Written questions by Cartlidge.

When he plans to respond to Question 98514 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

When he plans to respond to Question 98512 on Uncrewed Systems: Procurement.

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Whether he plans to proceed with the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill.

Yes. The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill will establish a reformed, human rights compliant and wholly independent Legacy Commission, which will carry out investigations and provide family reports to give victims and their families the answers they deserve. The Bill will proceed to Committee stage as soon as Parliamentary time allows.

Whether he has received a request from the Cyprus Government to negotiate the sovereignty of UK bases on Cyprus.

It would not be appropriate to comment on diplomatic discussions.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to continue the ratification of the Chagos Treaty.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 2 March to question 111415.

Whether he plans to proceed with the implementation of the Northern Ireland Troubles (Legacy and Reconciliation) Act 2023 (Remedial) Order 2025.

On 22 January, the House of Commons approved the Remedial Order, which will remove the conditional immunity provided to terrorists by the previous Government’s immunity scheme. The scheduling of the debate in the House of Lords will be announced in the usual way.

Whether he plans to deploy Royal Navy capabilities to the Strait of Hormuz.

The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact. It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.

Whether he will offer military support to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact. It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.

Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on communities in South Suffolk constituency; and if she will make it her policy to continue providing financial support for the repair and maintenance of listed places of worship.

The Department conducted an evaluation of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. The evaluation included an extensive survey of current and past scheme users and is published here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/evaluation-of-the-listed-places-of-worship-scheme-final-report. The evaluation did not specifically assess the potential impact of the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme on communities in South Suffolk constituency. However, I can confirm that since August 2022, 146 claims have been paid to listed places of worship in the South Suffolk constituency to a value of £788,456.On 22nd January the Department announced a new capital fund, the Places of Worship Renewal Fund which will provide support for a range of works. This will have an annual budget of £23m starting in 2026/27. This is providing certainty for the remaining years of the Spending Review until 2029/30, providing £92m over the period. Support will be targeted at places of most need. Further details regarding the eligibility criteria and application process, will be published in due course.

How many Royal Navy minesweepers are operating in the Middle East.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.

How many Remus reconnaissance drones his Department has ordered since 5 July 2024.

The Ministry of Defence does not routinely publish procurement quantities for uncrewed systems due to commercial and operational sensitivities.

Whether Remus reconnaissance drones require the presence of other Royal Navy vessels to be deployed in the Strait of Hormuz.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.

How many UK minehunting capabilities are pre-positioned in the Middle East.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.

What UK uncrewed naval technology is operational in the Middle East.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.

Whether the offer of UK military support to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz requires a UN resolution.

The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact. It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.

How many UK minehunting drones are operational in the Middle East.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon on 17 March 2026 to Question 118983.

Whether Royal Navy minesweepers will be included in the Defence Investment Plan.

The Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century. The plan for implementing the Review’s recommendations for the Integrated Force will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

Whether he has obtained legal advice for UK military support to the United States to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

A summary of the Government’s overall legal position was published on gov.uk on 1 March 2026. Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks - GOV.UK

Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 11 December to Question 97538 on Flood Control: South Suffolk, when her Department plans to publish plans for the additional funding at Long Melford and Glemsford.

The Environment Agency (EA) has previously confirmed £50,000 of additional investment for Long Melford and Glemsford in December 2025, which was provided through other environmental funding. That £50,000 has now been fully spent. The EA works to enhance upstream floodplains and improve wetlands have recently been completed and are expected to perform well. The EA has also provided separate MP correspondence setting out project allocations elsewhere in the South Suffolk constituency for the coming financial year. If further details are required the EA Area Director, Graham Verrier, would be happy to discuss this further.

Whether his Department plans to extend the scope of support for people using heating oil who are not eligible for the Household Support fund or the Crisis and Resilience Fund.

Support for vulnerable households affected by the rising cost of heating oil will be treated as crisis payments under the Crisis and Resilience Fund and as per guidance, local authorities have flexibility to determine eligibility for crisis payments.