Written questions by McMurdock.

What steps he is taking to improve (a) public and (b) clinical awareness of development language disorder.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment he has made of the extent to which treatable medical conditions linked to miscarriage are being identified at an early stage under existing NHS miscarriage care pathways.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of corridor care for patients requiring orthopaedic treatment on safety.

The Department has made no specific assessment of the potential impact of corridor care on patient safety for patients requiring orthopaedic treatment.NHS England has published updated guidance in December 2025 to support trusts to deliver care in non-designated clinical spaces safely, ensuring dignity and privacy is maintained, which applies across all specialities, including orthopaedics, and which is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/principles-for-providing-patient-care-in-corridors/Patients are to be seen based on clinical need, not location, with a senior clinical risk assessment and named nursing oversight.The delivery of care in non-designated clinical areas in hospital departments experiencing patient crowding is not acceptable and should not be considered as standard. NHS England has been working with trusts to put in place new reporting arrangements related to the use of corridor care, to drive improvement. In March this year, NHS England set out a clear national definition of corridor care alongside further actions for trusts and integrated care boards, establishing the first consistent national standard and ensuring clarity of patients, staff, and providers, and setting clear expectations for immediate action. Daily reporting using the new definition began in March 2026, giving real-time visibility of pressures and allowing targeted action.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of current early language interventions in supporting children with developmental language disorder.

Awaiting answer.

What plans she has to include specialists with expertise in Development Language Disorder in the development of specialist provision frameworks.

Awaiting answer.

Whether he has had discussions with the Tommy's campaign to discuss their Graded Model of Miscarriage Care.

Awaiting answer.

What steps she is taking with the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to help improve coordination between police forces and local authorities to tackle criminal enterprises operating through high street businesses.

We are fully committed to tackling criminality on the high street from illegitimate businesses. It is for this reason that the Home Office, working with the Ministry for Communities, Housing and Local Government, has established a cross-government Taskforce to develop a strategic policy response to money laundering and associated illegality on UK high streets. This effort is underpinned by £10 million per year for three years, as announced in the 2025 Autumn Budget. This funding will be used to enhance support for at least 45 additional law enforcement officers, and enhancements to Trading Standards. As part of this uplift the Taskforce is considering how to enhance police and local authority coordination.

What proportion of NHS trusts in England provide recurrent miscarriage investigations after fewer than three pregnancy losses.

Awaiting answer.

What recent assessment he has made of the impact on women who suffer repeated miscarriages on their (a) physical health and (b) mental health outcomes.

Awaiting answer.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of patient satisfaction levels with miscarriage care services provided by the NHS.

Awaiting answer.

With reference to the Guide to the Mode Shift Revenue Support Scheme, published in January 2026, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of (a) intermodal rail, (b) bulk rail and (c) inland waterway freight supported under that scheme.

The Department for Transport is currently evaluating the Mode Shift Revenue Support (MSRS) scheme to assess its performance and impact. This evaluation builds upon the Call for Evidence and stakeholder engagement sessions that took place across December 2023 to February 2024. Through this, feedback was gathered from rail and maritime freight operators, customers of operators, ports, trade associations, and pressure groups. Details of the outcome of the Call for Evidence can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/mode-shift-grants-review/outcome/mode-shift-grants-review-outcome. We are considering this combined evidence and feedback to ensure we most effectively support those businesses seeking to move freight by means other than by road when the MSRS scheme expires in March 2027.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled New UK-France agreement to reduce illegal crossings, published on 23 April 2026, what data her Department holds on retention rates of personnel deployed under previous UK-funded border enforcement arrangements in France.

The United Kingdom and France have signed an agreement to strengthen operations to combat illegal migration in northern France to prevent crossings to the United Kingdom with a significant increase in dedicated law enforcement, technological and intelligence resources. Under the previous funding arrangement, around 750 law enforcement personnel were deployed to French beaches. The actions of these personnel have contributed to 42,000 attempted crossings stopped since the election. French beaches will now see a 40% increase in law enforcement, intelligence and military officers to track down and stop illegal migrants boarding boats and bring people smugglers to justice.The priority of these officers is to stop small boat crossings, and the nature of their deployment will be on the operational need and nature of the threat. It would be incorrect to strictly categorise the officers into coastal patrols, inland enforcement and intelligence-gathering activities.This uplift in resource will be front-loaded. This includes five specialist police units who will be in place this summer, including a permanent riot squad to respond to escalating migrant violence. This deal will also provide enhanced surveillance, expanded French maritime tactics, and new detention capacity to increase removals from France. The new arrangement will increase the number of officers deployed daily up to nearly 1,100 by year 3 of the funding arrangement.The additional personnel will be directly employed by the French government. The Home Office is not in possession of data on retention rates of personnel deployed under previous UK-funded border enforcement arrangements in France.All of the additional units will be operational on a full-time basis. In addition, the Compagnie de Marche, a specialist unit with elite public order powers, will be surged during the summer months, historically the busiest time for small boat crossings.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled New UK-France agreement to reduce illegal crossings, published on 23 April 2026, whether the additional personnel will be (a) directly employed by the French government and (b) contracted through third parties.

The United Kingdom and France have signed an agreement to strengthen operations to combat illegal migration in northern France to prevent crossings to the United Kingdom with a significant increase in dedicated law enforcement, technological and intelligence resources. Under the previous funding arrangement, around 750 law enforcement personnel were deployed to French beaches. The actions of these personnel have contributed to 42,000 attempted crossings stopped since the election. French beaches will now see a 40% increase in law enforcement, intelligence and military officers to track down and stop illegal migrants boarding boats and bring people smugglers to justice.The priority of these officers is to stop small boat crossings, and the nature of their deployment will be on the operational need and nature of the threat. It would be incorrect to strictly categorise the officers into coastal patrols, inland enforcement and intelligence-gathering activities.This uplift in resource will be front-loaded. This includes five specialist police units who will be in place this summer, including a permanent riot squad to respond to escalating migrant violence. This deal will also provide enhanced surveillance, expanded French maritime tactics, and new detention capacity to increase removals from France. The new arrangement will increase the number of officers deployed daily up to nearly 1,100 by year 3 of the funding arrangement.The additional personnel will be directly employed by the French government. The Home Office is not in possession of data on retention rates of personnel deployed under previous UK-funded border enforcement arrangements in France.All of the additional units will be operational on a full-time basis. In addition, the Compagnie de Marche, a specialist unit with elite public order powers, will be surged during the summer months, historically the busiest time for small boat crossings.

With reference to the Guide to the Mode Shift Revenue Support Scheme, published in January 2026, whether she has conducted analysis of barriers to entry for small and medium-sized enterprises applying to that scheme.

The Department has gathered feedback on barriers to the Mode Shift Revenue Support scheme though has not analysed this feedback through the lens of small and medium-sized enterprises. The Department for Transport ran a Call for Evidence from 4 December 2023 to 2 February 2024. Details of the outcome of the Call for Evidence can be found here:https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/mode-shift-grants-review/outcome/mode-shift-grants-review-outcome The Department is considering how best to support freight and logistics businesses in shifting freight between transport modes once the Mode Shift Revenue Support scheme expires on 31 March 2027.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled New UK-France agreement to reduce illegal crossings, published on 23 April 2026, what the planned deployment timetable is for the additional personnel.

The United Kingdom and France have signed an agreement to strengthen operations to combat illegal migration in northern France to prevent crossings to the United Kingdom with a significant increase in dedicated law enforcement, technological and intelligence resources. Under the previous funding arrangement, around 750 law enforcement personnel were deployed to French beaches. The actions of these personnel have contributed to 42,000 attempted crossings stopped since the election. French beaches will now see a 40% increase in law enforcement, intelligence and military officers to track down and stop illegal migrants boarding boats and bring people smugglers to justice.The priority of these officers is to stop small boat crossings, and the nature of their deployment will be on the operational need and nature of the threat. It would be incorrect to strictly categorise the officers into coastal patrols, inland enforcement and intelligence-gathering activities.This uplift in resource will be front-loaded. This includes five specialist police units who will be in place this summer, including a permanent riot squad to respond to escalating migrant violence. This deal will also provide enhanced surveillance, expanded French maritime tactics, and new detention capacity to increase removals from France. The new arrangement will increase the number of officers deployed daily up to nearly 1,100 by year 3 of the funding arrangement.The additional personnel will be directly employed by the French government. The Home Office is not in possession of data on retention rates of personnel deployed under previous UK-funded border enforcement arrangements in France.All of the additional units will be operational on a full-time basis. In addition, the Compagnie de Marche, a specialist unit with elite public order powers, will be surged during the summer months, historically the busiest time for small boat crossings.

With reference to his Department’s press release entitled Decisive action to break influence of gas on electricity prices, published on 21 April 2026, which electricity generators plan to participate in voluntary fixed-price schemes.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled New UK-France agreement to reduce illegal crossings, published on 23 April 2026, how much of the funding is contingent on performance-related outcomes.

The United Kingdom and France have signed an agreement to strengthen operations to combat illegal migration in northern France to prevent crossings to the United Kingdom with a significant increase in dedicated law enforcement, technological and intelligence resources. The new funding arrangement represents an evolution from previous iterations. For the first time ever, the funding uplift will be conditional on results and reducing illegal migration. Of the total £662 million that compose the new funding arrangement, the UK has committed to a foundation fund of £501m over three years and a new flexible fund of £50m in year 1 and £110m in years 2 and 3.This new deal is underpinned by robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure every intervention is evidence-led and responsive to changing circumstances. The innovations in the flexible fund will be reviewed annually. If the new tactics are not successful, funding will stop after one year. Every pound spent will target results, maximising the effectiveness of UK investment to reduce small boat crossings.We are working with France to develop the right metrics to evaluate success – including measures like arrests and disruptions. This is a partnership – we are working together on a shared problem.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled New UK-France agreement to reduce illegal crossings, published on 23 April 2026, what targets have been agreed with the French government for (a) interceptions, (b) prevented departures and (c) returns under the new arrangements.

The United Kingdom and France have signed an agreement to strengthen operations to combat illegal migration in northern France to prevent crossings to the United Kingdom with a significant increase in dedicated law enforcement, technological and intelligence resources. The new funding arrangement represents an evolution from previous iterations. For the first time ever, the funding uplift will be conditional on results and reducing illegal migration. Of the total £662 million that compose the new funding arrangement, the UK has committed to a foundation fund of £501m over three years and a new flexible fund of £50m in year 1 and £110m in years 2 and 3.This new deal is underpinned by robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure every intervention is evidence-led and responsive to changing circumstances. The innovations in the flexible fund will be reviewed annually. If the new tactics are not successful, funding will stop after one year. Every pound spent will target results, maximising the effectiveness of UK investment to reduce small boat crossings.We are working with France to develop the right metrics to evaluate success – including measures like arrests and disruptions. This is a partnership – we are working together on a shared problem.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled New UK-France agreement to reduce illegal crossings, published on 23 April 2026, what estimate she has made of the proportional reduction in small boat crossings resulting from that agreement over each year of its duration.

Illegal small boat crossings are driven by organised criminal gangs and have cost lives. The result is a severe strain on both our asylum system and our wider social contract. Since 2021, over 400,000 people have claimed asylum in the UK. At its peak in 2023, there were 400 asylum hotels across the country, at a daily cost of £9 million, paid for by the taxpayer. This Government’s determination to crack down on small boats is clear. No one should be making dangerous journeys, undermining our border security and putting lives at risk. We must restore order and control to our borders. That means bearing down on these dangerous crossings and bringing people smugglers to justice. The United Kingdom and France have signed an agreement to strengthen operations to combat illegal migration in northern France to prevent crossings to the UK with a significant increase in dedicated law enforcement, technological and intelligence resources.The new multi-year partnership with France represents a necessary step-change. French beaches will see a surge in law enforcement, intelligence and military officers to track down illegal migrants and stop them boarding boats in Northern France. For the first time ever, the funding uplift will be conditional on results and reducing illegal migration. Of the total £662 million that compose the new funding arrangement, the UK has committed to a foundation fund of £501m over three years and a new flexible fund of £50m in year 1 and £110m in years 2 and 3. If the new tactics are not successful, funding will stop after one year.The new agreement reflects sustained ministerial and operational engagement, including the UK-France Leaders Declaration and close working between the Border Security Command, the NCA, and French law enforcement and maritime authorities. Our close engagement with France since the general election has led to improvement of the law enforcement response in northern France, such as the introduction of specialist, dedicated police units. It has also led to an improved understanding of what delivers the most impact.Joint action is already delivering results. Over 42,000 crossing attempts have been prevented since the election. Joint law enforcement operations have also seen 480 migrant traffickers arrested in 2025 alone. However, despite these successes, we must not be complacent. I acknowledge that there is no silver bullet in tackling this crisis. We must go further and faster to tackle this issue together with France, which is why this deal is so important.

With reference to her Department’s press release entitled New UK-France agreement to reduce illegal crossings, published on 23 April 2026, what data her Department will collect to measure the operational effectiveness of the dedicated French unit to combat illegal immigration.

The United Kingdom and France have signed an agreement to strengthen operations to combat illegal migration in northern France to prevent crossings to the United Kingdom with a significant increase in dedicated law enforcement, technological and intelligence resources. The new funding arrangement represents an evolution from previous iterations. For the first time ever, the funding uplift will be conditional on results and reducing illegal migration. Of the total £662 million that compose the new funding arrangement, the UK has committed to a foundation fund of £501m over three years and a new flexible fund of £50m in year 1 and £110m in years 2 and 3.This new deal is underpinned by robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to ensure every intervention is evidence-led and responsive to changing circumstances. The innovations in the flexible fund will be reviewed annually. If the new tactics are not successful, funding will stop after one year. Every pound spent will target results, maximising the effectiveness of UK investment to reduce small boat crossings.We are working with France to develop the right metrics to evaluate success – including measures like arrests and disruptions. This is a partnership – we are working together on a shared problem.