Written questions by Kirkham.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he has taken to advocate for the protection of children in armed conflict in (a) the Occupied Palestinian Territories, (b) the Democratic Republic of the Congo, (c) Haiti, (d) Somalia and (e) Nigeria.

The UN Secretary-General's 2025 report on children and armed conflict highlights a shocking 25 per cent increase in grave violations against children. The UK statement at the UN Security Council open debate on 25 June called on all parties to armed conflict to immediately end and prevent grave violations against children. It also called on Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law to protect children.The UK is an active and committed member of the UN Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, playing a key role ensuring scrutiny of conflicts where children are harmed and holding perpetrators to account.We have raised child protection issues and concerns with the governments of Israel, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti and Somalia. In Nigeria, we are working with partners on the ground to protect children, focusing on girls, explosive weapons and the recruitment and use and detention of children.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes in funding for the BBC World Service on the UK's soft power.

The Government highly values the BBC World Service, which makes a significant contribution to UK soft power. According to a 2025 survey conducted for the BBC by the independent polling company, Tapestry, the BBC is a leader in driving favourable impressions of the UK and is the country's most recognised cultural export internationally. Decisions have not yet been made on future funding. World Service Grant-in-Aid funding for the next three years will be decided by Ministers through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office allocations process in the autumn.

Food and Rural Affairs, how he plans to work with international partners to support lower-income countries in meeting Global Plastics Treaty obligations.

We recognise the importance of mobilising support for countries most in need to implement the agreement and that this is an essential element for an effective treaty to end plastic pollution. The Government supports the use of the Global Environment Facility to support the implementation of the treaty – this will avoid further fragmentation of the environmental financial architecture and to allow for synergies with funding for the related challenges of climate and nature. The UK has supported developing countries to attend the negotiations and regional consultation meetings, including through a £200,000 uplift ahead of INC-5.2, bringing the total of UK support for the treaty process to £2.2 million. The UK is also the largest donor (£20.5 million) to the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), which bring together governments, businesses, and civil society to tackle plastic pollution and increase investment in the circular economy in ODA-eligible countries. Members across GPAP’s networks have committed a total US$2.9 billion to plastic pollution initiatives as of March 2024.

What assessment she has made of trends in the level of cases awaiting trial at Truro Crown Court in the last 12 months.

This Government inherited a record and rising courts backlog. We have funded a record-high allocation of Crown Court sitting days – 110,000 days this financial year, 4,000 more than the previous Government – to tackle the outstanding caseload.However, the scale of the challenge is beyond what increasing sitting days alone can achieve.This is why we commissioned Sir Brian Leveson to undertake an Independent Review of the Criminal Courts to consider the merits of longer-term reform and the efficiency of processes in the criminal courts. We will carefully consider Sir Brian’s proposals in more detail before setting out the Government’s full response to the report in the autumn.At the end of March 2025 there were 373 open cases at Truro Crown Court. 328 of these were "for trial" cases, up from 191 the previous year.Truro continues to maximise the use of Crown Court estate to increase the number of cases sat. In June 2025 Crown Court appeals were heard at Truro magistrates’ court to reduce the appeal backlog, whilst also maintaining trials at Truro Crown Court.Further information regarding caseload trends can be found in the published statistics which can be found here: Criminal court statistics quarterly: January to March 2025 - GOV.UK

Food and Rural Affairs, whether the UK is taking steps to align its domestic circular economy strategy with the Global Plastics Treaty's likely obligations including (a) packaging reform and (b) waste reduction targets.

The Government has set its plan for providing the direction and certainty for businesses to plan and spearhead the nation’s transition to a truly circular and future-proof economy. The first six priority sectors that the Circular Economy Taskforce will focus on have been confirmed – with chemicals & plastics one of the six. Global action is critical for our domestic and international ambitions which is why at inc 5.2, we will continue to push for ambitious measures across the whole lifecycle of the treaty. After negotiations conclude we will reflect on what this means for our domestic policy to ensure the UK continues to show leadership domestically and on the international stage.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to tackle the health risks posed by (a) microplastics and (b) plastic-related toxins to (i) people and (ii) ecosystems.

Under the 2022/23 UK REACH Work Programme, Defra initiated a research proposal to investigate the risks of intentionally added microplastics. The evidence project has reviewed their emissions, and the risks they pose both to human health and the environment. It also included a socio-economic assessment. Defra published this report on 12 May 2025. Defra and the Welsh and Scottish Governments are considering its findings. The Environment Agency (EA) has identified areas of key research that will assist policymakers in developing targeted, proportionate, and effective interventions to minimise the impacts of microplastics on the environment. The EA continues to support the water industry and National Highways with microplastics investigations and options appraisal for minimising microplastics releases from infrastructure. Additional collaboration with academia ensures understanding of environmental risk and regulatory development is informed by strong scientific evidence.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on funding for the (a) BBC World Service and (b) British Council for 2026-7.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) Ministers regularly engage with ministerial colleagues on matters affecting their Departments and issues of mutual interest. I lead on soft power within the FCDO and I am in regular contact with my Department for Culture, Media and Sport counterpart on this important issue.

When the number of sitting days at Truro Crown Court will be increased.

This Government inherited a record and rising courts backlog. We have funded a record-high allocation of Crown Court sitting days – 110,000 days this financial year, 4,000 more than the previous Government – to tackle the outstanding caseload.As part of our commitment to bearing down on the caseload we have increased magistrates’ court sentencing powers from 6 months to 12 months’ imprisonment for a single triable-either way offence. This will free up capacity in the Crown Court, ensuring it is reserved for the more serious and complex cases.However, the scale of the challenge is beyond what increasing sitting days alone can achieve.This is why we commissioned Sir Brian Leveson to undertake an Independent Review of the Criminal Courts to consider the merits of longer-term reform and the efficiency of processes in the criminal courts. We will carefully consider Sir Brian’s proposals in more detail before setting out the Government’s full response to the report in the autumn.Over the past two years, Truro Crown Court has experienced a significant increase in receipts, rising by 56% (from 477 to 746 cases), a figure that surpasses the 28% increase seen in England and Wales. This growth reflects the increasing demand on the judicial system in the region.Truro continues to maximise the use of Crown Court estate to increase the number of cases sat. In June 2025, Crown Court appeals were heard at Truro magistrates’ court to reduce the appeal backlog, whilst also maintaining trials at Truro Crown Court.

What steps she is taking to reduce the backlog of cases at Truro Crown Court.

This Government inherited a record and rising courts backlog. We have funded a record-high allocation of Crown Court sitting days – 110,000 days this financial year, 4,000 more than the previous Government – to tackle the outstanding caseload.As part of our commitment to bearing down on the caseload we have increased magistrates’ court sentencing powers from 6 months to 12 months’ imprisonment for a single triable-either way offence. This will free up capacity in the Crown Court, ensuring it is reserved for the more serious and complex cases.However, the scale of the challenge is beyond what increasing sitting days alone can achieve.This is why we commissioned Sir Brian Leveson to undertake an Independent Review of the Criminal Courts to consider the merits of longer-term reform and the efficiency of processes in the criminal courts. We will carefully consider Sir Brian’s proposals in more detail before setting out the Government’s full response to the report in the autumn.Over the past two years, Truro Crown Court has experienced a significant increase in receipts, rising by 56% (from 477 to 746 cases), a figure that surpasses the 28% increase seen in England and Wales. This growth reflects the increasing demand on the judicial system in the region.Truro continues to maximise the use of Crown Court estate to increase the number of cases sat. In June 2025, Crown Court appeals were heard at Truro magistrates’ court to reduce the appeal backlog, whilst also maintaining trials at Truro Crown Court.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of outsourced forensics contracts.

There has always been a mixed model of forensic provision in England and Wales, with some work done in-house by police forces and some contracted to the commercial sector.Police and Crime Commissioners and Chief Constables are responsible for procuring forensic services from the commercial sector should they choose to do so.However, the Home Secretary acknowledged in November last year that forensic science had been held back by uncoordinated funding and fragmented governance. This is why we will be consulting on plans to create a National Centre of Policing, including forensics as a national capability, to bring together crucial support services that local police forces can draw upon, to raise standards, and improve efficiency.

What contract management procedures are in place for prisoner escort contracts.

The contracts for supply of services to the Prisoner Escort and Custody Service (PECS), which is part of HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), are overseen by a specialist team, which monitors supplier performance against contractual obligations, works closely with suppliers to address any issues, and applies appropriate commercial levers and financial remedies should this be necessary. It reports quarterly to Ministers.In addition to initiatives to improve outcomes at a local level, HMPPS collaborates with criminal justice partners through the Strategic Partnership Board. The board includes representatives from His Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service, the police, and PECS suppliers. Its core objective is to ensure that prisoners are delivered to court on time, and that courts are prepared for their arrival, supporting a timely start to the court’s business day.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if his Department will publish a cross-government strategy on children and armed conflict.

The latest UN Secretary General's report on Children and Armed Conflict is shocking. It shows that children are being harmed and denied lifesaving aid on an unprecedented scale.In the UN Security Council, the UK has called on all parties to armed conflict to immediately end and prevent grave violations against children, and for perpetrators to be held to account. The UK also remains committed to promoting and defending the UN's Children and Armed Conflict mandate.The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO) is currently reviewing our approach to children in conflict.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the number of children in administrative detention in the Occupied Palestinian Territories; and what diplomatic steps his Department is taking to advocate for their release.

The Government is concerned about Israel's extensive use of administrative detention which, according to international law, should be used only when security makes this absolutely necessary. Israeli authorities must either charge or release detainees. UK officials regularly engage with groups supporting children in the Occupied Palestinian Territories to understand the impact of administrative detention and prison conditions on children.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of extending the intervals between cervical screenings on instances of cervical cancer.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave to the Hon. Member for Southport on 30 June 2025 to Question 60149.

What steps he is taking to increase rates of cervical screening amongst women from (a) deprived areas, (b) ethnic minority backgrounds and those with limited access to health education.

NHS England launched its first ever cervical cancer elimination creative campaign and communications toolkit for Cervical Screening Awareness Week, which took place between 16 and 24 June 2025. The campaign included digital resources that create a strong sense of shared responsibility and aim to increase awareness of the elimination goal, educate the public, and build confidence in cervical screening. In March 2025, NHS England published its Cervical cancer elimination plan by 2040 – plan for England, setting out how the National Health Service will improve equitable uptake and coverage across cervical screening to meet the goal to eliminate cervical cancer by 2040. NHS England will build on what is already working well to drive vaccination and screening uptake and coverage, focussing on five cross-cutting themes: increasing access; raising awareness; reducing inequalities; improving digital capabilities; and strengthening workforce capacity. Further information on the Cervical cancer elimination plan by 2040 – plan for England is available at the following link: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/cervical-cancer-elimination-by-2040-plan-for-england/ From early 2026, screening providers in the NHS Cervical Screening Programme in England will be able to offer human papillomavirus self-sampling kits to women if they have not attended their appointment for six months or more following routine invitation.Barriers to cervical screening for underserved communities and people who experience health inequalities must continue to be addressed. This will include identifying groups using national and local level data who may be at higher risk of developing cervical cancer, to inform national initiatives, such as tailored screening invitations, and support local service planning.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of a replacement to the Fruit and Vegetables Aid Scheme.

Legislation was introduced in July 2023 that prevents English Producer Organisations submitting new operational programmes and the extension of existing programmes that would end on or after 1 January 2026. This effectively closed the scheme in England.Our approach to future funding for horticulture will be considered alongside Defra’s work to simplify and rationalise agricultural grant funding, ensuring that grants deliver the most benefit for food security and nature, and we are going further to develop a 25-year farming roadmap to make the sector more profitable in the decades to come. Horticulture will also be considered within our new food strategy, to develop a food system that unlocks the food sector’s economic potential, strengthens food security, tackles obesity so we can give our children the best start in life, and protects our planet for future generations.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to (a) support and (b) incentivise the adoption of (i) lower impact and (ii) highly selective fishing methods in UK waters; and whether he plans to reform the gear approval process to reduce barriers to innovation.

We strongly support the use of gear that is more selective and which lowers the environmental impacts. We have been promoting this through a number of routes, including fisheries funding, measures introduced through annual consultations and negotiations with the EU and other coastal states, and through our Fisheries Management Plan programme. The Seafish Industry Authority (“Seafish”) are currently looking at how to overcome barriers to the adoption of new gear. In order to achieve maximum conservation benefits, and to be in line with international best practice, it is crucial that any approval processes are robust and are based on the best available scientific evidence.

If he will bring forward his planned timeline for consulting on the future of the Renewables Obligation Certificate scheme.

A number of generating stations under the Renewables Obligation scheme come to the end of their support in 2027. The Government is aware that may affect their commercial viability. We are assessing the impact that the end of support will have on security of supply, clean power 2030 and the environment. No decisions have been made on future support.

How many people in prison convicted under joint enterprise law have autism.

The Ministry of Justice does not collect centrally information on whether a person in prison has autism, or whether their conviction related to joint enterprise.

When the proposed increase to the standard qualifying period for settlement to ten years will come into force.

We will be consulting on the earned settlement scheme later this year and further details on the proposed scheme will be provided at that time.