Written questions by Lavery.

What lessons his Department has learned about the impact of recent global conflicts and pandemics on UK strategic autonomy.

The UK National Security Strategy is clear that we need to increase our preparations for potential threats, from future pandemics to energy and supply chain disruption. The UK's alliances and partnerships are critical to our safety and our collective security is a source of significant strength. But it must be delivered in the right way, mitigating against areas of over-dependence and moving instead towards interdependence.We are embedding lessons from COVID-19, including those of the COVID-19 Inquiry. The largest ever national pandemic response exercise was conducted last year, testing coordination efforts across all regions and nations of the UK and we published the new Pandemic Preparedness Strategy in March 2026, alongside £1 billion of investment in health protection.

Communities and Local Government, if he will set out what support his Department and Cabinet colleagues makes available to local authorities to develop community energy schemes, local food production and emergency preparedness plans.

In the recently published Local Power Plan, Government recognises that limited capacity and capability are major barriers for local government to participate in small-scale energy projects. Backed by up to £1 billion and working in partnership with local government, Great British Energy (GBE) has committed to support at least 1000 local and community energy projects by 2030. The Good Food Cycle recognises the key role that regional and local food systems can play in supporting delivery of the growth, health, sustainability, and food security/ resilience outcomes of the Good Food Cycle. We know the best solutions often come from the ground up. That is why the Good Food Cycle sets the ambition to use local community initiatives to harness a stronger food culture to support our health, sustainability and resilience outcomes. Improving the food environment will support healthier and more environmentally sustainable food sales, and access to all for safe, affordable, healthy, convenient, and appealing food options. Defra is developing a programme of work to support local, hyper-local and community-based interventions around access to healthy and affordable food in priority locations. MHCLG and CO run a local capabilities assessment programme which assesses emergency preparedness planning for specific response capabilities across the 38 Local Resilience Forums (LRFs). This work helps inform national government on local preparedness gaps and identify actionable areas for improvement. The Civil Contingencies Act (2004) places a duty on all local authorities to cooperate with other agencies (e.g. police, fire & rescue, health), operating as a Local Resilience Forum, to prepare and maintain plans for the key risks facing their area. In addition, local authorities are expected to have business continuity plans that will assist them to continue to operate when emergencies impact them directly.

Whether he plans to update national resilience standards for (a) transport, (b) water, (c) energy and (d) digital infrastructure.

Responsibility for updating standards for individual infrastructure sectors sits with the Lead Government Departments for those sectors. In the 2025 Resilience Action Plan, the Cabinet Office committed to mapping the standards that apply to Critical National Infrastructure sectors, which includes transport, water, energy and some aspects of digital infrastructure. This work is ongoing. Cabinet Office will work with relevant departments as they identify and address any gaps in resilience standards that emerge from that mapping.

Whether he plans to publish an updated National Resilience Strategy covering food, energy, health, critical minerals and supply chain vulnerabilities.

The Government published the Resilience Action Plan on 8 July 2025 to set out its resilience strategy. It set out three core objectives to improve the UK’s resilience to the full range of risks we face: (1) continually assess how resilient the UK is in order to target interventions and resources; (2) enable the whole of society to take action to improve their resilience; and (3) strengthen the core public resilience system. These objectives inform a series of activities to deliver greater resilience across the whole of society. Designated Lead Government Departments are responsible for leading work to identify risks within their sectors and ensuring that planning, response and recovery arrangements are in place.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of climate‑driven global crop failures, droughts and energy system strain on UK national security.

On 20 January, the Government published the Nature Security Assessment, which found that severe degradation or collapse of critical global ecosystems would be highly likely to result in impacts such as water insecurity and reduced crop yields. These findings inform cross-government resilience and national security planning, helping the UK anticipate and manage systemic risks arising from climate and nature loss. The UK Food Security Report 2024 similarly sets out that, while UK production and trade remain stable, climate change, nature loss and water pressures pose increasing risks to long-term food system resilience. These assessments sit alongside the Government’s five-yearly Climate Change Risk Assessment, most recently published in 2022, which considered risks to both the food and energy sectors. Maintaining secure and resilient food and energy systems is a core Government priority, supported by the UK National Adaptation Programme, which provides the framework for identifying and addressing climate change impacts across critical sectors.

What steps he is taking to mitigate patient safety risks arising from delayed delivery of NHS clinical correspondence through the postal system.

The Government recognises the importance of timely delivery of National Health Service clinical correspondence and the risks to patient safety because of delayed or lost correspondence.The monitoring of patient correspondence is the responsibility of individual NHS providers and integrated care boards (ICBs).Recognising the need to embrace digital solutions, as outlined in the 10-Year Health Plan, the NHS is transitioning to a digital-first model for patient communications, with the NHS App becoming the primary channel for messaging. This will improve accessibility, efficiency, and overall patient experience. The 10-Year Health Plan is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-term-plan/#In the last year, over 88 million messages were read in the NHS App. By the end of March 2026, NHS England are aiming to send over 270 million messages digitally-first via the NHS App.Digital-first does not mean digital-only. Letters will continue to be sent to patients who need them. All providers of NHS funded care or adult social care must have regard to the accessible information standard. It means they should ensure that disabled people and people with impairments or sensory loss can access and understand information about NHS and social care services, and receive the communication support they need to use those services.

What estimate he has made of the number of patients who have experienced disruption to repeat prescriptions as a result of postal delays.

The Department does not collect data on the number of patients who have experienced a delay in receiving a prescription.Pharmacy contractors in England are required by the NHS Terms of Service to dispense medicines and appliances ordered on National Health Service prescriptions with reasonable promptness. Reasonable promptness is not defined by a fixed number of days or hours but requires pharmacies to consider clinical needs of a patient and what is operationally feasible. Where a delivery company is involved as a third party, it remains the responsibility of the NHS pharmacy contractor to ensure they continue meeting their NHS Terms of Service.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of postal delays on patients who rely on written communication from the NHS, including (a) older people, (b) disabled people and (c) patients without access to digital services.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of postal delays on patients who rely on written communication from the National Health Service, including older people, disabled people, and patients without access to digital services.The NHS is shifting patient communications to a digital‑first model, with the NHS App becoming the primary channel for patient messaging. This modernised approach aims to reach patients quickly and conveniently, putting messages in a single place, and helping to reduce reliance on traditional posted letters.However, the digital‑first model does not mean digital‑only, as accessible formats like braille, easy read, and traditional letters will continue where appropriate to meet individual patient needs. Where patients are to continue receiving written communication, it remains important that these are received in a timely manner.

What estimate he has made of the number of NHS appointments missed as a result of delays in the delivery of appointment letters by Royal Mail in the last 12 months.

The monitoring of National Health Service patient correspondence, including appointment letters, is the responsibility of individual NHS providers. Data is not held centrally on the reasons why an appointment is registered as a ‘did not attend’. This includes whether appointments have been missed specifically because a letter has not been received by the patient. Data is also not held on the number of patient samples sent via Royal Mail that have been rendered unusable due to late arrival at laboratories in each of the last five years. Therefore, no estimate has been made of the number of NHS appointments missed as a result of delays in the delivery of appointment letters by Royal Mail in the last 12 months, nor of the cost of repeat appointments, sample kits, and additional clinical activity caused by postal delays. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of routine cases becoming urgent as a result of appointment letters being delayed in the post. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of postal delays on the timely delivery of referral letters between primary and secondary care. No guidance has been issued to NHS trusts and general practices on the use of alternative communication methods in areas affected by Royal Mail delays.The Government’s focus on shifting from ‘analogue to digital’ will streamline information and communication processes, including by improving the NHS App. This will make it easier and quicker for patients to access information about their appointments, to cancel and reschedule appointments and to receive correspondence on NHS test results. 96% of acute trusts in England now allow patients to view appointment information via the NHS App if they wish, reducing reliance on physical letters. Usage has increased significantly, with the App now supporting approximately eight million patient–trust interactions per month, an increase of 82% compared to a year ago. It also saves staff time to focus on providing high quality, non-digital communication for those who want and need it.

How many patient samples sent via Royal Mail have been rendered unusable due to late arrival at laboratories in each of the last five years.

The monitoring of National Health Service patient correspondence, including appointment letters, is the responsibility of individual NHS providers. Data is not held centrally on the reasons why an appointment is registered as a ‘did not attend’. This includes whether appointments have been missed specifically because a letter has not been received by the patient. Data is also not held on the number of patient samples sent via Royal Mail that have been rendered unusable due to late arrival at laboratories in each of the last five years. Therefore, no estimate has been made of the number of NHS appointments missed as a result of delays in the delivery of appointment letters by Royal Mail in the last 12 months, nor of the cost of repeat appointments, sample kits, and additional clinical activity caused by postal delays. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of routine cases becoming urgent as a result of appointment letters being delayed in the post. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of postal delays on the timely delivery of referral letters between primary and secondary care. No guidance has been issued to NHS trusts and general practices on the use of alternative communication methods in areas affected by Royal Mail delays.The Government’s focus on shifting from ‘analogue to digital’ will streamline information and communication processes, including by improving the NHS App. This will make it easier and quicker for patients to access information about their appointments, to cancel and reschedule appointments and to receive correspondence on NHS test results. 96% of acute trusts in England now allow patients to view appointment information via the NHS App if they wish, reducing reliance on physical letters. Usage has increased significantly, with the App now supporting approximately eight million patient–trust interactions per month, an increase of 82% compared to a year ago. It also saves staff time to focus on providing high quality, non-digital communication for those who want and need it.

What estimate he has made of the cost to the NHS of repeat appointments, replacement sample kits and additional clinical activity caused by postal delays.

The monitoring of National Health Service patient correspondence, including appointment letters, is the responsibility of individual NHS providers. Data is not held centrally on the reasons why an appointment is registered as a ‘did not attend’. This includes whether appointments have been missed specifically because a letter has not been received by the patient. Data is also not held on the number of patient samples sent via Royal Mail that have been rendered unusable due to late arrival at laboratories in each of the last five years. Therefore, no estimate has been made of the number of NHS appointments missed as a result of delays in the delivery of appointment letters by Royal Mail in the last 12 months, nor of the cost of repeat appointments, sample kits, and additional clinical activity caused by postal delays. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of routine cases becoming urgent as a result of appointment letters being delayed in the post. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of postal delays on the timely delivery of referral letters between primary and secondary care. No guidance has been issued to NHS trusts and general practices on the use of alternative communication methods in areas affected by Royal Mail delays.The Government’s focus on shifting from ‘analogue to digital’ will streamline information and communication processes, including by improving the NHS App. This will make it easier and quicker for patients to access information about their appointments, to cancel and reschedule appointments and to receive correspondence on NHS test results. 96% of acute trusts in England now allow patients to view appointment information via the NHS App if they wish, reducing reliance on physical letters. Usage has increased significantly, with the App now supporting approximately eight million patient–trust interactions per month, an increase of 82% compared to a year ago. It also saves staff time to focus on providing high quality, non-digital communication for those who want and need it.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of routine cases becoming urgent as a result of appointment letters being delayed in the post on the NHS.

The monitoring of National Health Service patient correspondence, including appointment letters, is the responsibility of individual NHS providers. Data is not held centrally on the reasons why an appointment is registered as a ‘did not attend’. This includes whether appointments have been missed specifically because a letter has not been received by the patient. Data is also not held on the number of patient samples sent via Royal Mail that have been rendered unusable due to late arrival at laboratories in each of the last five years. Therefore, no estimate has been made of the number of NHS appointments missed as a result of delays in the delivery of appointment letters by Royal Mail in the last 12 months, nor of the cost of repeat appointments, sample kits, and additional clinical activity caused by postal delays. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of routine cases becoming urgent as a result of appointment letters being delayed in the post. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of postal delays on the timely delivery of referral letters between primary and secondary care. No guidance has been issued to NHS trusts and general practices on the use of alternative communication methods in areas affected by Royal Mail delays.The Government’s focus on shifting from ‘analogue to digital’ will streamline information and communication processes, including by improving the NHS App. This will make it easier and quicker for patients to access information about their appointments, to cancel and reschedule appointments and to receive correspondence on NHS test results. 96% of acute trusts in England now allow patients to view appointment information via the NHS App if they wish, reducing reliance on physical letters. Usage has increased significantly, with the App now supporting approximately eight million patient–trust interactions per month, an increase of 82% compared to a year ago. It also saves staff time to focus on providing high quality, non-digital communication for those who want and need it.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of postal delays on the timely delivery of referral letters between primary and secondary care.

The monitoring of National Health Service patient correspondence, including appointment letters, is the responsibility of individual NHS providers. Data is not held centrally on the reasons why an appointment is registered as a ‘did not attend’. This includes whether appointments have been missed specifically because a letter has not been received by the patient. Data is also not held on the number of patient samples sent via Royal Mail that have been rendered unusable due to late arrival at laboratories in each of the last five years. Therefore, no estimate has been made of the number of NHS appointments missed as a result of delays in the delivery of appointment letters by Royal Mail in the last 12 months, nor of the cost of repeat appointments, sample kits, and additional clinical activity caused by postal delays. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of routine cases becoming urgent as a result of appointment letters being delayed in the post. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of postal delays on the timely delivery of referral letters between primary and secondary care. No guidance has been issued to NHS trusts and general practices on the use of alternative communication methods in areas affected by Royal Mail delays.The Government’s focus on shifting from ‘analogue to digital’ will streamline information and communication processes, including by improving the NHS App. This will make it easier and quicker for patients to access information about their appointments, to cancel and reschedule appointments and to receive correspondence on NHS test results. 96% of acute trusts in England now allow patients to view appointment information via the NHS App if they wish, reducing reliance on physical letters. Usage has increased significantly, with the App now supporting approximately eight million patient–trust interactions per month, an increase of 82% compared to a year ago. It also saves staff time to focus on providing high quality, non-digital communication for those who want and need it.

What guidance he has issued to (a) NHS trusts and (b) GP practices on the use of alternative communication methods in areas affected by Royal Mail delays; and what assessment he has made of its effectiveness.

The monitoring of National Health Service patient correspondence, including appointment letters, is the responsibility of individual NHS providers. Data is not held centrally on the reasons why an appointment is registered as a ‘did not attend’. This includes whether appointments have been missed specifically because a letter has not been received by the patient. Data is also not held on the number of patient samples sent via Royal Mail that have been rendered unusable due to late arrival at laboratories in each of the last five years. Therefore, no estimate has been made of the number of NHS appointments missed as a result of delays in the delivery of appointment letters by Royal Mail in the last 12 months, nor of the cost of repeat appointments, sample kits, and additional clinical activity caused by postal delays. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of routine cases becoming urgent as a result of appointment letters being delayed in the post. No assessment has been made of the potential impact of postal delays on the timely delivery of referral letters between primary and secondary care. No guidance has been issued to NHS trusts and general practices on the use of alternative communication methods in areas affected by Royal Mail delays.The Government’s focus on shifting from ‘analogue to digital’ will streamline information and communication processes, including by improving the NHS App. This will make it easier and quicker for patients to access information about their appointments, to cancel and reschedule appointments and to receive correspondence on NHS test results. 96% of acute trusts in England now allow patients to view appointment information via the NHS App if they wish, reducing reliance on physical letters. Usage has increased significantly, with the App now supporting approximately eight million patient–trust interactions per month, an increase of 82% compared to a year ago. It also saves staff time to focus on providing high quality, non-digital communication for those who want and need it.

What recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of postal delays on national screening programmes, including bowel, cervical and breast cancer screening.

Our National Health Service screening programmes reduce mortality and morbidity from cancer and other conditions in the population who appear healthy and have no symptoms, by detecting conditions at an earlier, more treatable stage.Bowel cancer screening relies on the provision of faecal immunochemical test (FIT) home testing kits to those eligible people. The bowel cancer screening hubs have a contract in place which includes 48 hour tracked returns via Royal Mail. This allows participants to return completed FIT kits, which must then be tested within 14 days of completion. Adherence to the 48-hour return is monitored within the contract by NHS trusts. If a kit is returned after 14 days, it cannot be tested so a new kit is sent out to the participant.Multiple incidents of late returns by Royal Mail, some of up to a month, have been reported across England. However, there is no evidence from customer contact centre that enquiries and complaints on this issue have been increasing.Since June 2025, invitations have been digitised and we are using the NHS App and text messaging. The figures for January and February 2026 show that approximately 100,000, or 11%, of all invitations are sent via Royal Mail.Since October 2025, normal result correspondence has been digitised using NHS App. Figures for January and February 2026 show that approximately 207,000, 38%, of normal results are sent via Royal Mail.We will be digitising correspondence for results requiring referral for further assessment by the end of March 2026 using the NHS App. Currently, these results are sent out by first class business mail which is prioritised by Royal Mail, which will continue if it is not possible to send by the NHS App.Cervical screening sample takers, for example, general practice nurses, are flagging with patients that results may be sent to them via the NHS App and are encouraging them to switch on notifications on the app.Providers have reported delays in invitations for screening and assessment appointments being delivered. Where receipt has been very close to, or after the appointment date, another appointment has been made.Providers send out SMS text message reminders ahead of appointments, which should potentially reduce the impact of delayed post.Additionally, where providers are aware of local postal delays, they have been advised to telephone women ahead of appointment, particularly in the case of assessment appointments. Some services have also introduced digital invitation letters at a local level.

What research his Department has commissioned on the long‑term health effects, including reproductive health outcomes, of occupational exposure to hazardous medicinal products among nursing staff; and what estimate he has made of the costs to the NHS of sickness absence related to such exposure.

The Government has not commissioned any research on the reproductive health outcomes or long-term health effects of the occupational exposure of nursing staff to hazardous medicinal products. No assessment has been made of the cost to the National Health Service of sickness absence related to this. The Department funds research on health and social care through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including the health of the NHS workforce. Applications are subject to peer review and judged in open competition, with awards made on the basis of the importance of the topic to patients and health and care services, value for money and scientific quality.

If he will require NHS employers to provide ongoing education, training and health surveillance for all staff who handle or may be exposed to hazardous medicinal products.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 30 October 2025 to Question UIN 84444.

If he will make and assessment of the potential merits of reviewing the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 to ensure that hazardous medicinal products with reprotoxic effects are controlled to the same standard as carcinogens and mutagens.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 30 October 2025 to Question UIN 84440.

What estimate his Department has made of the number of nurses and other healthcare professionals currently exposed to hazardous medicinal products; and if he will publish an estimate of how many workers would be covered by a definition of hazardous medicinal products.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for North Devon on 28 November 2025 to Question 92661.

What steps he is taking to promote the use of engineering controls such as biological safety cabinets and closed‑system drug‑transfer devices during preparation and administration of hazardous medicinal products to better protect healthcare workers.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 30 October 2025 to Question UIN 84144.