Written questions by Naish.

Food and Rural Affairs, what plans he has to ensure that food producers are not undercut by imports produced to lower standards.

The Government shares the public’s high regard for the UK’s environmental protections, food standards and animal welfare. We recognise farmers’ concerns about imports produced using methods not permitted in the UK. We have been clear that we will use our Trade Strategy to promote the highest food production standards. We will protect farmers from being undercut by low welfare and low standards in trade deals.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent assessment he has made of the (a) capacity and (b) capability of the Animal and Plant Health Agency to respond to a major outbreak of exotic animal disease.

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) leads Government action on animal disease control and has outbreak response plans in place. These include measures to contract companies to support eradication and cover such matters as the deployment of non-Government vets and experts in culling and disposal. APHA also work closely with other agencies from within the Defra group to provide additional capacity. Response capabilities are kept under regular review and appropriate action initiated where additional operational support is required, including the potential to make a request for assistance under the military aid to the civil authorities (MACA) process. Additionally, to safeguard and enhance the internationally recognised position of the APHA Weybridge laboratory as a hub of scientific excellence for high-risk animal diseases, £208 million of funding for the next stage of the laboratory’s redevelopment up to 2026 has been approved.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether his Department has considered introducing a centrally-funded veterinary surveillance scheme to support early detection of animal disease.

Our existing animal health surveillance arrangements are robust and we monitor for new and emerging threats to our biosecurity through our Veterinary Risk Group (VRG) and the Human and Animal Infections Risk Surveillance (HAIRS) Group. We are not considering a new centrally funded veterinary surveillance scheme at this time, outside of those for specific diseases where reasons for government intervention have been identified. However, the scope of our veterinary surveillance schemes are kept under regular review by the United Kingdom Surveillance Forum (UKSF) Keepers, vets in practice and farmers have a crucial role in surveillance as the 'eyes and ears' of animal health and welfare, investigating herd and flock health and production problems on a daily basis across the country. The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) leads government action on animal disease. In addition to APHA’s work to monitor and respond to reports of notifiable disease in animals, APHA offers services to vets and animal keepers on behalf of Defra through a national network of Veterinary Investigation Centres (VICs), which can provide diagnostic tests, post-mortem examinations and advice from their resident veterinary investigation officers and through surveillance pathology partners, independent institutions which also offer subsidised post-mortem examinations.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions his Department has had with the Home Office on the impact of the Restoring control over the immigration system: white paper on British Nationals (Overseas) visa holders.

As the Foreign Secretary said in the latest 6-monthly Report, this Government remains steadfast in our commitment to the British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa route. The UK provides a welcoming home to Hong Kongers today and it will continue to do so for Hong Kongers tomorrow.Further details of all measures announced in the Immigration White Paper will be set out in the normal way in due course, and where necessary, will be subject to consultation. As with all matters, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is in close communication with the Home Office on how best to deliver the Government's objectives.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the Restoring control over the immigration system: white paper on the UK's foreign policy in relation to Hong Kong.

As the Foreign Secretary said in the latest 6-monthly Report, this Government remains steadfast in our commitment to the British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa route. The UK provides a welcoming home to Hong Kongers today and it will continue to do so for Hong Kongers tomorrow.Further details of all measures announced in the Immigration White Paper will be set out in the normal way in due course, and where necessary, will be subject to consultation. As with all matters, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is in close communication with the Home Office on how best to deliver the Government's objectives.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department had discussions with the Home Office on the development of the Restoring control over the immigration system: white paper; and what representations his Department has made since its publication on the potential impact of the white paper on British National (Overseas) visa holders.

As the Foreign Secretary said in the latest 6-monthly Report, this Government remains steadfast in our commitment to the British National (Overseas) (BN(O)) visa route. The UK provides a welcoming home to Hong Kongers today and it will continue to do so for Hong Kongers tomorrow.Further details of all measures announced in the Immigration White Paper will be set out in the normal way in due course, and where necessary, will be subject to consultation. As with all matters, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is in close communication with the Home Office on how best to deliver the Government's objectives.

Whether her Department provides funding for equestrian activities for children with special educational needs and disabilities.

The department provides funding for local authorities, schools and other education providers so that they can discharge their statutory duties relating to children with special educational needs and disabilities. It is for local authorities and schools to decide what provision to make available to support their education, and whether that support would include equestrian activities. The department does not collect information on the extent to which such activities are offered.

Media and Sport, whether the Government provides guidance to local authorities on the allocation of funding (a) across different sports, (b) for the provision for (i) SEND-inclusive and (ii) therapeutic sporting activities and (c) for equestrian-related activities.

We want everyone to be able to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of sport and physical activity. We recognise that there are barriers which prevent some people from taking part and we will continue to work with our arm's length bodies, Sport England and UK Sport, and sector partners to encourage sport bodies to make sport more accessible and inclusive.It is for each sport’s National Governing Body to decide on their own specific aims and appropriate initiatives to increase access and inclusion. British Equestrian launched its Horses for All strategy in December 2023.UK Sport has committed a total of £15.7 million in funding to British Equestrian for the Los Angeles 2028 cycle, including £12.1 million for Olympic disciplines and £3.6 million for Para-Equestrian Dressage. British Equestrian is also a system partner of Sport England, receiving £6,387,216 in funding between 2022 and 2027.As part of the Together Fund, Sport England also awarded British Equestrian £195,000 to support equestrian centres, community groups and targeted organisations to provide riding activities aimed at engaging lower socio-economic groups, people with long-term health conditions, culturally diverse communities, and disabled people.

Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with (a) Sport England and (b) UK Sport on access to equestrian activities for (i) underrepresented groups and (ii) young people with SEND.

We want everyone to be able to enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of sport and physical activity. We recognise that there are barriers which prevent some people from taking part and we will continue to work with our arm's length bodies, Sport England and UK Sport, and sector partners to encourage sport bodies to make sport more accessible and inclusive.It is for each sport’s National Governing Body to decide on their own specific aims and appropriate initiatives to increase access and inclusion. British Equestrian launched its Horses for All strategy in December 2023.UK Sport has committed a total of £15.7 million in funding to British Equestrian for the Los Angeles 2028 cycle, including £12.1 million for Olympic disciplines and £3.6 million for Para-Equestrian Dressage. British Equestrian is also a system partner of Sport England, receiving £6,387,216 in funding between 2022 and 2027.As part of the Together Fund, Sport England also awarded British Equestrian £195,000 to support equestrian centres, community groups and targeted organisations to provide riding activities aimed at engaging lower socio-economic groups, people with long-term health conditions, culturally diverse communities, and disabled people.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of enabling people to verify their (a) income and (b) identity online through secure access to their benefit data.

All claimants must answer security questions to confirm they are who they say they are, to protect their information and prevent fraud. When a claimant creates a UC account, they must complete security questions. When a claimant signs into their account, they will need to complete their security questions, answering exactly as they initially entered them.If the claimant phones us, we will ask them their security questions. The UC application process is different for each claimant, including those from remote and island communities. When applying for UC, a claimant must confirm their identity by using the on-line service, as part of the claim process. Where a claimant has not attempted online verification, or has attempted and failed, then they will be asked to attend a face-to-face interview (F2F). This is to ensure the claimant is who they say they are, and to prevent fraud. If a claimant is having a problem verifying their identity online and has not been able to do this, the Jobcentre will call and book an appointment to verify the claimant’s identity. Appointments may be by phone, or face-to-face in our Jobcentres.Further information about verifying identify can be found on Understanding Universal Credit - How to claim.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of enabling data sharing between her Department's systems.

Whenever DWP determines to share personal data from one system to another system, several legal and ethical constraints must be considered, especially under the UK General Data Protection Regulations (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018. To comply with UK GDPR principles, data can only be reused if the new purpose is compatible with the original one, there is a lawful basis, we are transparent with individuals about the new use, we only share what is necessary and we protect the data appropriately. DWP already shares personal data between some systems and has the freedom to undertake further internal sharing where it is compliant with regulations.

What steps her Department is taking to support the Government’s Open Data Agenda; and whether she plans to expand secure access to selected datasets for the purposes of reducing financial exclusion.

DWP promotes a culture of encouraging data sharing for public good whilst ensuring this is done in a secure, legal and ethical way. DWP requires both a lawful basis and legal power to share personal data. DWP already has over 1,300 live data shares with other government departments, agencies & public bodies. DWP also shares data with private companies where there is a need in support of the department’s priorities, for example, data sharing with utility companies to support reduced rates for DWP customers. These shares support operations, fraud & error, debt recovery, research & analysis and national statistics. Demand for DWP data is high, often because eligibility for a third party’s service is dependent on a citizen’s DWP benefit circumstances, for example, Warm Home Discount Scheme.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential (a) economic and (b) social impact of enabling Universal Credit recipients to share their benefit data with consent with regulated third parties.

Customers can choose to share their information with third parties, including Universal Credit statements. As a modern digital service Universal Credit is iterated all the time. We are always looking to make improvements to the design and build. Universal Credit undertake user research with customers and stakeholders to gain feedback on their experiences and suggestions for improvements. We always take into consideration the users of the service, including individual impacts as well as any wider implications which involve customers and their data.

If her Department will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the duration of the Ukrainian Visa scheme for Ukrainian national visa holders with children currently working towards GCSE or A Level qualifications in the UK.

The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened on 4 February 2025, enables Ukrainians who have been provided sanctuary here in the UK to apply for a further 18 months’ permission to remain. The scheme provides the same rights and entitlements to access work, benefits, healthcare and education as the other Ukraine schemes.We keep the Ukraine schemes under continuous review in line with the ongoing conflict and the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine. This is why the Ukraine Schemes remain temporary.The Home Office is mindful of the importance of continuity of education and my officials are exploring options so that more clarity can be provided.

What steps she is taking to ensure that autism is considered in delivery plans for the Get Britain Working White Paper, published on 26 November 2024.

A range of stakeholders have provided input and expertise to support policy development and delivery of the reforms outlined in the Get Britain Working White Paper. Our aim is to create an inclusive labour market in which everybody – including neurodivergent people – can participate and progress in work. We will do this by developing a new Jobs and Careers service, which will be accessible and inclusive for all users, and will provide personalised and tailored support to those looking to find or progress in work. It will also work in partnership with other local services, helping people to access the employment, health and skills support they need in their community. Additionally, the Keep Britain Working review is exploring how employers can support healthy and inclusive workplaces. Findings from the initial discovery phase were published in March, and now the review Chair and team are engaging with a range of stakeholders to discuss the problems and how they can be addressed. Finally, we have launched an independent panel of academics with expertise and experiences of neurodiversity to advise us on boosting neurodiversity awareness and inclusion at work. Many of the panel are diagnosed or identify as neurodivergent and/or have familial experience alongside their professional experience and expertise. Recommendations are expected to include employer actions that can support the inclusion of neurodivergent people, including in recruitment and day to day workplace practices.

What steps he is taking to support growth in domestic clean energy supply chains.

The Government’s upcoming Industrial Strategy will outline plans to boost high-potential sectors like Clean Energy, creating quality jobs. An initial £300 million via Great British Energy will accelerate offshore wind supply chains, attract private investment, and secure UK manufacturing. Up to £21.7 billion over 25 years has been made available for the first carbon capture projects, which are expected to support 4,000 direct jobs and up to 50,000 as the sector matures into the 2030s. The Solar Roadmap will soon outline steps for resilient solar supply chains. Government also continues to strengthen the nuclear supply chain in partnership with industry.

What steps he is taking to align UK oil and gas production with climate targets.

The UK is committed to transitioning away from fossil fuels and meeting global climate targets. The Government supports action on decarbonising oil and gas production and has already consulted on revised environmental guidance to take into account emissions from burning extracted oil and gas. We will respond to this consultation in due course and developers will be able to apply for consents under this revised regime. The Government has also consulted on its commitment to not issue new oil and gas licences to explore new fields and will publish a response setting out our next steps in due course.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled Almost million more pupils get access to mental health support, published on 16 May 2025, whether the mental health support measures for young people will apply up to the age of 18.

Mental health support teams cover school pupils and further education learners, including those up to the age of 18 years old.They work directly with school and college staff, alongside National Health Services, to provide professional advice, easing the pressure on school staff and allowing them to help young people get the right support and stay in education.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has considered bringing forward legislative proposals that are similar to the Hong Kong Judicial Sanctions Act.

The UK has called for the Beijing-imposed National Security Law in Hong Kong to be repealed and for an end to the prosecution of all individuals charged under it.It is not appropriate to speculate on future legislative proposals or potential future sanctions, as to do so could reduce their impact, but we keep our sanctions powers, regimes, designations and measures under review.

If she will commit to keeping the BN(O) visa route open to new applicants at least until the Chinese government enters a state of full compliance with the Sino-British Joint Declaration.

The Government is committed to supporting members of the Hong Kong community who have relocated to the UK and those who may come here in future. We keep all aspects of the immigration system under review, in consultation with a wide range of experts and stakeholders.