Written questions by Shannon.

What guidance is provided to GPs on faith-sensitive medical care.

All United Kingdom registered doctors are expected to meet the professional standards set out in the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice. The standards cover personal beliefs and medical practice, and set out that in assessing a patient’s conditions and taking a history, doctors should take account of spiritual, religious, social, and cultural factors, as well as their clinical history and symptoms.The training curriculum for postgraduate trainee doctors is set by the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) and has to meet the standards set by the General Medical Council. The RCGP curriculum includes content on ‘demonstrating the holistic mindset of a generalist medical practitioner’, which covers spirituality and cultural factors.

How many asylum seekers have been resettled in Northern Ireland this year.

Northern Ireland is not a dispersal area and asylum seekers are therefore not routed between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Only those claiming asylum in Northern Ireland are accommodated there. Northern Ireland’s asylum population is, however, proportionate to its population when compared to the UK.Data on the number of supported asylum seekers in accommodation, including hotels, and by local authority can be found within the Asy_D11 tab for our most recent statistics release: Immigration system statistics data tables - GOV.UK

What steps she is taking to help tackle human trafficking in Northern Ireland.

The Home Office works closely with law enforcement agencies and prosecution services to strengthen the operational response to modern slavery and human trafficking, and identify any barriers to prosecution. However, under the devolution settlement for Northern Ireland, responsibility for the policy and legislative response to modern slavery and human trafficking, including policing and criminal justice, rests with the Government of Northern Ireland.The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) identification system operates UK-wide and the Home Office Competent Authorities identify victims of modern slavery for cases referred in Northern Ireland; the Northern Ireland Executive have voluntarily ‘opted in’ to this model.In terms of improving identification and decision-making for child victims, the devolved decision-making pilot launched in 2021. The pilot enables decisions about whether a child is a victim of modern slavery to be made by those involved in their care. It also ensures that decisions are closely aligned with the provision of local, needs-based support and any law enforcement response. The pilot has seen a range of benefits including reduced decision-making time, better local understanding of the NRM, modern slavery and exploitation, and improved multi-agency join-up. Following its recent expansion in 2025, it now covers 39 local authorities across England, Wales and Scotland, as well as all Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland.

Whether she is taking steps to help reduce classroom sizes in primary schools.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only. Measures are in place to limit and reduce class sizes, particularly for younger children. Legislation caps the size of an infant class at 30 pupils per qualified teacher. Infant classes are those in which most pupils turn five, six, or seven during the school year. Current data shows the average infant class size is 26.2 pupils, a decrease of 0.4 compared with the previous year.There is no statutory limit on class sizes for older children aged eight and above. Schools have the flexibility to organise these classes according to local needs and circumstances, ensuring pupils receive the support they need to achieve and thrive. The average primary class size, covering both infant and junior classes, is 26.4 pupils, down by 0.2 from last year.These trends, alongside the statutory infant class limit, demonstrate that current measures are helping to keep class sizes manageable in primary schools.

What steps are being taken to ensure that teachers receive training in safeguarding children.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.The initial teacher training (ITT) Criteria set out requirements for ITT courses leading to qualified teacher status. Course design must encompass all aspects of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework, including safeguarding duties; and accredited providers are required to ensure trainee teachers are aware of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KSCIE), guidance that schools and colleges must have regard to. KCSIE is clear that every school must have a designated safeguarding lead who takes lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection. In line with KCSIE, all staff should undergo safeguarding and child protection training (including online safety) at induction. Additionally, all staff should receive regular safeguarding and child protection updates, including online safety (e.g., via email, e-bulletins, staff meetings) as required, and at least annually, to continue to provide them with relevant skills and knowledge to safeguard children effectively.

What assessment he has made of the relevance of lessons from the war in Ukraine for addressing emerging security challenges in other regions, including the Middle East.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine on the sharing of knowledge, including insights about drones, missile threats and electronic warfare, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications of operational lessons from the war in Ukraine for UK defence procurement and capability development.

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of speed and technical innovation for UK defence procurement if we are to stay ahead of our adversaries. The Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy reflect these lessons, setting out plans to overhaul acquisition. Our new segmented approach to procurement, supported by accelerated commercial pathways, is designed to enable programmes to get to contract faster. Likewise, UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) is placing innovation at the heart of defence procurement. Backed by a ring-fenced budget, UKDI will ensure we are able to rapidly acquire the innovative technologies our Armed Forces need to keep pace with the changing nature of warfare.

What programmes his Department has established to incorporate lessons from the war in Ukraine into UK defence innovation.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2. Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

What discussions he has had with the Government of Ukraine on collaboration between government, universities and industry to support Ukraine’s long-term defence technological development.

On 17 March 2026, the UK and Ukraine signed an enhanced security and defence industrial declaration, which strengthens collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators. The UK has delivered seven successful trade missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine.

What support his Department provides to defence and technology companies in Northern Ireland seeking to collaborate with Ukrainian partners.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators, including companies based in Northern Ireland. The Ministry of Defence has placed contracts with Thales in 2022, 2024 and 2026 to supply Starstreak High Velocity Missiles (HVM) from remaining stocks and to develop new versions of the HVM. The Prime Minister additionally announced a £1.6 billion deal with Thales in March 2025, to supply over 5,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to Ukraine, supporting 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast. This was increased by a further 1,000 missiles following the agreement reached with Ukraine in February this year.

Whether lessons from the use of drones and autonomous systems in Ukraine are informing future UK equipment requirements.

The pace of Defence's 'learn and adapt' cycle has accelerated exponentially as a result of lessons learnt in Ukraine, and the Strategic Defence Review highlighted the importance of autonomous systems within the UK's integrated force.

What steps his Department is taking to support trade and industrial cooperation between British and Ukrainian defence and technology companies.

On 17 March 2026, the Prime Minister announced the Enhanced Security and Defence Industrial Collaboration Declaration between the UK and Ukraine. This declaration affirms our commitment to building a sustained defence industrial partnership that enhances industrial capacity while supporting the security of both nations. It is founded on the principles of innovation, resilience, and rapid adaptation to evolving security challenges. Cooperation may include establishing joint production lines, collaborative research and development, integrating defence supply chains, and large-scale production of defence systems and components. We are determined to strengthen our defence partnership, expand cooperation, and continue contributing to global security.

If he will make a statement on how lessons from Ukraine’s wartime innovation are informing UK defence policy.

The UK is learning extensively from Ukraine, particularly the need for a much faster 'learn and adapt' cycle and the ability to analyse real time data to drive rapid changes in capability and tactics though rapid innovation. This continues to inform UK Defence Policy alongside the Strategic Defence Review and the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. As such, we are strengthening collaboration between operators, scientists and industry to accelerate our innovation activity to satisfy Defence requirements.

What discussions he has had with NATO allies and regional partners on applying lessons from the war in Ukraine to defence innovation and security cooperation in other regions.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with NATO allies on the sharing of knowledge and insights about drone, missile threats, electronic warfare, innovation, and supply chains. The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work with allies in other regions, where the lessons from Ukraine can be applied.

What assessment he has made of the role that defence and advanced manufacturing companies in Northern Ireland could play in future UK-Ukraine defence cooperation.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators, including companies based in Northern Ireland. The Ministry of Defence has placed contracts with Thales in 2022, 2024 and 2026 to supply Starstreak High Velocity Missiles (HVM) from remaining stocks and to develop new versions of the HVM. The Prime Minister additionally announced a £1.6 billion deal with Thales in March 2025, to supply over 5,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to Ukraine, supporting 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast. This was increased by a further 1,000 missiles following the agreement reached with Ukraine in February this year.

What steps his Department is taking to support cooperation between British and Ukrainian defence industries in support of European and NATO security.

On 17 March 2026, the UK and Ukraine signed an enhanced security and defence industrial declaration, strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators and supporting wider security of the Euro-Atlantic region. The UK has delivered seven successful trade missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine. Last year, we announced the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement.

Which UK companies, universities or research institutions are participating in programmes designed to incorporate lessons from the war in Ukraine into defence innovation.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2. Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

How much funding has been allocated by his Department to programmes designed to incorporate lessons from the war in Ukraine into UK defence innovation since February 2022.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2. Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

What assessment he has made of the relevance to the UK defence innovation ecosystem of Ukraine’s approach to rapid defence innovation during the ongoing conflict.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2. Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

What steps his Department is taking with Ukraine and NATO allies to ensure that lessons from the war in Ukraine inform future cooperation on defence and security innovation.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2. Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.