Written questions by Shannon.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of recent reports that energy bills are forecast to rise from April 2025.

Energy bills are forecast to rise for the period 1 April to 30 June 2025 due to an increase in international gas prices.The Government believes the only way to protect consumers permanently is to speed up the transition towards homegrown clean energy. The creation of Great British Energy will help us to harness clean energy and have less reliance on volatile international energy markets and help in our commitment to make Britain a clean energy superpower by 2030.We continue to monitor energy prices and the price cap and are working to ensure bills are affordable for consumers in the long-term, including through our work with Ofgem to reform standing charges, and through our Warm Homes Plan which will upgrade millions of homes to make them warmer and cheaper to run.

What assessment she has made of trends in the level of housing poverty.

Poverty statistics are published on both a before housing costs and after housing costs basis. An assessment can therefore be made on the impact of housing costs on poverty over time. Statistics on the number of individuals living in absolute and relative poverty in the UK are published annually in the “Households Below Average Income” publication at Households below average income: for financial years ending 1995 to 2023 - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)(opens in a new tab). The latest available data can also be found on Stat-Xplore: https://stat-xplore.dwp.gov.uk/. The latest statistics published on 21 March 2024 are for the financial period 2022/23.

Innovation and Technology, how many people are currently employed in the AI technology sector across the UK.

We are committed to building an AI sector that can scale and win globally, ensuring AI companies want to call the UK home. Our 2024 AI Sector Study found that the UK AI sector employs over 64,000 people in the UK, up from just over 50,000 people in 2022, an increase of 29%.

Whether she has had recent discussions with the Minister of Infrastructure in the Northern Ireland Executive on improving the (a) frequency and (b) accessibility of (i) domestic and (ii) international flights from all Belfast airports.

I have not had recent discussions about Belfast Airports specifically.  However, the question of whether to operate an air service is a commercial matter for industry.  To maximise airlines’ and airports’ commercial and operational flexibility when making such decisions, my officials negotiate international treaties - “Air Services Agreements” – that ensure a wide range of options for operations from/to all UK airports. Furthermore, aviation must be accessible so that everyone can travel with dignity and ease. The Department launched the Aviation Accessibility Task and Finish Group in November 2024.  It brings together industry and consumer representatives, including from the Consumer Council of Northern Ireland, to identify practical and achievable actions to improve aviation accessibility.  The Group is engaging widely with industry across the UK.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the level of funding provided by her Department for transport infrastructure on business productivity in each of the last five years.

DfT's annual report and accounts which are published on gov.uk set out the Department's spending and an assessment of the Department's performance each year.

What discussions he has had with his counterparts in Northern Ireland on using AI technology for prostate cancer screening.

The Government follows the advice of the UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC). The UK NSC currently does not recommend screening for prostate cancer because the current best test is not accurate enough for use in asymptomatic men.We are aware of very early-stage trials into artificial intelligence in prostate cancer detection and we look forward to these trials reporting formally so that the evidence can be carefully considered.In the meantime, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has not had any conversations with his counterparts in Northern Ireland on this issue. Implementation of any UK NSC screening recommendation is a devolved matter.

What estimate she has made of the number of electric vehicle charging points in the UK.

As of 1 February 2025, the Government and industry have supported the installation of 74,234 publicly available charging devices (including 14,687 rapid charging devices) across the UK. More than 680,000 English households have access to a domestic charging device. Government workplace charging grants have supported the installation of over 1,400 chargepoint sockets in schools and 59,000 in other workplaces.

When the devolved nations will receive their redress payments for the infected blood scandal.

The Infected Blood Compensation Authority (IBCA) is a UK-wide body, established by the Victims and Prisoners Act to administer the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme to victims of the infected blood scandal across the UK. IBCA began making payments to people impacted by the infected blood scandal last year. As of 21 February, IBCA has invited 204 people to start their compensation claim, and 149 of those have started the claim process. 38 offers of compensation have been made, totalling over £48 million, and so far 22 people have accepted their offers with more than £25 million paid in compensation. IBCA are increasing the number of people invited to make their claim and help test the service, and they aim to reach around 250 claims by the end of March 2025.

Communities and Local Government, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the damage cause by Storm Eowyn to housing.

The revised National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024 sets out that the planning system should take full account of all climate impacts, including storm and flood risk. Planning should help to ensure that development minimises vulnerability and improves resilience to the effects of climate change. The Framework sets out overarching policy on flood risk from all sources. It states that inappropriate development in areas at risk of flooding, whether an existing or a potential future risk, should be avoided. Where no alternative sites are available, permission should only be granted where it can be demonstrated that it will be safe for its lifetime taking account of the vulnerability of its users, without increasing flood risk elsewhere, and, where possible, will reduce flood risk overall.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the condition of the water in the River Thames.

Cleaning up England’s rivers, lakes and seas is a priority for the Government. The Government has taken immediate and substantial action to address the performance of water companies who are not delivering for the environment or their customers. Significant steps are being taken to address pollution through the Water (Special Measures) Act and record investment in PR24 to enhance infrastructure, and ensure clean and sustainable water resources for future generations. As part of Price Review 24 (PR24), Thames Water will undertake a significant investment programme to improve the environment over the 2025-30 period. These investments include: £784 million to reduce the use of storm overflows and £1.2 billion to prevent nutrient pollution. At the beginning of February, the Thames Tideway Tunnel (TTT) was fully activated and is now diverting sewage flows away from the river. The TTT was the final part of the London Tideway Tunnel system which will help reduce the volume of discharges by around 95%, leaving behind a cleaner, healthier Thames. On 13 March, the Mayor of London announced plans for investment to clean up London’s rivers. The Mayor, Transport for London, Thames Tideway, London Wildlife Trust, and Thames Water announced an injection of over £1.8 billion across the next five years to protect and improve river health in London. The plans include £7 million to prevent road run-off pollution from entering waterways and help reduce flood risk.

If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the number and proportion of military personnel who are female.

Our thoughts remain with Gunner Jaysley-Louise Beck’s loved ones at this difficult time. Jaysley was a young and promising soldier who should have had the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and safe environment. Her death in December 2021 was and still is a tragedy, and we are deeply sorry for the failure to protect her. There is no place for any abuse within the military. I am deeply troubled that women in the Armed Forces continue to be subject to unacceptable behaviours during their service in the Armed Forces. Our Armed Forces personnel play a vital role in protecting the nation, and we are committed to making changes that create a more inclusive environment and enable cultural reform. The Service Chiefs fully endorse and support this work. A range of substantive measures – many already introduced – will help to build a safer, more inclusive environment for them and ensure that their concerns are listened to and swift appropriate action is taken. These measures include robust policies with powerful sanctions which tackle bullying, harassment and discrimination, including zero-tolerance policies on unacceptable sexual behaviour, sexual offences and sexual relationships between instructors and trainees, sexual exploitation, and abuse. This Government is also establishing an Armed Forces Commissioner as a new independent champion with the power to investigate issues raised by Service personnel and their families. To protect our people, we established the Defence Serious Crime Unit (DSCU) in 2022 and the Victim and Witness Care Unit (VWCU) in 2023. Anyone who has been a victim of serious crime in the Defence community can contact the DSCU who operate a Public Protection Unit with officers trained to handle serious sexual offences, ensuring victims are safeguarded, supported, and referred to support organisations. The VWCU provides an independent, single point of contact for victims and witnesses of serious crimes committed by Service personnel in the UK and overseas; it puts victims and witnesses at the heart of the investigative process, providing a specialist end-to-end service, from initial contact through to court and beyond. We encourage anyone who feels they are the victim of a crime to come forward and report it, calling the Service Police on 02392 285 180 (24/7) or through their confidential crime line on 0800 085 0658. Crimestoppers can also be contacted to anonymously report a crime or suspicious behaviour by phone 0800 555 111 or online: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ Additionally, anyone wanting to discuss victim support can contact the VWCU, which operates independently from the single Service Chain of Command, on 07974 074259 or via email people-dscc-vwcugroup@mod.gov.uk. Any information provided to the VWCU will be treated in confidence and individuals can discuss their options for reporting any allegations.

How many complaints have been received by the NHS England in the last 12 months for which the latest data is available.

NHS England has received 275 complaints in the 12-month period from 1 February 2024 to 31 January 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made as assessment of the potential impact of RNA pesticides on the bee population.

Defra has not made an assessment of the potential impact of RNA pesticides on the bee population. At present, there are no RNA interference plant protection products (PPPs) authorised for use in GB. Should anyone wish to market an RNA interference PPP for professional use in GB, they must first submit an application to the independent regulator, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), who would complete a thorough risk assessment before making a decision on authorisation. Any application would need to meet the data requirements outlined in GB’s PPP regulations (more information can be found on HSE’s website: Data Requirements Introduction and Index). All active substances and commercial products must show no unacceptable effects on people or wildlife. This includes an evaluation of the effect on bees; if this is failed, then no authorisation is given.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu on freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria.

The UK Government proactively raises cases where blasphemy legislation has been used to restrict human rights with the Nigerian authorities and opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, including in the case of Yahaya Sharif-Aminu. We will continue to raise Mr Sharif-Aminu's case as he appeals his sentence. Dialogue on human rights, including Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), is a vital part of the UK's partnership with Nigeria. The right of individuals to express their beliefs or non-belief is essential to a free and open society.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his German counterpart on the current investigation into allegations that Riol Chemie GmbH supplied toxic chemicals to Russia.

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs has not had discussions with his German counterpart regarding their investigation into the German company Riol-Chemie GmbH for suppling toxic chemicals to Russia. We work closely with our allies and the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons to prevent the proliferation and deter the use of chemical weapons. On 8 October 2024, the UK announced sanctions on Russia's Radiological, Chemical and Biological Defence Troops, its commander Igor Kirillov, and two of its subordinate laboratories for their involvement in the use of chemical weapons in Ukraine. We will continue to work with our partners to uphold and protect the Chemical Weapons Convention's ban on the development, production, transfer or use of chemical weapons.

What steps she is taking to support people claiming (a) Jobseekers Allowance, (b) Employment and Support Allowance and (c) Universal Credit to find employment.

This Government is committed to achieving an 80% employment rate by implementing a locally led system of work, skills and health support for all who are economically inactive by bringing together existing locally delivered employment support into a single, coherent offer that is part of local growth plans. Backed by £240m funding, the Get Britain Working White Paper focuses on building a thriving labour market, reducing economic inactivity, and increasing the number of people in work. Key proposals include:Creating a new jobs and careers service by merging Jobcentre Plus with the National Careers Service in England to support more people into work and help them progress in their careers.Introducing a Youth Guarantee for all 18-21 year olds in England, ensuring they have access to education, training, or help to find work.Developing local Get Britain Working plans to tackle economic inactivity at a local level, led by Mayors and local areas.Launching the Keep Britain Working review, an independent review into the role of UK employers in reducing health-related inactivity and promoting healthy and inclusive workplaces.Reforming health and disability benefits to support people who can work to remain in or start employment.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the spread of respiratory syncytial virus on hospital capacity.

Through the Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Watch programme, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) undertakes surveillance of hospitalisation rates in different age groups for confirmed cases of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in England. These rates are published weekly through the winter.The UKHSA also undertakes monitoring and evaluation of immunisation programmes, including the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing hospital admissions. Monitoring and evaluation work has begun for the new RSV programmes which launched in September 2024 to protect infants through maternal vaccination and for the direct protection of older adults. Findings will be published in due course.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of flight delays at Heathrow Airport on the economy in the last 12 months.

Delays at airports can impact passengers, airlines, airports and the environment. They can cause inconvenience to passengers and productivity impacts for business travellers. UK aviation operates in the private sector. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the sector to manage demand, ensuring appropriate contingency plans to minimise any potential disruption and put the consumer first. The information requested regarding the potential impact of flight delays at Heathrow Airport on the economy is not held centrally, and there are no current plans to make an estimate.

What assessment he has made of the contribution of the devolved Administrations to meeting the UK's net zero target.

The Net Zero, Energy and Climate Change Interministerial Group (IMG) supports the UK's net zero targets by coordinating engagement and promoting collaboration between UK and devolved governments. The devolved governments have significantly contributed through initiatives in renewable energy and sustainability. The next IMG meeting, chaired by NI Ministers, will be on 6 March in Belfast.

What steps she is taking to tackle ageism.

Age discrimination that cannot be objectively justified is unacceptable and unlawful across a range of fields under the Equality Act 2010 and similar legislation (on employment) in Northern Ireland. The strong protections in the 2010 Act enable older people to challenge such behaviour and ultimately seek redress in the courts or, where relevant, at an employment tribunal. More widely, the Government's £240 million Get Britain Working package will improve support for people, including older people, who are economically inactive, unemployed or want to develop their careers. The Department for Work and Pensions currently offers employment support through Jobcentres and tailored one-to-one support for eligible over 50s on Universal Credit, as well as 'Midlife MOT' reviews to help older workers to review their health, finances and skills to prevent poverty in later life.