Written questions by McMurdock.

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.

What steps he is taking to help increase public confidence in sentencing.

In October 2024, we commissioned the Independent Sentencing Review, led by former Lord Chancellor Rt. Hon. David Gauke. The Review was tasked with re-evaluating the sentencing framework to ensure that there is always a place in prison for dangerous offenders and victims will always know that justice will be done. It also aimed to ensure that sentences are consistent and make sense to victims and the public. The Sentencing Bill, currently being considered before Parliament, implements many of the Review’s recommendations. The Bill represents a once in a generation change to our criminal justice system, making significant changes to the sentencing framework, the way in which offenders are managed and serve sentences in the community. It also aims to create a justice system that better serves victims. When sentencing, courts must follow any relevant sentencing guidelines, issued by the Sentencing Council, unless not in the interests of justice to do so. The guidelines provide a structured approach for sentencers to follow and are designed to help enhance consistency and transparency in sentencing decisions.

What plans he has to publish sentencing outcome data broken down by court area.

Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for the independent judiciary. When deciding what sentence to impose, courts must consider the circumstances of the case, including the culpability of the offender, the harm they caused or intended to cause, and any aggravating and mitigating factors, in line with any relevant sentencing guidelines, developed by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales. The Ministry of Justice publishes detailed breakdowns of sentencing outcomes, including by Police Force Area on the Criminal Justice Statistics landing page here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/criminal-justice-statistics-quarterly.

What information her Department holds on safety-risk assessments that consider the consequences for East Tilbury residents being cut off when the level-crossing barriers are down.

The Department does not hold this information. It is for Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways, to assess the risks at East Tilbury Level Crossing and ensure these are managed appropriately to protect users and the wider public, in accordance with its statutory safety duties.

What assessment she has made of the risks to (a) residents requiring urgent medical treatment and (b) other vulnerable residents when East Tilbury is cut off by level-crossing closures.

It is for Network Rail, as the infrastructure manager for Britain’s railways, to assess and manage the risks at East Tilbury level crossing to ensure it remains safe for all users and the wider public, in accordance with its statutory safety duties.

If she will publish a breakdown of all committed public expenditure for the Lower Thames Crossing project to date.

The Department will continue to publish information on committed public expenditure for the Lower Thames Crossing through official reporting mechanisms. To date, over £1.3bn has been spent on the project, including technical surveys, design, land purchase, planning permission, and contract awards.

What recent assessment he has made of geographical variations in sentencing outcomes across courts in England and Wales.

Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for the independent judiciary. When deciding what sentence to impose, courts must consider the circumstances of the case, including the culpability of the offender, the harm they caused or intended to cause, and any aggravating and mitigating factors, in line with any relevant sentencing guidelines, developed by the Sentencing Council for England and Wales. The Ministry of Justice publishes detailed breakdowns of sentencing outcomes, including by Police Force Area on the Criminal Justice Statistics landing page here: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/criminal-justice-statistics-quarterly.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of private finance support for delivering the remainder of the Lower Thames Crossing; and whether she has had discussions with private investors on that subject.

A robust assessment of private investment options has been undertaken, with the shortlist outlined in the updated Funding Statement in February 2025. The Government’s preferred financing option at this stage is the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model as it offers an integrated approach that focuses delivery, reduces the financial burden on taxpayers, harnesses the benefits of private investment, and ensures strong regulatory oversight to promote the interests of users. The Department, National Highways and its advisors regularly hold informal discussions with private investment markets on a variety of themes and sectors.

What assessment she has made of the risk of cost escalation in the Lower Thames Crossing project.

While the Development Consent Order (DCO) provides a fixed framework that limits scope-driven changes and offers higher cost certainty for delivery, it is important to note that at this stage of a project of this size and complexity there is always a level of uncertainty on the ultimate final cost of the project. The government’s decision to proceed under the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model will significantly reduce the financial burden of construction costs to taxpayers, bringing in substantial amounts of private investment.

What plans she has to publish regular progress reports detailing (a) expenditure, (b) contractual commitments and (c) updates on the funding position for the Lower Thames Crossing.

The Department and National Highways are committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates on the Lower Thames Crossing, including expenditure, contractual commitments, and the funding position, through established reporting mechanisms.

What plans she has to use (a) public-private partnership, (b) concessions model, and (c) toll-based financing model for the Lower Thames Crossing; and what options remain under consideration.

The Government's preferred financing option at this stage is the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) model. This funding approach accelerates progress by unlocking private capital, therefore reducing the financial burden on taxpayers and boosting economic growth. This approach was selected following a robust assessment of private investment options, as set out in the updated Funding Statement in February 2025. Other models considered as part of this assessment included full public funding and public funding for the tunnels with DBFOM contracts for the roads.

When she plans to confirm the remaining funding necessary to complete the Lower Thames Crossing.

The Chancellor has committed a further £891m to complete the publicly funded works for the Lower Thames Crossing, the final tranche of Government support before private sector investment takes forward construction and long-term operation. The total Government investment in the project will stand at £3.1bn. This includes spend to date and funding committed through the Spending Review and Autumn Budget.

What recent discussions have taken place with EU counterparts to discuss exemptions or streamlined processes for UK HGV drivers under the Entry/Exit System.

EES is being implemented by the EU to improve border security. Ultimately, any exemptions or amendments to Schengen rules, which EES will reinforce, are a matter for Member States and the EU. Whilst the UK Government is making every effort to engage with the EU as they roll out their implementation of EES, EES is not a UK Government initiative. The Government has been supporting ports and carriers to make sure they have the right technology and processes in place so EES registration can take place as smoothly as possible. The Government will continue to listen to concerns raised by sectors affected by these rules and will advocate for British citizens abroad.

What assessment has been made of the potential economic impact on the UK logistics industry due to the recent changes to the EU's Entry/Exit System, and what actions are the Department taking to minimise disruption.

The Entry-Exit System (EES) is an EU border security system being implemented across the EU. The UK Government is making every effort to engage with the EU as they roll out EES, to ensure border fluidity for UK citizens and businesses. This includes supporting ports and carriers to make sure they have the right technology and processes in place so EES registration can take place as smoothly as possible. All UK nationals including lorry and coach drivers are bound by the 90/180 limit on short stays in the Schengen area. This has been the case since the UK left the EU in 2021. We continue to encourage road haulage and coach operators to take the necessary steps to ensure their UK national drivers who work internationally remain within the 90/180 limit.

With reference to her Department's policy paper entitled Restoring Order and Control: A statement on the government’s asylum and returns policy, updated on 21 November 2025, what estimate she has made of the average contribution per asylum claimant under the proposed contributions mechanism in each of the five years following its implementation.

The Government’s Asylum Policy Statement outlines the current challenges, the Government’s objectives, and a comprehensive package of measures to restore order, control, fairness and public confidence in the UK’s system.As part of this, we will require individuals to contribute towards the cost of their asylum support where they have some assets or income, but not enough to support themselves independently. Further details on asylum reform, including support and contributions, will be announced in due course.

What steps she is taking to encourage countries with the highest numbers of asylum seekers to accept the return of failed applicants.

Strengthening international cooperation is key to improving returns and redocumentation processes to enable quick, safe, and dignified returns. The Home Office, working in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, has prioritised engagement with countries where we want to see improved returns co-operation including those countries with high rates of those with no legal basis to remain in the UK. There are some countries, including those with high small-boat arrivals, that have challenging country situations that either prevent the practicalities of return (routing and escorting) or have credible asylum and protection considerations. However, the Home Office, continues to progress returns of all those with no legal right to be in the UK. The Home Office keeps the returns cooperation of all its international partners under close and regular review and will not hesitate to take action to secure cooperation. This includes the use of visa penalties, where necessary, when a country fails to cooperate.

What assessment she has made on the potential impact of digital ID on the number of illegal immigrants already residing in the UK.

The Digital ID programme is part of a broader strategy to tackle illegal immigration. By making it harder for people without the right to work to gain employment, the government plans to reduce incentives for unlawful entry. The digital ID will build on the existing digital right to work checks for foreign nationals where eVisa share codes are currently used, further streamlining the process. Digital IDs will:o Make it easier for employers to comply by standardising and simplifying right to work checkso Make it easier for British citizens to demonstrate a right to workRemoving the reliance on physical documents in the UK, making it harder for forged documents to be used as proof of right to work. The Government will start a public consultation on the new digital ID in the coming weeks, and has already begun engaging key stakeholders.

What steps she is taking to ensure food delivery companies carry out appropriate right-to-work checks on (a) subcontractors and (b) self-employed workers in their supply chains.

Clamping down on illegal working is a critical part of this government’s Plan for Change, and as part of the strategy to tackle Organised Immigration Crime. Ensuring fairness, order and control within the immigration and asylum system.Where an employer is found to have employed someone without the right to work, fines will be levied against the business. The Home Office has no current plan to further raise these fines at present.Under this government has been a significant increase in immigration enforcement activity in the UK, including more than 8,000 arrests during illegal working visits in the year up to October 2025 – a 63% increase on the same period 12 months prior.The Government is extending the Right to Work Scheme to ensure companies conduct right to work checks to prevent illegal working when they contract workers to provide services under their company name, this will include agency workers or self-employed individuals working in the gig economy. These new measures are included in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act.These new legislative measures will restrict the ability of employers to take advantage of illegal workers and encourage businesses to provide work opportunities to only those permitted to work in the UK. It will provide parity across industries and will set a level playing field for businesses to uphold their responsibilities to prevent illegal working in the UK.

With reference to her Department's policy paper entitled Restoring Order and Control: A statement on the government’s asylum and returns policy, updated on 21 November 2025, if she will make it her policy to implement safeguards as part of the proposed refugee sponsorship reforms.

The government is committed to transforming our approach to safe and legal routes, including how the UK offers opportunities to refugees and relevant local authorities. Work is underway to operationalise these new routes, and further details will be provided in due course.Safeguarding requirements are already in place under the government’s existing schemes. This includes the current Community Sponsorship scheme, where all sponsors must have robust safeguarding procedures in place.

What plans she has to further raise fines levied against businesses found to be employing illegal workers.

Clamping down on illegal working is a critical part of this government’s Plan for Change, and as part of the strategy to tackle Organised Immigration Crime. Ensuring fairness, order and control within the immigration and asylum system.Where an employer is found to have employed someone without the right to work, fines will be levied against the business. The Home Office has no current plan to further raise these fines at present.Under this government has been a significant increase in immigration enforcement activity in the UK, including more than 8,000 arrests during illegal working visits in the year up to October 2025 – a 63% increase on the same period 12 months prior.The Government is extending the Right to Work Scheme to ensure companies conduct right to work checks to prevent illegal working when they contract workers to provide services under their company name, this will include agency workers or self-employed individuals working in the gig economy. These new measures are included in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act.These new legislative measures will restrict the ability of employers to take advantage of illegal workers and encourage businesses to provide work opportunities to only those permitted to work in the UK. It will provide parity across industries and will set a level playing field for businesses to uphold their responsibilities to prevent illegal working in the UK.