on the new digital ID by the end of the year, setting out the proposed approach in more detail and seeking views on this. This will include the proposed approach to inclusion.The Government will work closely with expert stakeholders to make the programme as effective and inclusive as possible.No one will see a reduction in accessibility to public services as a result of these plans; indeed, accessing public services should become much easier for people instead.

Innovation and Technology, whether the Digital ID will be accepted as proof of identification.

The Government has announced plans for a new national digital ID for all UK citizens and legal residents aged 16 and over. Employers will be required to conduct digital right to work checks using the new digital credential by the end of this parliament.Through the consultation, the Government will be exploring the other circumstances in which it could be a choice for people to use this digital ID as proof of identification to make people’s lives less frustrating by giving them easier and more secure access to services. These could include things like getting support into work, accessing free childcare hours, checking free school meals, using financial services, buying a house, or buying alcohol.

Innovation and Technology, whether the proposed digital ID would be accepted as identification to vote in general elections.

Once the new digital credential is available, the Government intends to add it to the list of acceptable forms of ID for use in voting in elections. It will not be required for voting, however, as other forms of ID will still be available. We will confirm the details of this closer to the launch of the new digital credential once further development has been completed.

Pursuant to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury in response to the Question from the hon. Member for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey on 9 September 2025, Official Report, column 724, what assessment she has made of trends in the level of Treasury receipts of spirits duty in the last year.

The Chancellor’s decision at Autumn Budget 2024 to cut duty for draught products, whilst uprating alcohol duty in line with inflation for main rate products balanced the need to fund public services, disincentivise harmful alcohol consumption, and support moderate, responsible drinkers with the cost of living. This kept the tax on non-draught products stable in real terms, which the Government does not expect to have any significant macroeconomic impacts. The Tax Impact and Information Note (TIIN) for this decision is available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-rates-of-alcohol-duty/alcohol-duty-uprating To support spirits producers, the Government has: agreed a trade deal with India which will reduce tariffs on gin and whisky exports from 150% to 75% initially, and then 40% over time; ended the alcohol duty stamps scheme on 1 May 2025, reducing the administrative burden on spirit producers and importers, including Scotch Whisky distilleries; invested £5m in the Spirits Drink Verification Scheme (SDVS) to enable HMRC to cut the fees it charges producers for its verification service.

Pursuant to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury in response to the Question from the hon. Member for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey on 9 September 2025, Official Report, column 724, what the evidential basis is for charging spirit duty at twice the level of beer.

Following public consultation, a new duty structure for alcohol products was introduced in August 2023. The alcohol duty system taxes all alcohol products according to their strength, so the duty owed increases with alcohol content. The system is also progressive, ensuring that higher strength products pay proportionately more tax The 2023 reforms significantly reduced previous inconsistencies in treatment between different types of alcohol product and introduced two new reliefs: Draught Relief (DR); and Small Producer Relief (SPR). DR enables products served on draught below 8.5 per cent alcohol by volume (ABV) to pay less duty. This relief provides support to pubs and other hospitality venues, as well as helping producers of eligible products. At Autumn Budget 2024, the Chancellor made DR more generous by cutting draught rates by 1.7%, taking a penny of duty off a typical strength pint. SPR replaced and extended the previous Small Brewers Relief. SPR supports SMEs and new entrants by permitting smaller producers who make 4,500 hectolitres or less of alcohol per year to pay reduced duty rates on all products below 8.5 per cent ABV. HMRC plans to evaluate the new rates and structures three years after the changes took effect on 1 August 2023.  This will allow time for HMRC to gather a broad range of data. The Government welcomes evidence from industry on the impact of the changes so far.

What steps her Department is taking to (a) improve aviation safety and (b) reduce the number of incidents of fatigue among pilots operating in UK airspace.

UK regulations set out requirements for operators of both aerodromes and aircraft, to mitigate risks and ensure operations are conducted as safely as possible. My officials are in regular contact with the UK’s independent safety regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), who are responsible for enforcing Aviation Safety regulations, as well as advising the Department when regulations may need to be updated. When advising updates to aviation safety regulations, the CAA works closely with industry experts as well as other government bodies, like the Health and Safety executive. The risk of flight crew fatigue is managed under the flight time limitation (FTL) regulations which limit the number of hours pilots can be on duty. The CAA monitors and oversees UK Airlines’ management of FTL requirements and how these impact pilot fatigue, as well as investigating safety reports that cite fatigue as a contributory factor. The CAA will take action to recommend changes to regulation or update guidance if they see any evidence it may be required to manage the risk of fatigue.

Pursuant to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury in response to the Question from the hon. Member for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey on 9 September 2025, Official Report, column 724, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the level of jobs in the Scotch Whisky industry since the Autumn Budget 2024.

The Chancellor’s decision at Autumn Budget 2024 to cut duty for draught products, whilst uprating alcohol duty in line with inflation for main rate products balanced the need to fund public services, disincentivise harmful alcohol consumption, and support moderate, responsible drinkers with the cost of living. This kept the tax on non-draught products stable in real terms, which the Government does not expect to have any significant macroeconomic impacts. The Tax Impact and Information Note (TIIN) for this decision is available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-rates-of-alcohol-duty/alcohol-duty-uprating To support spirits producers, the Government has: agreed a trade deal with India which will reduce tariffs on gin and whisky exports from 150% to 75% initially, and then 40% over time; ended the alcohol duty stamps scheme on 1 May 2025, reducing the administrative burden on spirit producers and importers, including Scotch Whisky distilleries; invested £5m in the Spirits Drink Verification Scheme (SDVS) to enable HMRC to cut the fees it charges producers for its verification service.

Pursuant to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury in response to the Question from the hon. Member for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey on 9 September 2025, Official Report, column 724, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of raising spirits duty on job losses in the hospitality sector.

The Chancellor’s decision at Autumn Budget 2024 to cut duty for draught products, whilst uprating alcohol duty in line with inflation for main rate products balanced the need to fund public services, disincentivise harmful alcohol consumption, and support moderate, responsible drinkers with the cost of living. This kept the tax on non-draught products stable in real terms, which the Government does not expect to have any significant macroeconomic impacts. The Tax Impact and Information Note (TIIN) for this decision is available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-rates-of-alcohol-duty/alcohol-duty-uprating To support spirits producers, the Government has: agreed a trade deal with India which will reduce tariffs on gin and whisky exports from 150% to 75% initially, and then 40% over time; ended the alcohol duty stamps scheme on 1 May 2025, reducing the administrative burden on spirit producers and importers, including Scotch Whisky distilleries; invested £5m in the Spirits Drink Verification Scheme (SDVS) to enable HMRC to cut the fees it charges producers for its verification service.

Pursuant to the oral contribution of the Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury in response to the Question from the hon. Member for Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey on 9 September 2025, Official Report, column 724, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the number of pub closures in 2025 so far.

The Chancellor’s decision at Autumn Budget 2024 to cut duty for draught products, whilst uprating alcohol duty in line with inflation for main rate products balanced the need to fund public services, disincentivise harmful alcohol consumption, and support moderate, responsible drinkers with the cost of living. This kept the tax on non-draught products stable in real terms, which the Government does not expect to have any significant macroeconomic impacts. The Tax Impact and Information Note (TIIN) for this decision is available here:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/changes-to-the-rates-of-alcohol-duty/alcohol-duty-uprating To support spirits producers, the Government has: agreed a trade deal with India which will reduce tariffs on gin and whisky exports from 150% to 75% initially, and then 40% over time; ended the alcohol duty stamps scheme on 1 May 2025, reducing the administrative burden on spirit producers and importers, including Scotch Whisky distilleries; invested £5m in the Spirits Drink Verification Scheme (SDVS) to enable HMRC to cut the fees it charges producers for its verification service.

What the annual cost is of armed protection of (a) nuclear energy, (b) nuclear waste and (c) other nuclear sites; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his Department's policies on those costs.

Armed protection is provided by the Civil Nuclear Constabulary at our most sensitive nuclear sites and by some Home Office Police forces at less sensitive sites. The Civil Nuclear Constabulary is funded by charges to its service recipients, the site license companies. The costs charged to these for the financial year 2024/25 was: Nuclear Energy - £57.9MWaste and decommissioning - £80.4MOther nuclear sites - £6.0M The security of the UK’s critical national infrastructure is of paramount importance to the Government. The department works with the regulator and industry to respond to changing national security threats.

What routes of travel are undertaken to transport nuclear waste within the UK.

There are a number of proven routes to transport nuclear waste. On the grounds of national security, the Government does not publish information on specific routes taken.

What the annual security costs are of nuclear waste transport within the UK; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his Department's policies on those costs.

The Government does not publish the specific security costs of nuclear waste transport on the grounds of national security. The transportation of nuclear waste materials is long-established and has an excellent safety and security record. Nuclear waste transports operate within extremely stringent safety and security standards, which are continuously monitored to minimise the risk of any incident.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of his Department's policy on hydrogen on regional water availability.

We are working with environmental regulators in England, Scotland and Wales, as well as DEFRA and National Energy System Operator (NESO) to ensure that the impact of projects on regional water bodies is carefully considered.

If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the routes used to transport nuclear waste within the UK; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of his Department's policies on the number of routes used.

Nuclear waste is transported in the UK via road, rail, and sea using specially designed, secure containers that meet stringent international safety standards. The government takes the security of nuclear material very seriously. Nuclear waste transports operate within extremely stringent safety and security standards, which are continuously monitored to minimise the risk of any incident.

If he will hold discussions with the Chief Executive of GB Energy on changes to employment levels in the oil and gas sector in Aberdeen.

The Department continues to work quickly to set Great British Energy up for success and ensure all British people feel the benefits. The Office for Clean Energy Jobs has already worked with industry, Scottish Government and unions to launch the ‘Energy Skills Passport’ for offshore Oil and Gas workers, putting clean energy at the heart of our modern industrial strategy. We are committed to a just transition for industries based in the North Sea. Aberdeen will be at the heart of this transition, supported by initiatives such as the Energy Skills Passport and the Energy Transition Zone.

With reference to his Department's publication entitled Hydrogen strategy update to the market: December 2024, published on 17 December 2024, when he plans to publish the report on Water Demand for Hydrogen Production.

DESNZ has published the Water Demand for Hydrogen Production report, which shows the variation in water demand for hydrogen production based on the production technology, water source and cooling system used.