Written questions by Maguire.

How many 16 to 18 year olds girls have attended Army Foundation College Harrogate in each of the last five years.

The annual female attendee figures are provided in the table below; all figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Courses straddle multiple calendar years, meaning some recruits who joined in one year and remain in attendance the following year will be counted in both. YearFigure20202802021250202221020232702024200 Figures include trainees who join AFC (H) and leave within the same month, who would not otherwise appear on the monthly strengths.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the Environment Agency increases its attendance rate at pollution incidents.

Ministers meet regularly with the Environment Agency Chair and Chief Executive to discuss performance across the Environment Agency’s remit.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to improve the regulation of water companies.

The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, examined how to strengthen the regulation and delivery of water services to better support long-term water security, sustainable growth, and environmental protection. The Commission's final report was published on 21 July 2025, and the previous Secretary of State provided an Oral Statement to Parliament in response. As outlined in the statement, the Government is immediately taking forward a number of Sir Jon’s recommendations. This includes establishing a new, powerful and integrated regulator with water functions from Ofwat, the Environment Agency, Natural England and the Drinking Water Inspectorate. This is not the limit of our ambition. The Government will respond to Sir Jon’s recommendations in full via a White Paper, and a new water reform bill that we will introduce early this Parliament.

What steps his Department is taking to support armed forces personnel who have experienced intimate partner violence and abuse.

Defence will not tolerate domestic abuse in any form and will respond to any formal allegations and take necessary action against perpetrators. Addressing domestic abuse is a ministerial priority and a shared responsibility for defence leaders, and providing support and care to victims and survivors is a priority for me and those in Defence tasked with tackling this issue. Our efforts to combat domestic abuse include a robust, consistent and persistent response, informed staff, and the fostering of an open and understanding culture, where support is offered and seeking support is encouraged. We aim to create a culture where every person feels empowered to report instances that are perpetrated against or by Defence personnel, regardless of seniority or position. The Ministry of Defence Domestic Abuse Action Plan 2024-2029 was formally published in March 2024 and details key actions Defence is taking to tackle domestic abuse. These include how we will prevent, intervene, and partner to support those affected and ensure perpetrators are held accountable. For victims and survivors, we not only offer practical and emotional support from our own welfare organisations and the Victim Witness Care Unit, but we also partner with external specialists such as Aurora New Dawn and Mankind. Both of these organisations receive funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and provide support to Armed Forces personnel and their families. Our efforts also include Raising Our Standards (ROS), which exists improve culture and tackle all unacceptable behaviours, which includes initiatives that are preventative in nature. Defence is committed to playing our part in this government’s commitment to halve Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in a decade, and we are taking a public health approach to addressing VAWG. This means taking a preventative approach to tackle the drivers of offending, whilst expanding victim support and ensuring swift and certain enforcement after an incident takes place. Other work underway through ROS also includes a King’s Counsel Review of Defence Zero Tolerance policies, a tri-Service complaints unit removing complaints from the single Service chain of command for the first time and funding for a new military appraisal system.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential challenges of working with private finance companies to help deliver neighbourhood health centres.

The Government announced in the 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy on 19 June 2025, and in the 10-Year Health plan published on 3 July 2025, that it will explore the feasibility of using new Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) to deliver certain types of primary and community health infrastructure, including Neighbourhood Health Centres.Any new model will be subject to market-testing, and will build on the lessons learned from past administrations’ experiences, the models currently in use elsewhere in the United Kingdom, and the March 2025 National Audit Office report titled Lessons Learned: private finance for infrastructure. The decision on whether to proceed with the use of PPPs for Neighbourhood Health Centres will be made by HM Treasury and the relevant ministers by the 2025 Autumn Budget.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to (a) help stop executions and (b) promote the democratic movement in Iran.

The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstance as a matter of principle. We have repeatedly called on Iran to establish an immediate moratorium on executions, including at the UN Third Committee on 9 October. We continue to play an integral role in the delivery of the Committee's annual Iran human rights resolution, and will do so again this November. In November 2024, the resolution condemned Iran's application of the death penalty, which was in violation of its international obligations, including executions undertaken against persons on the basis of forced confessions and without fair trial and due process. We will continue to work with international partners to hold Iran to account for its continued human rights violations. We believe it is for the Iranian people to decide the future of Iran.

How many 16 to 18 year olds attended Army Foundation College Harrogate in each of the last five years.

The annual attendee figures are provided in the table below; all figures have been rounded to the nearest 10. Courses straddle multiple calendar years, meaning some recruits who joined in one year and remain in attendance the following year will be counted in both years. Year Figure20202,81020212,67020222,10020231,99020242,330 Figures include trainees who join Army Foundation College Harrogate and leave within the same month, who would not otherwise appear on the monthly strengths.

What steps his Department is taking to improve access to mental health services for (a) service personnel and (b) veterans.

Defence Medical Services (DMS) has established Defence Mental Health Networks (DMHNs) across the UK to improve access to mental health services for Service personnel. These specialist community mental health services provide enhanced access to expert assessment and treatment for service personnel experiencing mental health disorders. By introducing new single points of access, enabling the sharing of specialist skills across network locations, and consolidating clinical and governance processes, DMHNs are reducing wait times to enhanced assessments and core treatment therapies. DMS has further introduced standardised training for primary care clinicians incorporating emerging digital interventions to ensure that service personnel can access initial mental healthcare at any Defence medical centre. Op COURAGE, the Veterans’ Mental Health, and Wellbeing Service, provides an integrated mental health care pathway for veterans in England, with similar services in other parts of the UK. Earlier this year, we announced VALOUR, a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support, which will ensure easier access to essential care and support for veterans across the country.

How many medically discharged service personnel were provided with mental health assessments as part of their discharge process in each year since 2023.

The number of UK Armed Forces personnel medically discharged with a Structured Mental Health Assessment (SMHA) entered into their electronic medical record is as follows: 1,198 in 2023-24 (of 1,963 UK regular Armed Forces medical discharges)1,319 in 2024-25 (of 1,875 UK regular Armed Forces medical discharges) Service personnel undergoing medical discharge who are under the care of specialist mental health services may not have a SMHA as this is intended to identify unmet mental health needs prior to discharge. Only information on SMHA’s that is recorded on electronic medical records is available for electronic searches. Figures therefore are a minimum.

How many service personnel were medically discharged in each year since 2023.

The Ministry of Defence publishes annual statistical information on medical discharges in the UK Armed Forces. The number of UK regular Armed Forces personnel medically discharged in each year since 2023 can be found in the published information available at the following links: 2023:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-service-personnel-medical-discharges-financial-year-202324 2024:https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/uk-service-personnel-medical-discharges-financial-year-202425

What guidance he has issued to sexual assault survivors on the utility of self-swab rape kits in the criminal justice process.

Victims of sexual violence are encouraged to attend a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), where trained professionals can provide holistic care and collect forensic evidence in line with established standards. SARCs operate within the framework of the criminal justice system and are equipped to support victims in preserving evidence and accessing justice.The Ministry of Justice is aware that self-swab kits are being marketed to the public as a means of collecting DNA following sexual violence. These kits are in no way associated with any government department or criminal justice agency, and there is no government guidance about their usage.We are aware of concerns raised about the promotion of self-swab kits, including those outlined in position statements by the Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine and Rape Crisis England & Wales. Support is available for victims of rape through SARCs and the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line.We remain committed to tackling sexual violence and achieving the best outcomes for victims, in line with our goal to halve violence against women and girls within a decade.

What the average time was between a service personnel being informed of a decision to medically discharge them and the date of their discharge in each year since 2023.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has comprehensive policies and procedures in place to facilitate a smooth discharge process for UK Service personnel leaving their Service. Policy provides a timeline of actions to be taken from nine months before leaving; these steps include arranging a final medical and dental examination, meeting with a resettlement officer, submitting pension forms, and ensuring personal records are accurate. The process also includes returning service property and IDs, taking terminal leave, and receiving a service leavers' pack. The MOD offers support through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and Defence Transition Services (DTS), which provide help with employment, housing, health, and other aspects of transitioning to civilian life. The MOD also has a comprehensive policy in place for managing personnel who are wounded, injured, and sick (WIS), which includes coordinated support for those medically discharged. Medical discharges follow a specific process involving a medical board review, and personnel may be eligible for compensation. The MOD aims to provide personnel with a "Discharge Assessment," which is a final case conference to ensure all issues are resolved or a plan is in place before they leave. Personnel who are medically discharged are automatically referred to DTS or the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). Service leavers, veterans, and their families can access support, help and information with issues that may endure beyond discharge irrespective of their reason for discharge. DTS/VWS clients are supported according to their needs and preferences; this may be simple transitional needs or enduring healthcare support for more complex challenges including PTSD. Structured Mental Health Assessments are part of the medical discharge process and are conducted by Defence GPs and screen for mental disorders at the point of discharge. Where personnel leaving the Armed Forces have an enduring need for mental healthcare, Defence Medical Services work in partnership with the NHS to ensure continuation of care. Personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMH) for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required. In some circumstances a DCMH Mental Health Social Worker will undertake a full assessment of transition needs, including onward referral to NHS and third sector services for continued mental healthcare. The period between being informed and the actual date of discharge can vary significantly, depending on various factors, including individual entitlement to leave and the duration between a medical board awarding a particular medical grading and an employment board sitting and deciding on whether to medically discharge. Information on the average time between a Service person being informed of a decision to medically discharge them and the date of their discharge in each year since 2023 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

How much funding his Department provided to (a) Defence Transition Services, (b) Personal Recovery Units and (c) the Veterans Welfare Service in each year since 2023.

It is taking time to collate the required information to answer the hon. Member's Question. I will write to her when the information is available, and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of The House.

What steps his Department is taking to support veterans to (a) secure employment, (b) access appropriate housing and (c) access mental health support following medical discharge.

This Government is fully committed to ensuring that all veterans, including those undergoing medical discharge, have easy access to support when and where it is needed. Personnel who are medically discharged are automatically referred to Defence Transition Service (DTS) or Veteran Welfare Service (VWS). Service leavers, veterans, and their families can access support, help and information with issues that may endure beyond discharge irrespective of their reason for discharge. DTS/VWS clients are supported according to their needs and preferences, this may be simple transitional needs or enduring healthcare support for more complex challenges including PTSD. For employment support, the Ministry of Defence-hosted Career Transition Partnership (CTP) is the initial point of employment support provision for veterans for up to two years before and after leaving military service. For individuals facing significant barriers to employment due to medical conditions, CTP provides tailored support through the CTP Assist programme. This initiative offers bespoke, intensive assistance to help those with additional needs successfully transition into civilian employment. Op ASCEND is available two years after discharge and connects veterans and their families with employers and supports them into sustainable careers in strategic sectors. For housing support, Op FORTITUDE is the support referral pathway to connect veterans at risk of, or experiencing, homelessness and the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme funds housing organisations to deliver wraparound care and support services to veterans. Structured Mental Health Assessments conducted by Defence GPs are part of the medical discharge process, and where personnel leaving the Armed Forces have an enduring need for mental healthcare, Defence Medical Services work in partnership with the NHS to ensure continuation of care. Personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMH) for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required.Veterans can also access specialist mental and physical health support through Ops COURAGE and RESTORE, which provide a broad range of specialist mental health, physical and wellbeing care services to veterans in England, with similar services available in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

What the average time was between a service personnel being medically discharged and them receiving a copy of their full medical records in each of the last three years.

When an individual leaves the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence recognises the importance of facilitating the transfer of healthcare information to their civilian healthcare provider(s). On leaving Defence Medical Services (DMS) care, Service personnel are provided with a medical care summary, known as an FMed133, and advised to register with an NHS GP and provide them a copy of their FMED 133. If a patient’s full DMS health record is required, this is provided on request to their NHS GP. Given this and that some records are never requested, no accurate estimate can be made of the average time from discharge to the receipt of the medical records by the NHS GP. To improve the transfer of healthcare information, DMS is working towards the greater interoperability with NHS systems and the electronic transfer of medical records from DMS to NHS GPs. Programme CORTISONE is expected to implement changes over the next one-two years.

How many and what proportion of medically discharged service personnel were referred to (a) Defence Transition Services, (b) Personal Recovery Units, (c) Personal Support Groups and (d) the Veterans Welfare Service in each year since 2023.

It is taking time to collate the required information to answer the hon. Member's Question. I will write to her when the information is available, and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of The House.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the discharge process for service personnel.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has comprehensive policies and procedures in place to facilitate a smooth discharge process for UK Service personnel leaving their Service. Policy provides a timeline of actions to be taken from nine months before leaving; these steps include arranging a final medical and dental examination, meeting with a resettlement officer, submitting pension forms, and ensuring personal records are accurate. The process also includes returning service property and IDs, taking terminal leave, and receiving a service leavers' pack. The MOD offers support through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and Defence Transition Services (DTS), which provide help with employment, housing, health, and other aspects of transitioning to civilian life. The MOD also has a comprehensive policy in place for managing personnel who are wounded, injured, and sick (WIS), which includes coordinated support for those medically discharged. Medical discharges follow a specific process involving a medical board review, and personnel may be eligible for compensation. The MOD aims to provide personnel with a "Discharge Assessment," which is a final case conference to ensure all issues are resolved or a plan is in place before they leave. Personnel who are medically discharged are automatically referred to DTS or the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS). Service leavers, veterans, and their families can access support, help and information with issues that may endure beyond discharge irrespective of their reason for discharge. DTS/VWS clients are supported according to their needs and preferences; this may be simple transitional needs or enduring healthcare support for more complex challenges including PTSD. Structured Mental Health Assessments are part of the medical discharge process and are conducted by Defence GPs and screen for mental disorders at the point of discharge. Where personnel leaving the Armed Forces have an enduring need for mental healthcare, Defence Medical Services work in partnership with the NHS to ensure continuation of care. Personnel who have been assessed and diagnosed with a mental health need are able to access Departments of Community Mental Health (DCMH) for up to six months after discharge to provide continuity of care during the transition period until appropriate handover to other services can be completed as required. In some circumstances a DCMH Mental Health Social Worker will undertake a full assessment of transition needs, including onward referral to NHS and third sector services for continued mental healthcare. The period between being informed and the actual date of discharge can vary significantly, depending on various factors, including individual entitlement to leave and the duration between a medical board awarding a particular medical grading and an employment board sitting and deciding on whether to medically discharge. Information on the average time between a Service person being informed of a decision to medically discharge them and the date of their discharge in each year since 2023 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that menstrual products are subject to the (a) the UK Medical Devices Regulations 2002, (b) UK Cosmetics regulation and (c) other relevant regulations.

Period products are not regulated as a medical device in the UK. They are regulated under the General Product Safety Regulations 2005, which require that only safe products, in their normal or reasonably foreseeable use, are placed on the market. There are obligations on producers and distributors to, where reasonable, sample test products to check safety. During the passage of the Product Regulation and Metrology Act 2025, the Government committed to consult on period product safety.

What discussions he has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on zero-rating defibrillators for VAT.

My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not discussed zero-rating defibrillators for VAT with my Rt. Hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer.The Government provides VAT reliefs to aid with the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) through VAT refunds on purchases made by local authorities, including parish councils, and VAT reliefs for purchases made through voluntary contributions where the AED is donated to eligible charities or the National Health Service.

Whether the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism will exempt imports of in-scope raw materials that are used in the manufacture of military equipment in line with the EU UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.

From 1 January 2027, the UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will apply to specific goods imported from the aluminium, cement, fertiliser, hydrogen, and iron & steel sectors. The specific goods are listed in the Government response to the consultation on the ‘Introduction of a UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism’, which is available at: Consultation on the introduction of a UK carbon border adjustment mechanism - GOV.UK. There are no plans for exemptions from this list. The UK CBAM is designed to address the risk of carbon leakage and to ensure that CBAM goods which are imported from overseas face a comparable carbon price to what is paid by manufacturers producing the same goods in the UK.