Written questions by McMurdock.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the current level of conviction and sentencing patterns for immigration offences on immigration enforcement policy.

Statistics published last week show there has been a 33% surge in smuggling arrests, convictions and seizures of criminal cash and assets over the last 12 months. What is being done to stop organised immigration crime? - GOV.UK To maintain the highest standards of accuracy, the Home Office prefers to refer to published data, as this has been subject to rigorous quality assurance under National Statistics protocols prior to publication. Information about convictions of immigration offences is not available in our published data. Our published national data on enforcement activity is available at the following link and includes data on detected irregular arrivals to the UK Immigration system statistics, year ending June 2025 - GOV.UK

What steps he is taking to reduce the proportion of offenders who commit a further offence within the one-year follow-up period used in reoffending statistics.

We publish proven reoffending statistics quarterly, including detailed data by sentence type, offence type, and offender characteristics. The next publication is due at the end of January 2026 (Proven reoffending statistics - GOV.UK).We are tackling the root causes of reoffending by investing in a range of services which address offenders’ underlying criminogenic needs and support their rehabilitation journey. This includes education, employment, accommodation and access to substance misuse treatment.For example, to support employment, we are delivering vocational courses, a future skills programme, and expanding the prisoner apprenticeship scheme. All 93 resettlement prisons have key roles in place to prepare prisoners for employment on release, and we have launched regional Employment Councils, which for the first time bring businesses together with prisons, probation, and the Department for Work and Pensions to support prison leavers.Reoffending rates for adults sentenced to less than 12 months in custody remain high – in the latest data, just over 60% reoffended within a year. Ministry of Justice research shows that community orders and suspended sentences are up to 4 percentage points more effective at reducing reoffending than short custodial sentences. That is why we are introducing a presumption to suspend custodial sentences of 12 months or less via the Sentencing Bill, and expanding Intensive Supervision Courts (ISCs), which aim to reduce reoffending by diverting individuals from short custodial sentences into enhanced community-based orders.We are not, however, abolishing short sentences. Judges will always have the power to send offenders to prison where they have breached a court order, where there is a significant risk of physical or psychological harm to a particular individual, or in exceptional circumstances.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of sentencing levels for immigration-related offences under the Nationality and Borders Act 2022.

The Government is committed to protecting the UK’s border security and is working very closely with the National Crime Agency and law enforcement partners to ensure they have the funding, tools and expertise to identify, disrupt and dismantle organised crime groups involved in illegal migration.The Nationality and Borders Act 2022 created the offence of illegal arrival which carries a maximum sentence of 4 years imprisonment on indictment. The Act also raised the maximum penalties for the illegal entry and arriving without an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to four years and entering in breach of a Deportation Order to five years. Notably, it also raised the maximum sentence for the offence of facilitating a breach of immigration law to life in prison. Prosecutions are pursued for all of the above offences, as they are for all immigration offences, wherever there is sufficient evidence to do so. These cases are then referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) where a decision on whether or not to prosecute is made. This decision is dependent upon the CPS’ assessment of the available evidence and whether or not it passes the CPS’ own public interest test. Information about the CPS’ decision making can be found here The Code for Crown Prosecutors | The Crown Prosecution Service.

What assessment he has made of the reoffending outcomes for adults released from short custodial sentences; and what steps he is taking to improve those outcomes.

We publish proven reoffending statistics quarterly, including detailed data by sentence type, offence type, and offender characteristics. The next publication is due at the end of January 2026 (Proven reoffending statistics - GOV.UK).We are tackling the root causes of reoffending by investing in a range of services which address offenders’ underlying criminogenic needs and support their rehabilitation journey. This includes education, employment, accommodation and access to substance misuse treatment.For example, to support employment, we are delivering vocational courses, a future skills programme, and expanding the prisoner apprenticeship scheme. All 93 resettlement prisons have key roles in place to prepare prisoners for employment on release, and we have launched regional Employment Councils, which for the first time bring businesses together with prisons, probation, and the Department for Work and Pensions to support prison leavers.Reoffending rates for adults sentenced to less than 12 months in custody remain high – in the latest data, just over 60% reoffended within a year. Ministry of Justice research shows that community orders and suspended sentences are up to 4 percentage points more effective at reducing reoffending than short custodial sentences. That is why we are introducing a presumption to suspend custodial sentences of 12 months or less via the Sentencing Bill, and expanding Intensive Supervision Courts (ISCs), which aim to reduce reoffending by diverting individuals from short custodial sentences into enhanced community-based orders.We are not, however, abolishing short sentences. Judges will always have the power to send offenders to prison where they have breached a court order, where there is a significant risk of physical or psychological harm to a particular individual, or in exceptional circumstances.

What steps she is taking to increase the level of prosecutions for immigration-related offences.

Prosecutions themselves are a matter for the Crown Prosecution Service.The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 provides an array of new and stronger powers for law enforcement agencies to prevent organised immigration crime and bring further prosecutions against immigration related offences. These powers will, for example, make it a criminal offence to put lives in danger during a small boat crossing and will allow law enforcement to intercept smuggling gangs’ criminal activity earlier on in the investigations process. The Crown Prosecution Service has welcomed the package of new offences as it equips prosecutors with another tool to fight organised immigration crime, especially those involving dangerous Channel crossings. The full Act can be found at legislation.co.uk: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/31/part/3/enacted and part 3 provides for ‘Offences relating to things for use in serious crime’. Statistics published last week show there has been a 33% surge in smuggling arrests, convictions and seizures of criminal cash and assets over the last 12 months. More information on this can be read at What is being done to stop organised immigration crime? - GOV.UK

What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of sentencing on deterring illegal entry into the UK.

We are tackling the criminal gangs abusing our borders and putting lives at risk, working closely with law enforcement and international partners to ensure they have the funding, tools and expertise necessary.The Home Office will seek to prosecute immigration offences wherever there is sufficient evidence to do so. Cases are then referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) where a decision on whether to prosecute is made. This decision is dependent upon the CPS’ assessment of the available evidence and whether or not it passes the CPS’ own public interest test.Statistics published 27 November on GOV.UKshow there has been a 33% surge in people smuggling arrests, convictions and seizures of criminal cash and assets over the last 12 months.The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act 2025 strengthens law enforcement agencies’ capabilities to tackle organised immigration crime and deter illegal migration. These powers will, for example, make it a criminal offence to put lives in danger during a small boat crossing with offenders facing up to 6 years in prison. The Act's impact assessment analyses how enhanced sentencing powers and new offences are expected to disrupt organised immigration crime, making smuggling operations riskier and less profitable.The CPS has welcomed the package of new offences as it equips prosecutors with another tool to fight organised immigration crime, especially those involving dangerous Channel crossings.

What assessment he has made of the number of people in the Basildon Hospital catchment area served by its Accident and Emergency department.

Basildon Hospital’s accident and emergency department primarily serves residents of South Basildon and East Thurrock, alongside patients from surrounding areas within the trust’s footprint. The combined population of Basildon and Thurrock is currently approximately 363,600 residents. The total number of accident and emergency attendances at Basildon Hospital in October 2025 was 12,475. Please note that this data is provisional, with finalised figures to be published next month. Attendances at Basildon accident and emergency have increased in recent years, broadly in line with population growth and rising demand for urgent care nationally. Accident and emergency attendance data is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/ae-attendances-and-emergency-admissions-2025-26/The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board works closely with the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust to ensure urgent and emergency care services meet the needs of the local population. This includes reviewing recent and projected demand for urgent care services across all accident and emergency and minor injury units in mid and south Essex to support planning to meet future demand.The capacity of Basildon Hospital’s accident and emergency department is subject to ongoing review. Local actions for improvement are in place, including service expansion and regular monitoring to ensure the Department can safely manage attendance levels.

Pursuant to Answer of 1 December 2025 to Question 84488 on Health Services: Buildings, when NHS England expects to publish data on the prevalence of corridor care across trusts.

The provision of clinical care in corridors is unacceptable, and we are committed to ending its practice in the National Health Service by the end of this Parliament. Furthermore, our Urgent and Emergency Care Plan for 2025/26 committed to publishing data on the prevalence of corridor care.NHS England has been working with trusts to put in place new reporting arrangements regarding the use of temporary escalation spaces to drive improvement and data transparency. The data quality is currently being reviewed, and we expect to publish the information shortly.We will also be introducing new clinical operational standards for the first 72 hours of care, setting clear expectations for timely reviews and specialist input, further supporting our efforts to eliminate corridor care and improve patient experience.

What assessment he has made of the accuracy of trust-level reporting on the use of temporary escalation spaces.

The provision of clinical care in corridors is unacceptable, and we are committed to ending its practice in the National Health Service by the end of this Parliament. Furthermore, our Urgent and Emergency Care Plan for 2025/26 committed to publishing data on the prevalence of corridor care.NHS England has been working with trusts to put in place new reporting arrangements regarding the use of temporary escalation spaces to drive improvement and data transparency. The data quality is currently being reviewed, and we expect to publish the information shortly.We will also be introducing new clinical operational standards for the first 72 hours of care, setting clear expectations for timely reviews and specialist input, further supporting our efforts to eliminate corridor care and improve patient experience.

Whether he has plans to expand Basildon Hospital’s Accident and Emergency capacity to meet (a) current and (b) projected demand.

Basildon Hospital’s accident and emergency department primarily serves residents of South Basildon and East Thurrock, alongside patients from surrounding areas within the trust’s footprint. The combined population of Basildon and Thurrock is currently approximately 363,600 residents. The total number of accident and emergency attendances at Basildon Hospital in October 2025 was 12,475. Please note that this data is provisional, with finalised figures to be published next month. Attendances at Basildon accident and emergency have increased in recent years, broadly in line with population growth and rising demand for urgent care nationally. Accident and emergency attendance data is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/ae-attendances-and-emergency-admissions-2025-26/The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board works closely with the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust to ensure urgent and emergency care services meet the needs of the local population. This includes reviewing recent and projected demand for urgent care services across all accident and emergency and minor injury units in mid and south Essex to support planning to meet future demand.The capacity of Basildon Hospital’s accident and emergency department is subject to ongoing review. Local actions for improvement are in place, including service expansion and regular monitoring to ensure the Department can safely manage attendance levels.

What assessment he has made of trends in Accident and Emergency attendances at Basildon Hospital relative to the growth of local population.

Basildon Hospital’s accident and emergency department primarily serves residents of South Basildon and East Thurrock, alongside patients from surrounding areas within the trust’s footprint. The combined population of Basildon and Thurrock is currently approximately 363,600 residents. The total number of accident and emergency attendances at Basildon Hospital in October 2025 was 12,475. Please note that this data is provisional, with finalised figures to be published next month. Attendances at Basildon accident and emergency have increased in recent years, broadly in line with population growth and rising demand for urgent care nationally. Accident and emergency attendance data is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/ae-attendances-and-emergency-admissions-2025-26/The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board works closely with the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust to ensure urgent and emergency care services meet the needs of the local population. This includes reviewing recent and projected demand for urgent care services across all accident and emergency and minor injury units in mid and south Essex to support planning to meet future demand.The capacity of Basildon Hospital’s accident and emergency department is subject to ongoing review. Local actions for improvement are in place, including service expansion and regular monitoring to ensure the Department can safely manage attendance levels.

What assessment he has made of the capacity of Basildon Hospital’s Accident and Emergency department to manage current attendance levels safely.

Basildon Hospital’s accident and emergency department primarily serves residents of South Basildon and East Thurrock, alongside patients from surrounding areas within the trust’s footprint. The combined population of Basildon and Thurrock is currently approximately 363,600 residents. The total number of accident and emergency attendances at Basildon Hospital in October 2025 was 12,475. Please note that this data is provisional, with finalised figures to be published next month. Attendances at Basildon accident and emergency have increased in recent years, broadly in line with population growth and rising demand for urgent care nationally. Accident and emergency attendance data is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/ae-attendances-and-emergency-admissions-2025-26/The Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board works closely with the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust to ensure urgent and emergency care services meet the needs of the local population. This includes reviewing recent and projected demand for urgent care services across all accident and emergency and minor injury units in mid and south Essex to support planning to meet future demand.The capacity of Basildon Hospital’s accident and emergency department is subject to ongoing review. Local actions for improvement are in place, including service expansion and regular monitoring to ensure the Department can safely manage attendance levels.

What steps she is taking to ensure that bus service planning by local authorities considers the needs of older people who can no longer drive.

This Government knows that bus services can be a lifeline for many in rural areas and can be the only means of accessing essential services. Action is being taken to help improve local bus services across the country through the Bus Services Act 2025 which has put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders. In addition, the Government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Essex County Council and Thurrock Council have been allocated £17.8 million and £2 million of this funding respectively, helping to improve bus services across these areas. We expect local authorities to work with bus operators to ensure local bus services deliver for all communities across their area, including those without access to cars, when considering how to improve bus services. Government does not hold information on the specific number of older people in rural areas who rely solely on bus services for travel. However, the Department for Transport's National Travel Survey and Annual Bus Statistics contain information about the demographics of bus passengers. The latest data from the National Travel Survey can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-travel-survey-statistics, and the Annual Bus Statistics can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/annual-bus-statistics-year-ending-march-2025.

What estimate she has made of the number of older people in rural areas who rely solely on bus services for travel.

This Government knows that bus services can be a lifeline for many in rural areas and can be the only means of accessing essential services. Action is being taken to help improve local bus services across the country through the Bus Services Act 2025 which has put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders. In addition, the Government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Essex County Council and Thurrock Council have been allocated £17.8 million and £2 million of this funding respectively, helping to improve bus services across these areas. We expect local authorities to work with bus operators to ensure local bus services deliver for all communities across their area, including those without access to cars, when considering how to improve bus services. Government does not hold information on the specific number of older people in rural areas who rely solely on bus services for travel. However, the Department for Transport's National Travel Survey and Annual Bus Statistics contain information about the demographics of bus passengers. The latest data from the National Travel Survey can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-travel-survey-statistics, and the Annual Bus Statistics can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/annual-bus-statistics-year-ending-march-2025.

What assessment she has made of Network Rail’s compliance with its statutory safety duties in relation to the risk of isolation of East Tilbury when level-crossing barriers remain down for extended periods due to freight movement.

It is for the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), as the independent regulator for rail safety in Great Britain, to assess Network Rail’s compliance with its statutory safety duties and enforce the law accordingly.

What discussions she has had with Network Rail on whether the isolation of East Tilbury during prolonged barrier closures constitutes a safety risk.

It is the responsibility of Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for East Tilbury Level Crossing, to assess and manage the risks associated with the crossing in accordance with its statutory safety duties. Network Rail looks at each level crossing in detail and works closely with local authorities and communities to understand the impact on the wider local road network.

What discussions she has had with Network Rail on the impact of prolonged closures on (a) community access and (b) local transport while undertaking its statutory duties to ensure safety at East Tilbury Level Crossing.

It is the responsibility of Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for East Tilbury Level Crossing, to assess and manage the risks associated with the crossing in accordance with its statutory safety duties. Network Rail also has a duty of care to support accessibility and mitigate the impacts of prolonged downtime, as far as reasonably practicable, whilst ensuring safety is not compromised for all those using or near the crossing.

Communities and Local Government, when the initial funding arrangements for Essex's Combined County Authority will be put before Parliament.

On 4 December the Government made a Written Ministerial Statement announcing the funding for all areas on the Devolution Priority Programme, including Greater Essex.

Whether Network Rail has provided her with data on (a) barrier-down times, (b) duration of delays or (c) frequency of freight movements at the East Tilbury Level Crossing.

At this level crossing, there are around 150 scheduled passenger trains passing through each day and up to 45 freight services in both directions per day. During the last risk assessment, Network Rail identified that there were 102 level crossing activations, with an average barrier down time of four minutes and seven seconds, over a 24-hour period.

Whether the forthcoming integrated national transport strategy will include targets for improving rural bus a) coverage and b) frequency.

The integrated national transport strategy will focus on creating a transport network that works well for people wherever they live, addressing the main barriers people face in accessing good transport and empower local leaders to deliver better transport for their communities. As the strategy is being finalised, I cannot comment on specific policy or metrics but it will seek to ensure transport across England is safe, reliable and accessible so people can make the journeys they need to easily. Beyond the strategy, the Government is committed to delivering better buses throughout England, including in rural areas, and introduced the Bus Services Act 2025 to put the power over local bus services back into the hands of local leaders. In addition, the Government has confirmed over £1 billion for the 2025 to 2026 financial year to support and improve bus services in England outside London. Essex County Council and Thurrock Council have been allocated £17.8 million and £2 million of this funding respectively, helping to improve bus services and connectivity across these areas. The Government is also introducing a new approach to monitoring bus service performance through a framework of bus outcomes focused on what matters most to passengers. Combined with the flexibility for local transport authorities to invest where it’s needed most locally, this framework will drive up standards and ensure a consistent level of bus service right across the country.