10 Apr 2026·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWhether any UK-manufactured components not requiring export licences have been supplied to Israeli defence companies since October 2023.
ReplyThe requirement for an export licence is set out in the Export Control Order 2008, Schedule 2 of which covers Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and parts thereof (under ML10). Export licence applications for all controlled goods, including UAV components specially designed or modified for military use, are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against strict assessment criteria, the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.Where licence applications include items that are not covered by the 2008 Order, exporters can be informed that no licence is required. Beyond such cases, by definition, the Department does not hold information on the export of items that fall outside of export controls. For goods export data, you should refer to HMRC, who publish UK trade in goods statistics by partner country and product which can be found on www.uktradeinfo.com.
10 Apr 2026·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWhether his Department has published guidance to companies on determining whether goods fall within military export control classifications.
ReplyYes. Even a cursory internet search will show that we publish extensive guidance on the UK’s export control regime on GOV.UK. This includes information on the regulatory framework for strategic export controls, our lists of controlled items and the circumstances where exporters might need an export licence. There is also a ‘Goods Checker’ tool which exporters can use to establish if their items are controlled.If exporters are still in any doubt about the classification of their goods they can use the Control List Classification Service where specialists in the Export Control Joint Unit will provide a formal advisory classification against the UK control lists. Finally, an exporter should submit an application using our LITE system if they suspect an export licence may be required. We will assess the control status of the goods, and any relevant sanctions measures in place.
10 Apr 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps her Department is taking to ensure that (a) the International Criminal Court; (b) the International Court of Justice; and (c) the UN can discharge their duties and responsibilities without undue interference from other countries.
ReplyI refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 11 March in response to Question 118062.
10 Apr 2026·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWhat information his Department holds on the number of companies that have exported drone engines to military customers in Israel without requiring an export license.
ReplyThe requirement for an export licence is set out in the Export Control Order 2008, Schedule 2 of which covers Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and parts thereof (under ML10). Export licence applications for all controlled goods, including UAV components specially designed or modified for military use, are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against strict assessment criteria, the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.Where licence applications include items that are not covered by the 2008 Order, exporters can be informed that no licence is required. Beyond such cases, by definition, the Department does not hold information on the export of items that fall outside of export controls. For goods export data, you should refer to HMRC, who publish UK trade in goods statistics by partner country and product which can be found on www.uktradeinfo.com.
10 Apr 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of political bodies seeking to override findings of independent judicial panels associated with the International Criminal Court on the upholding of international law.
ReplyThe UK fully supports the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC's internal process to address the allegations of misconduct against the Prosecutor is still underway. That process follows Terms of Reference agreed by the ICC Bureau. The UK is not currently a member of that body. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
10 Apr 2026·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWhether his Department has had recent discussions with UAV Engines Ltd on arms export licence requirements.
ReplyAll companies seeking to export military or dual-use goods are subject to the export control requirements set out in the Export Control Order 2008 and accompanying guidance. All licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the UK’s Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) regularly correspond with exporters on their export licensing requirements. It is not the regular practice of the Department to publicise details of discussions with specific exporters in view of potential commercial sensitivities.
10 Apr 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with international partners on the potential impact of US sanctions on officials of the International Criminal Court.
ReplyI refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 11 March in response to Question 118062.
10 Apr 2026·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWhat assessment his Department has made of whether dual-use components, including drone engines, should fall within the scope of export licensing requirements given the Strategic Export Licensing Criteria.
ReplyThe requirement for an export licence for military and dual-use items is set out in the Consolidated List of Strategic Military and Dual-Use Items that Require Export Authorisation.The dual-use list specifies, at entries 9A012 and 9A112, unmanned aerial vehicles and components that are subject to controls. These controls implement the UK’s commitments under the Wassenaar Arrangement and Missile Technology Control Regime. We keep these controls under regular review working with the international partners who operate similar regimes.
10 Apr 2026·Department for Business and Trade·Answered
AskedWhat steps his Department is taking to improve transparency in arms licensing.
ReplyThe UK's Export Control regime is one of the most transparent in the world. Since this Government came into office, we have ensured publications of export licensing information are as timely as possible in order to aid public and Parliamentary scrutiny.The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) publishes a significant amount of information. This includes quarterly and annual statistics on export and trade control licensing decisions and supporting tools such as the publicly searchable database of licensing data. We have also periodically published additional information releases relating to specific exports and destinations, to support public and parliamentary scrutiny.
10 Apr 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what contingency plans are in place to ensure UK nationals working in international judicial institutions remain able to perform their professional duties if they are subject to intimidation or sanctions.
ReplyI refer the Hon Member to the answer he was provided on 11 March in response to Question 118062.
10 Apr 2026·Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office·Answered
AskedCommonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to members of the Assembly of States Parties to the International Criminal Court on reports that the findings of an independent judicial panel into allegations concerning the Prosecutor are being disregarded.
ReplyThe UK fully supports the independence of the International Criminal Court (ICC). The ICC's internal process to address the allegations of misconduct against the Prosecutor is still underway. That process follows Terms of Reference agreed by the ICC Bureau. The UK is not currently a member of that body. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.
10 Apr 2026·Department for Science, Innovation and Technology·Answered
AskedInnovation and Technology, what steps she has taken to implement the Replacing animals in science strategy.
ReplyThe strategy sets out a long‑term, cross‑government programme to accelerate the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, with clear delivery responsibilities assigned across government and partner organisations. Those responsible have begun delivery and the inaugural meeting of the cross‑government ministerial group established to oversee implementation has taken place. Several commitments, including the establishment of a preclinical translational models hub, are already well advanced. The Government plans to publish a delivery update, including key performance indicators, later in 2026.
10 Apr 2026·Department for Education·Answered
AskedWhat steps her Department is taking to ensure that the views of families of children with SEND, including those expressed through consultation responses and stakeholder engagement, are reflected in the final policy proposals relating to SEND reform.
ReplyThe department’s ongoing 12-week consultation is underpinned by an engagement programme designed to ensure the views of families are at the heart of our special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms. Working with the Council for Disabled Children, we are delivering a national programme of nine regional events, dedicated sessions led by children and young people, and bespoke webinars for parents, carers and the sector.To ensure a broad range of representation, we have established two ministerially led groups, the SEND Development Group and the Complex Needs Group, which meet monthly to provide strategic challenge.These efforts are supported by weekly policy 'deep dives' with experts and parent representatives to explore specific themes like mainstream inclusion and assessments.Engagement is also continuing with children and young people, ensuring that our proposals are tested by those with direct and lived experience.All insights gathered through these channels, alongside formal consultation responses, will be analysed to shape final policy proposals.
10 Apr 2026·Department for Education·Answered
AskedWith reference to her Department's White Paper entitled Every Child Achieving and Thriving, published on 23 February 2026, whether she has made an assessment of the number and availability of trained professionals needed to deliver the proposed Experts at Hand service.
ReplyI refer the hon. Member for Dewsbury and Batley to the answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 121419.
10 Apr 2026·Department for Education·Answered
AskedWhether the Government assessed the efficacy of reforms to SEND provision in Wales when developing her Department's White Paper entitled Every Child Achieving and Thriving, published on 23 February 2026.
ReplyI refer the hon. Member for Dewsbury and Batley to the answer of 8 April 2026 to Question 119168.
10 Apr 2026·Department for Education·Answered
AskedWhether her Department has made an assessment of the risk that schools could be discouraged from identifying children with SEND due to inadequate resourcing and capacity under the proposed reforms to the SEND system.
ReplyI refer the hon. Member for Dewsbury and Batley to the answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 119169.
19 Mar 2026·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedWhat guidance his Department issues to local authorities on consulting with families before moving adults with learning disabilities to supported living and residential placements.
ReplyDecisions about care placements are made locally, based on individual assessments of need and personal circumstances. Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities are tasked with the duty to shape their care markets and commission services to meet the diverse needs of all local people. This includes commissioning a variety of different providers and specialist services that provide genuine choice to meet the needs of local people, and that offer quality and value for money.There is no single national assessment of the impact of out‑of‑area placements on disabled adults and their families. However, local authorities should engage with people who draw on care and support, and their families and carers, to inform commissioning decisions and to consider the outcomes which matter to them. This is reflected in the Care and Support Statutory Guidance, which supports local authorities to fulfil their Care Act duties, including expectations around involvement and co‑production with people who draw on care and support and their families.
19 Mar 2026·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedWhat mechanisms exist for investigating allegations of abuse of adults with learning disabilities in social care settings.
ReplyWhen a local authority has reasonable cause to suspect an adult in the local authority’s area has care and support needs, is at risk of, or experiencing abuse or neglect, and cannot protect themselves because of those needs, it must carry out a safeguarding enquiry.Local authorities must work with their partners under section 6(7) of the Care Act 2014, and those partners must also work with the authority to carry out their care, support, and adult protection duties.Our 10-Year Health Plan sets out to tackle health inequalities and offer people with disabilities more holistic, on-going support in the community.Action is underway to improve access and support for people with a learning disability through mandatory training for health and care staff, continued uptake of annual health checks and health action plans, and the Mental Health Act reforms.
19 Mar 2026·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedWhat steps the Government is taking to strengthen safeguarding protections for adults with learning disabilities receiving local authority care services.
ReplyWhen a local authority has reasonable cause to suspect an adult in the local authority’s area has care and support needs, is at risk of, or experiencing abuse or neglect, and cannot protect themselves because of those needs, it must carry out a safeguarding enquiry.Local authorities must work with their partners under section 6(7) of the Care Act 2014, and those partners must also work with the authority to carry out their care, support, and adult protection duties.Our 10-Year Health Plan sets out to tackle health inequalities and offer people with disabilities more holistic, on-going support in the community.Action is underway to improve access and support for people with a learning disability through mandatory training for health and care staff, continued uptake of annual health checks and health action plans, and the Mental Health Act reforms.
19 Mar 2026·Department of Health and Social Care·Answered
AskedWhat guidance his Department provides to local authorities on accepting complaints relating to the treatment of vulnerable adults raised by (a) relatives, (b) carers, (c) friends and (d) other third parties.
ReplyAnyone who is concerned that an adult with care and support needs is at risk of, or experiencing abuse or neglect, can contact the safeguarding adults team at the relevant local authority to raise a safeguarding enquiry.Where a local authority has reasonable cause to suspect that an adult in the local authority’s area has needs for care and support, whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs, and appears to be at risk of, or experiencing abuse or neglect, and is unable to protect themselves as a result of those needs, the local authority must carry out a safeguarding enquiry.Under section 68 of the Care Act 2014, local authorities must provide an independent advocate for adults involved in safeguarding enquiries when they would otherwise struggle to understand, retain, use, or weigh information, or to communicate their views.