Written questions by Morris.

What conversations the Department is having with relevant stakeholders in Northumberland regarding steps to reduce rural crime.

Rural crime can have devastating consequences for countryside communities and the agricultural sector. Through our Safer Streets Mission, we are protecting rural communities, with tougher measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, strengthened neighbourhood policing and stronger measures to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping.Our engagement with rural areas is through the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) which is why we are working closely with them to deliver the Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy. This joined up approach between government and policing will help ensure we are tackling rural crimes such as the theft of high value farm equipment and livestock.Rural communities will also benefit from more local visible policing through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with more officers helping to tackle crimes like anti-social behaviour and county lines which can have a devastating impact on rural life. Under the Guarantee, each community, including rural communities, will have a named, contactable officer to turn to.The Crime and Policing Bill will introduce a new power for the police to enter and search premises to which items have been electronically tracked by GPS or other means, where the items are reasonably believed to have been stolen and are on those premises, and where it has not been reasonably practicable to obtain a warrant from a court. This will provide a valuable tool for police in tackling stolen equipment and machinery.We are also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 and fully support its aims to tackle the theft and resale of ATVs, quad bikes and GPS systems. We will bring the necessary secondary legislation when parliamentary time allows.This financial year the Home Office has provided the first Government funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit (£365,000) as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit (£450,000). The National Rural Crime Unit assists all police forces, including Northumbria, in tackling rural crime.

What conversations the Department is having with relevant stakeholders in the North East regarding steps to reduce rural crime.

Rural crime can have devastating consequences for countryside communities and the agricultural sector. Through our Safer Streets Mission, we are protecting rural communities, with tougher measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, strengthened neighbourhood policing and stronger measures to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping.Our engagement with rural areas is through the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) which is why we are working closely with them to deliver the Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy. This joined up approach between government and policing will help ensure we are tackling rural crimes such as the theft of high value farm equipment and livestock.Rural communities will also benefit from more local visible policing through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with more officers helping to tackle crimes like anti-social behaviour and county lines which can have a devastating impact on rural life. Under the Guarantee, each community, including rural communities, will have a named, contactable officer to turn to.The Crime and Policing Bill will introduce a new power for the police to enter and search premises to which items have been electronically tracked by GPS or other means, where the items are reasonably believed to have been stolen and are on those premises, and where it has not been reasonably practicable to obtain a warrant from a court. This will provide a valuable tool for police in tackling stolen equipment and machinery.We are also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 and fully support its aims to tackle the theft and resale of ATVs, quad bikes and GPS systems. We will bring the necessary secondary legislation when parliamentary time allows.This financial year the Home Office has provided the first Government funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit (£365,000) as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit (£450,000). The National Rural Crime Unit assists all police forces, including Northumbria, in tackling rural crime.

What conversations the Department is having with relevant stakeholders in the North East regarding steps to reduce farm theft in rural areas.

Rural crime can have devastating consequences for countryside communities and the agricultural sector. Through our Safer Streets Mission, we are protecting rural communities, with tougher measures to clamp down on anti-social behaviour, strengthened neighbourhood policing and stronger measures to prevent farm theft and fly-tipping.Our engagement with rural areas is through the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) which is why we are working closely with them to deliver the Rural and Wildlife Crime Strategy. This joined up approach between government and policing will help ensure we are tackling rural crimes such as the theft of high value farm equipment and livestock.Rural communities will also benefit from more local visible policing through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, with more officers helping to tackle crimes like anti-social behaviour and county lines which can have a devastating impact on rural life. Under the Guarantee, each community, including rural communities, will have a named, contactable officer to turn to.The Crime and Policing Bill will introduce a new power for the police to enter and search premises to which items have been electronically tracked by GPS or other means, where the items are reasonably believed to have been stolen and are on those premises, and where it has not been reasonably practicable to obtain a warrant from a court. This will provide a valuable tool for police in tackling stolen equipment and machinery.We are also committed to implementing the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act 2023 and fully support its aims to tackle the theft and resale of ATVs, quad bikes and GPS systems. We will bring the necessary secondary legislation when parliamentary time allows.This financial year the Home Office has provided the first Government funding since 2023 for the National Rural Crime Unit (£365,000) as well as continuing funding for the National Wildlife Crime Unit (£450,000). The National Rural Crime Unit assists all police forces, including Northumbria, in tackling rural crime.

Innovation and Technology, what conversations the Department has had with relevant stakeholders regarding improving connectivity in hard-to-reach areas across the country as part of the Shared Rural Network.

The Department and its delivery partner Mova have engaged with relevant stakeholders across the country through frequent progress meetings targeted at key stakeholders from Wales, Scotland and England. Relevant stakeholders include the UK's mobile network operators, devolved governments, local authorities in rural areas, planning departments, statutory organisations, representative bodies, and key enabling stakeholders such as SSE. The Department regularly engages with MPs, MSPs and MSs on the progress of the programme through written updates and MP drop in events. Furthermore, the Department and Mova also regularly respond to enquiries from local stakeholders, including Councillors, and Parish and Community Councils.

What discussions the Department has had with relevant stakeholders in the Hexham constituency to ensure parents have accessible information regarding the available safeguarding for extracurricular activities.

The government is committed to safeguarding children across all education settings, including extracurricular providers outside the statutory education and childcare system, referred to as out-of-school settings (OOSS). Local authorities are legally responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare all children in their area, regardless of the education setting they attend.All OOSS have a legal duty of care to ensure the safety of children attending their settings. The department has published guidance for:Parents and careers – this outlines the safeguarding standards providers should have in place.Local authorities – to support them to meet their responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in their area.The ‘Early education and childcare’ guidance is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-education-and-childcare--2/early-education-and-childcare-effective-from-1-april-2025, and applies to:The duty on local authorities to secure sufficient childcare for parents to enable them to work or undertake education or training which could assist them to obtain work, including wraparound care (Part B).The provision of information, advice and assistance to parents (Part C).The provision of information, advice and training to childcare providers (Part D).Whilst the department believes most out-of-school settings offer enriching education in a safe environment, we want this to be true for all. That is why the government held a call for evidence regarding sector safeguarding practices and invited views on approaches for further strengthening safeguarding, including potential regulation. This closed on 21 September and analysis is ongoing. We will respond in due course.

What discussions the Department has had with relevant stakeholders in the North East to ensure parents have accessible information regarding the available safeguarding for extracurricular activities.

The government is committed to safeguarding children across all education settings, including extracurricular providers outside the statutory education and childcare system, referred to as out-of-school settings (OOSS). Local authorities are legally responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare all children in their area, regardless of the education setting they attend.All OOSS have a legal duty of care to ensure the safety of children attending their settings. The department has published guidance for:Parents and careers – this outlines the safeguarding standards providers should have in place.Local authorities – to support them to meet their responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in their area.The ‘Early education and childcare’ guidance is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-education-and-childcare--2/early-education-and-childcare-effective-from-1-april-2025, and applies to:The duty on local authorities to secure sufficient childcare for parents to enable them to work or undertake education or training which could assist them to obtain work, including wraparound care (Part B).The provision of information, advice and assistance to parents (Part C).The provision of information, advice and training to childcare providers (Part D).Whilst the department believes most out-of-school settings offer enriching education in a safe environment, we want this to be true for all. That is why the government held a call for evidence regarding sector safeguarding practices and invited views on approaches for further strengthening safeguarding, including potential regulation. This closed on 21 September and analysis is ongoing. We will respond in due course.

What discussions the Department has had with relevant stakeholders in Northumberland to ensure parents have accessible information regarding the available safeguarding for extracurricular activities.

The government is committed to safeguarding children across all education settings, including extracurricular providers outside the statutory education and childcare system, referred to as out-of-school settings (OOSS). Local authorities are legally responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare all children in their area, regardless of the education setting they attend.All OOSS have a legal duty of care to ensure the safety of children attending their settings. The department has published guidance for:Parents and careers – this outlines the safeguarding standards providers should have in place.Local authorities – to support them to meet their responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children in their area.The ‘Early education and childcare’ guidance is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/early-education-and-childcare--2/early-education-and-childcare-effective-from-1-april-2025, and applies to:The duty on local authorities to secure sufficient childcare for parents to enable them to work or undertake education or training which could assist them to obtain work, including wraparound care (Part B).The provision of information, advice and assistance to parents (Part C).The provision of information, advice and training to childcare providers (Part D).Whilst the department believes most out-of-school settings offer enriching education in a safe environment, we want this to be true for all. That is why the government held a call for evidence regarding sector safeguarding practices and invited views on approaches for further strengthening safeguarding, including potential regulation. This closed on 21 September and analysis is ongoing. We will respond in due course.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure food and drink producers in the North East can access government support for reducing trade barriers.

Our global network of 16 agrifood and drink attachés are breaking down market access barriers and creating new export opportunities, delivering benefits to businesses in Northumberland, the broader North East region and across the UK. So far this year we have pulled down 41 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth nearly £100 million to the British food and drink sector. We work closely with industry to identify and resolve barriers, taking into account value, sectoral priorities and importance to local economies. Together with market access secured through Free Trade Agreements, such as the recent agreement with India, this opens the door to British businesses to capitalise on strong global demand for British produce. Businesses in the North East can report a barrier directly through the online report a barrier service or via their trade association. There are a range of tools and support available for exporters through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk.

Food and Rural Affairs, what conversations her Department is having with relevant stakeholders in the North East to support local communities involvement in the management of tree planting.

Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund supports a range of work across these areas. This includes the Northumberland Woodland Creation Partnership, the North East Community Forest and Tees Community Forest. These partnerships engage and support communities, landowners and stakeholders to plant trees. They have proven successful and have good community involvement and engagement. In addition, the Forestry Commission provide support to these partnerships and carry out their own engagement.

Food and Rural Affairs, what conversations her Department is having with relevant stakeholders in Hexham constituency to support local communities involvement in the management of tree planting.

Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund supports a range of work across these areas. This includes the Northumberland Woodland Creation Partnership, the North East Community Forest and Tees Community Forest. These partnerships engage and support communities, landowners and stakeholders to plant trees. They have proven successful and have good community involvement and engagement. In addition, the Forestry Commission provide support to these partnerships and carry out their own engagement.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure food and drink producers in Northumberland can access government support for reducing trade barriers.

Our global network of 16 agrifood and drink attachés are breaking down market access barriers and creating new export opportunities, delivering benefits to businesses in Northumberland, the broader North East region and across the UK. So far this year we have pulled down 41 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth nearly £100 million to the British food and drink sector. We work closely with industry to identify and resolve barriers, taking into account value, sectoral priorities and importance to local economies. Together with market access secured through Free Trade Agreements, such as the recent agreement with India, this opens the door to British businesses to capitalise on strong global demand for British produce. Businesses in the North East can report a barrier directly through the online report a barrier service or via their trade association. There are a range of tools and support available for exporters through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk.

Communities and Local Government, what steps the Department is taking to reduce the number of families in temporary accommodation in Northumberland.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 86837 on 10 November 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what conversations her Department is having with relevant stakeholders in Northumberland to support local communities involvement in the management of tree planting.

Defra’s Nature for Climate Fund supports a range of work across these areas. This includes the Northumberland Woodland Creation Partnership, the North East Community Forest and Tees Community Forest. These partnerships engage and support communities, landowners and stakeholders to plant trees. They have proven successful and have good community involvement and engagement. In addition, the Forestry Commission provide support to these partnerships and carry out their own engagement.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to ensure food and drink producers in Hexham constituency can access government support for reducing trade barriers.

Our global network of 16 agrifood and drink attachés are breaking down market access barriers and creating new export opportunities, delivering benefits to businesses in Northumberland, the broader North East region and across the UK. So far this year we have pulled down 41 trade barriers, estimated by industry to be worth nearly £100 million to the British food and drink sector. We work closely with industry to identify and resolve barriers, taking into account value, sectoral priorities and importance to local economies. Together with market access secured through Free Trade Agreements, such as the recent agreement with India, this opens the door to British businesses to capitalise on strong global demand for British produce. Businesses in the North East can report a barrier directly through the online report a barrier service or via their trade association. There are a range of tools and support available for exporters through the Business Growth Service via business.gov.uk.

Communities and Local Government, what steps the Department is taking to reduce the number of families in temporary accommodation in the North East.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 86837 on 10 November 2025.

Communities and Local Government, what steps the Department is taking to reduce the number of families in temporary accommodation in the Hexham constituency.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 86837 on 10 November 2025.

What discussion her Department has had with relevant stakeholders in the North East on legislative changes to recognise that under 16s can be victims of domestic abuse.

Teenage relationship abuse can have devastating consequences, and we must never shy away from the reality of the harm it causes.We are carrying out a scoping review of the legal framework for domestic abuse, which includes reviewing whether the age limit in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 should be changed to capture adolescent relationships. Alongside this, we are considering every option to tackle abuse in teenage relationships, including prevention and support for victims.We have greatly appreciated the support and engagement of a wide range of stakeholders nationally, including in the North East, as we take forward the important work to tackle this harm which affects too many young people.The upcoming VAWG Strategy will have more detail on the steps we are taking to respond to teenage relationship abuse.The Minister has met with campaigners on this subject in the Hon. Friend’s constituency of Hexham.

What discussion his Department has had with relevant stakeholders in Hexham constituency on legislative changes to recognise that under 16s can be victims of domestic abuse.

This Government was elected with a landmark mission to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade. I regularly meet with my counterparts on this and we will publish our cross-government strategy as soon as possible.Responsibility for the definition of domestic abuse as set out in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 sits with the Home Secretary. Responsibility for reported incidents of violence against women and girls also sits with the Home Office.

What discussions his Department has had with relevant stakeholders in Northumberland on legislative changes to recognise that under 16s can be victims of domestic abuse.

This Government was elected with a landmark mission to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade. I regularly meet with my counterparts on this and we will publish our cross-government strategy as soon as possible.Responsibility for the definition of domestic abuse as set out in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 sits with the Home Secretary. Responsibility for reported incidents of violence against women and girls also sits with the Home Office.

What discussions his Department has had with relevant stakeholders in the North East on legislative changes to recognise that under 16s can be victims of domestic abuse.

This Government was elected with a landmark mission to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade. I regularly meet with my counterparts on this and we will publish our cross-government strategy as soon as possible.Responsibility for the definition of domestic abuse as set out in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 sits with the Home Secretary. Responsibility for reported incidents of violence against women and girls also sits with the Home Office.