Written questions by Naish.

What criteria his Department is using to determine eligibility for financial reparations for LGBT veterans affected by the historic ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) continues to make progress with applications, with processing capacity expected to increase in the coming months. As of 23 June 2025, the FRS had made payments of £3.4 million to 69 applicants with life-limiting conditions or serious health concerns, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the Scheme going live. We are now processing applications based on date received. The Independent Panel, responsible for reviewing and making fair and equitable determinations on applications, convened for its first sitting within days of their appointment on 13 May 2025, demonstrating a commitment to delivering the Scheme at pace. Further sittings have taken place since then, with several more sittings planned over the coming months. We are reviewing payment systems to ensure that once applications are approved, payments are issued promptly and efficiently. While processing times may vary depending on the complexity of individual cases, we aim to provide regular updates on progress and remain committed to delivering this important recognition fairly, responsibly, and as swiftly as possible. The eligibility criteria for the FRS can be found within the Scheme Rules, published on Gov.UK. The Scheme is open to individuals who served in the UK Armed Forces and were dismissed or discharged due to their sexual orientation, or who experienced other forms of harm or disadvantage as a result of the historic Ban. Applicants must provide supporting evidence for assessment against the Rules. We recognise the importance of timeliness in delivering the FRS. While we are unable to provide a definitive timeline at this stage, we are committed to processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Evidence gathering remains the most complex and time-consuming part of the process, requiring information to be retrieved from a variety of sources, including historical records. This work must be conducted thoroughly to ensure fair and accurate outcomes for applicants and the responsible management of public funds. The design was informed by Fighting with Pride to ensure that the ‘most hurt’ were recognised appropriately and that timely payments were able to be made where evidence is most readily available. We continue to routinely engage with Fighting With Pride to ensure the voices of LGBT veterans are heard throughout the implementation of the Scheme and we take on their constructive feedback. This Government listened to the concerns of veterans and increased the overall budget by 50% to up to £75 million. The Scheme’s two-payment design ensures that a broad range of experiences can be recognised and that payments are proportionate to the impact of the Ban. The Ministry of Defence has assessed the £75 million budget as sufficient to meet the anticipated demand based on current estimates of eligible applicants.

What recent progress his Department has made on delivering financial reparations to LGBT veterans affected by the historic ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) continues to make progress with applications, with processing capacity expected to increase in the coming months. As of 23 June 2025, the FRS had made payments of £3.4 million to 69 applicants with life-limiting conditions or serious health concerns, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the Scheme going live. We are now processing applications based on date received. The Independent Panel, responsible for reviewing and making fair and equitable determinations on applications, convened for its first sitting within days of their appointment on 13 May 2025, demonstrating a commitment to delivering the Scheme at pace. Further sittings have taken place since then, with several more sittings planned over the coming months. We are reviewing payment systems to ensure that once applications are approved, payments are issued promptly and efficiently. While processing times may vary depending on the complexity of individual cases, we aim to provide regular updates on progress and remain committed to delivering this important recognition fairly, responsibly, and as swiftly as possible. The eligibility criteria for the FRS can be found within the Scheme Rules, published on Gov.UK. The Scheme is open to individuals who served in the UK Armed Forces and were dismissed or discharged due to their sexual orientation, or who experienced other forms of harm or disadvantage as a result of the historic Ban. Applicants must provide supporting evidence for assessment against the Rules. We recognise the importance of timeliness in delivering the FRS. While we are unable to provide a definitive timeline at this stage, we are committed to processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Evidence gathering remains the most complex and time-consuming part of the process, requiring information to be retrieved from a variety of sources, including historical records. This work must be conducted thoroughly to ensure fair and accurate outcomes for applicants and the responsible management of public funds. The design was informed by Fighting with Pride to ensure that the ‘most hurt’ were recognised appropriately and that timely payments were able to be made where evidence is most readily available. We continue to routinely engage with Fighting With Pride to ensure the voices of LGBT veterans are heard throughout the implementation of the Scheme and we take on their constructive feedback. This Government listened to the concerns of veterans and increased the overall budget by 50% to up to £75 million. The Scheme’s two-payment design ensures that a broad range of experiences can be recognised and that payments are proportionate to the impact of the Ban. The Ministry of Defence has assessed the £75 million budget as sufficient to meet the anticipated demand based on current estimates of eligible applicants.

If he will outline a planned timeline for issuing financial reparations to all eligible LGBT veterans affected by the historic ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) continues to make progress with applications, with processing capacity expected to increase in the coming months. As of 23 June 2025, the FRS had made payments of £3.4 million to 69 applicants with life-limiting conditions or serious health concerns, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the Scheme going live. We are now processing applications based on date received. The Independent Panel, responsible for reviewing and making fair and equitable determinations on applications, convened for its first sitting within days of their appointment on 13 May 2025, demonstrating a commitment to delivering the Scheme at pace. Further sittings have taken place since then, with several more sittings planned over the coming months. We are reviewing payment systems to ensure that once applications are approved, payments are issued promptly and efficiently. While processing times may vary depending on the complexity of individual cases, we aim to provide regular updates on progress and remain committed to delivering this important recognition fairly, responsibly, and as swiftly as possible. The eligibility criteria for the FRS can be found within the Scheme Rules, published on Gov.UK. The Scheme is open to individuals who served in the UK Armed Forces and were dismissed or discharged due to their sexual orientation, or who experienced other forms of harm or disadvantage as a result of the historic Ban. Applicants must provide supporting evidence for assessment against the Rules. We recognise the importance of timeliness in delivering the FRS. While we are unable to provide a definitive timeline at this stage, we are committed to processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Evidence gathering remains the most complex and time-consuming part of the process, requiring information to be retrieved from a variety of sources, including historical records. This work must be conducted thoroughly to ensure fair and accurate outcomes for applicants and the responsible management of public funds. The design was informed by Fighting with Pride to ensure that the ‘most hurt’ were recognised appropriately and that timely payments were able to be made where evidence is most readily available. We continue to routinely engage with Fighting With Pride to ensure the voices of LGBT veterans are heard throughout the implementation of the Scheme and we take on their constructive feedback. This Government listened to the concerns of veterans and increased the overall budget by 50% to up to £75 million. The Scheme’s two-payment design ensures that a broad range of experiences can be recognised and that payments are proportionate to the impact of the Ban. The Ministry of Defence has assessed the £75 million budget as sufficient to meet the anticipated demand based on current estimates of eligible applicants.

What feedback he has received from LGBT veterans’ organisations on the implementation of the financial reparations scheme for LGBT veterans affected by the historic ban on homosexuality in the armed forces.

The LGBT Financial Recognition Scheme (FRS) continues to make progress with applications, with processing capacity expected to increase in the coming months. As of 23 June 2025, the FRS had made payments of £3.4 million to 69 applicants with life-limiting conditions or serious health concerns, with the first payments issued as planned within 15 weeks of the Scheme going live. We are now processing applications based on date received. The Independent Panel, responsible for reviewing and making fair and equitable determinations on applications, convened for its first sitting within days of their appointment on 13 May 2025, demonstrating a commitment to delivering the Scheme at pace. Further sittings have taken place since then, with several more sittings planned over the coming months. We are reviewing payment systems to ensure that once applications are approved, payments are issued promptly and efficiently. While processing times may vary depending on the complexity of individual cases, we aim to provide regular updates on progress and remain committed to delivering this important recognition fairly, responsibly, and as swiftly as possible. The eligibility criteria for the FRS can be found within the Scheme Rules, published on Gov.UK. The Scheme is open to individuals who served in the UK Armed Forces and were dismissed or discharged due to their sexual orientation, or who experienced other forms of harm or disadvantage as a result of the historic Ban. Applicants must provide supporting evidence for assessment against the Rules. We recognise the importance of timeliness in delivering the FRS. While we are unable to provide a definitive timeline at this stage, we are committed to processing applications as quickly and efficiently as possible. Evidence gathering remains the most complex and time-consuming part of the process, requiring information to be retrieved from a variety of sources, including historical records. This work must be conducted thoroughly to ensure fair and accurate outcomes for applicants and the responsible management of public funds. The design was informed by Fighting with Pride to ensure that the ‘most hurt’ were recognised appropriately and that timely payments were able to be made where evidence is most readily available. We continue to routinely engage with Fighting With Pride to ensure the voices of LGBT veterans are heard throughout the implementation of the Scheme and we take on their constructive feedback. This Government listened to the concerns of veterans and increased the overall budget by 50% to up to £75 million. The Scheme’s two-payment design ensures that a broad range of experiences can be recognised and that payments are proportionate to the impact of the Ban. The Ministry of Defence has assessed the £75 million budget as sufficient to meet the anticipated demand based on current estimates of eligible applicants.

Pursuant to the Answer of 23 June 2025 to Question 58068 on Employment: British National (Overseas), if her Department will make an assessment of the potential implications for its policies of the report by British Future entitled Working it Out: Hong Kongers, Employment and the Cost of Living, published on 29 October 2024.

As my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, said in the latest six-monthly Report, this government will continue to stand with the people of Hong Kong, strengthening the connections between our societies and remaining steadfast in commitment to the British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa route. The UK provides a welcoming home to Hong Kongers today and will continue to do so for Hong Kongers tomorrow. Government departments continue to work together in support of that objective. The BN(O) Welcome Programme continues to provide support to Hong Kongers in the UK, including through a network of 12 Welcome Hubs, helping BN(O)s understand and connect to services in their local area.

What discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on support for oil and gas workers in Scotland.

This Government recognises that oil and gas will continue to play a central role in the UK’s energy mix for decades to come. We recently published guidance on Scope 3 emissions in response to the Finch judgment, and soon we will publish our consultation response on the future of North Sea oil and gas licensing. Nonetheless, clean energy is our future, and many oil and gas workers have transferable skills for offshore renewable jobs. The Government’s commitment to investing in clean energy industries will ensure opportunities are created for oil and gas workers to thrive. Recently, we committed development funding to the Acorn carbon capture and storage project in Aberdeenshire, which, subject to business case, will prepare the project for delivery. Scotland Office Ministers remain in regular contact with DESNZ Ministers regarding this issue. We also continue to engage with a variety of stakeholders from across the energy sector, including oil and gas producers.

Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the UK–India Cultural Cooperation Agreement on economic growth in the UK.

The Programme of Cultural Cooperation, which the Secretary of State signed with her Indian counterpart, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture last month, creates opportunities for the UK’s cultural sectors to reach a market of over 1.4 billion people. The agreement enables institutional level partnerships and reduces bureaucratic barriers, and will boost cultural exchange. In the context of India’s ambitious push to develop world-class institutions and facilities, this will create new opportunities for cultural exports.Together with the DCMS Creative Industries Sector Plan and our new Free Trade Agreement, the Cooperation Agreement will cement the UK’s position as a global creative powerhouse. It will grow the potential for UK Creative Industries to export and create jobs across the UK.

What recent assessment his Department has made of barriers to (a) flexible working and (b) statutory parental leave provision in SMEs; and whether his Department plans to bring forward (i) legislative proposals and (ii) guidance to help tackle these barriers.

Guidance for businesses on supporting employee work-life balance through measures such as flexible working and parental leave can be found on gov.uk and the Help to Grow website. We are also publishing an SME Strategy Paper later this year, which will result in positive and practical support for SMEs across the UK. Paternity Leave and Parental Leave will become ‘day one’ rights through the Employment Rights Bill. We will continue to engage with business, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as these changes are implemented, and through the Government’s Review of the parental leave system.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the internet blackout in Gaza on (a) the delivery of humanitarian aid and (b) civilian protection.

The UK Government has not conducted or published a formal assessment of the impact of internet blackouts in Gaza. However, we are closely monitoring the situation and are aware of the significant challenges these blackouts pose, including their hindrance to aid coordination. They also limit civilians' access to emergency services and vital information, increasing their vulnerability. These impacts are considered as part of our ongoing engagement with humanitarian partners and in our broader analysis of the situation in Gaza. The UK continues to advocate for the protection of civilians and the restoration of essential services, including communications infrastructure.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to support creative exports through the UK–India Cultural Cooperation Agreement.

The Programme of Cultural Cooperation, which the Secretary of State signed with her Indian counterpart, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture last month, creates opportunities for the UK’s cultural sectors to reach a market of over 1.4 billion people. The agreement enables institutional level partnerships and reduces bureaucratic barriers, and will boost cultural exchange. In the context of India’s ambitious push to develop world-class institutions and facilities, this will create new opportunities for cultural exports.Together with the DCMS Creative Industries Sector Plan and our new Free Trade Agreement, the Cooperation Agreement will cement the UK’s position as a global creative powerhouse. It will grow the potential for UK Creative Industries to export and create jobs across the UK.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking through the Creative Foundations Fund to increase access to arts and culture across the UK.

The government understands that cultural infrastructure must be fit for the future and ensure everyone has access to high quality institutions in the places they call home. The new Creative Foundations Fund will invest £85 million to support arts and cultural organisations across England to resolve urgent issues with their estates. This will ensure their buildings and infrastructure will provide improved user experience for visitors and ensure they can be enjoyed by visitors for many more years to come.Guidance for the fund was published at the end of May and Arts Council England will be accepting Expressions of Interest from 30 June. With grants available from £100,000 and up to £10 million, this fund is a significant opportunity for organisations to address their capital needs.

Whether his Department plans to take steps to help support SMEs to implement (a) statutory parental leave and (b) flexible working policies.

Guidance for businesses on supporting employee work-life balance through measures such as flexible working and parental leave can be found on gov.uk and the Help to Grow website. We are also publishing an SME Strategy Paper later this year, which will result in positive and practical support for SMEs across the UK. Paternity Leave and Parental Leave will become ‘day one’ rights through the Employment Rights Bill. We will continue to engage with business, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as these changes are implemented, and through the Government’s Review of the parental leave system.

What steps his Department is taking to help increase awareness of statutory parental leave entitlements among small and medium-sized enterprises in Nottinghamshire.

Guidance for businesses on supporting employee work-life balance through measures such as flexible working and parental leave can be found on gov.uk and the Help to Grow website. We are also publishing an SME Strategy Paper later this year, which will result in positive and practical support for SMEs across the UK. Paternity Leave and Parental Leave will become ‘day one’ rights through the Employment Rights Bill. We will continue to engage with business, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as these changes are implemented, and through the Government’s Review of the parental leave system.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of recent Israeli military operations at and near aid distribution points in Gaza on the humanitarian situation.

The UK assesses that recent Israeli military operations near aid distribution points in Gaza have had a devastating impact on the humanitarian situation and risk further deterioration. We are appalled by repeated reports of mass civilian casualties, including near the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites. These incidents highlight the desperate need for aid and the dangers civilians face to feed their families. We have called for an immediate, independent investigation. We continue urging Israel to lift restrictions and allow trusted partners to deliver humanitarian assistance safely and at scale across Gaza.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) children with foetal valproate syndrome and (b) their families are represented in NHS reform.

The Government is committed to raising the healthiest generation of children ever. We are adopting a mission-based approach and will deliver this ambition through the Health and Opportunity Missions, and through the 10-Year Plan for the National Health Service.The Government is carefully considering the valuable work done by the Patient Safety Commissioner and the resulting Hughes Report, which set out options for redress for those harmed by valproate and pelvic mesh. This is a complex area of work, involving several Government departments, and it is important that we get this right. We will be providing an update to the Patient Safety Commissioner’s report at the earliest opportunity.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has considered introducing a farm business investment loan scheme with a subsidised interest rate; and if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of doing so on (a) resilience and (b) productivity in farming businesses facing (i) commercial and (ii) weather-related pressures.

Defra officials regularly engage with financial institutions providing farm lending, and we will continue to work to explore further opportunities to improve farmers' access to finance. This builds on the £110 million in farming grants announced earlier this year starting in 2025/6. These grants aim to support innovation and productivity investment within the farming sectors.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of export opportunities for UK-produced yoghurt following the signing of recent trade agreements.

The Department for Business and Trade recognises the importance of supporting UK dairy exports, including yoghurt. DBT works closely with industry partners such as the Dairy Export Taskforce and the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board to unlock global opportunities.We have agreed with the EU to deliver a Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement that will significantly reduce costs and paperwork for exporting dairy businesses. Under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, tariffs on UK yoghurt and a broader range of dairy exports to Chile are reduced from 6% to 0%, enhancing competitiveness.DBT helps businesses benefit from Free Trade Agreements through tailored guidance, sector insights, and direct exporter engagement. The Dairy Export Programme provides targeted support via export promotion, market intelligence, and in-market expertise.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of climate-related events in 2023–24 on the financial resilience of farm businesses; and whether he plans to provide additional support to assist recovery.

We know climate change presents challenges to the agricultural sector. The government is offering a New Deal for Farmers to help address this. We are providing farmers and land managers with the support needed to help restore nature, which is vital to safeguard our long-term food security and build resilience to climate change. In the recent spending review we committed to carrying on the transition towards paying to deliver public goods for the environment, with over £7 billion directed into nature’s recovery between 2026 and 2029. This includes environmental farming schemes (£5.9 billion), tree planting (£816 million) and peatland restoration (£85 million). To address the impacts of flooding on farmers and rural communities, we will be investing £4.2 billion over three years in flood defences across the country – an average of £1.4bn each year and a 5% increase compared to the current spending review period.

Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that the shared rural network is fully implemented in the Rushcliffe district council area by the end of 2025.

According to the latest information published by Ofcom, outdoor 4G coverage in Rushcliffe, from all four operators currently stands at 99% and coverage from at least one mobile network operator is almost 100%. Consequently, there will not be any further coverage improvements from the Shared Rural Network in Rushcliffe.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of exempting agricultural development from Biodiversity Net Gain requirements.

We are currently consulting on improving the implementation of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) for minor, medium and brownfield development. This includes a range of options looking at how threshold exemptions are used which will cover some agricultural developments.