Written questions by Cooper.

How much (a) her Department and (b) each of its Arm’s Length Bodies has spent on external public relations since 5 July 2024; and which firms that funding went to.

Public relations activity is a subset of communication spend. As such, this data is not held for the Office for Equality and Opportunity or the Social Mobility Commission. The Government Communication Service encourages the prioritisation of low and no cost public relations activities wherever possible.The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is an independent arm’s length body. Questions on their spend would need to be directed to the EHRC.It is recommended that all external communications support should be procured through approved government frameworks, with strict controls in place to ensure cost-effectiveness.

Food and Rural Affairs, if his Department will take steps to ensure that written text on all food packaging can be read by people with visual impairments.

The UK maintains high standards on the information that is provided on food labels, so that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy. The availability and accessibility of essential food information to all consumers is vitally important. It is already a requirement that food information must be easily visible, clearly legible and where appropriate indelible, in addition to there being a required minimum font size for mandatory information. We continue to assess other possibilities to ensure accessibility of food packaging information.

What guidance his Department has issued to the Government Property Agency on ensuring that accessible signs with (a) braille and (b) tactile symbols are available in all Government buildings.

As part of the GPA’s Government Workplace Design Guide and Inclusive Design Standards, we are committed to improving the standard of inclusive and accessible signage across our estate including the quality and availability of braille and tactile symbols. Our Inclusive Design Standards state signs should be clear, use simple and concise text, and include raised text, braille, and raised pictograms when appropriate.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 January 2025 to Question 20491 on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office: Media, which contractors were used for the spending on media training; which Ministers received the media training; and whether voice training was included as part of the training.

The contractor used for media training was Robert Taylor Communications Ltd. As Minister for Indo-Pacific at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development I received the media training. No voice training was conducted as part of the media training.

Pursuant to the Answer of 19 December 2024 to Question 20496 on Scotland Office: Media, which contractors were used for the spending on media training; and which Ministers received the training.

Media training in the Scotland Office has been provided by Morrison Media. Both the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State and I have received such training.

Pursuant to the Answer of 23 December 2024 to Question 20489 on Treasury: Media, which contractors were used for the spending on media training; and which Ministers received the media training.

The media training was provided by Freud Communications. The Ministers who received the training were the former Economic Secretary, the Exchequer Secretary and the Financial Secretary to the Treasury.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to support Ukraine's efforts to counter Russia's invasion.

The UK is in constant contact with our Allies to ensure a collective doubling down of support for Ukraine and pressure on Putin’s war machine. The Foreign Secretary spoke to President Zelenskyy on 18 December at a meeting of European leaders hosted by NATO Secretary General Rutte, and reiterated the UK’s unwavering commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. On the 10 January, the Foreign Secretary announced sanctions on two Russian oil giants, Gazprom Neft and PJSC Surgutneftegas, alongside the US. The UK has sanctioned 93 vessels in the Russian shadow fleet.

With reference to the oral contribution of the Leader of the House in response to the question from the hon. Member for Dumfries and Galloway of 14 November 2024, Official Report, column 935, when she plans to

In the Autumn Budget 2024, the Chancellor committed to move forward feasibility work on improvements to the A75 by providing up to £5 million to the Scottish Government in 2025-26. Initial work has been done by Transport Scotland to scope out possible opt...

How much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

The Scotland Office has spent £5,416.25 (excluding VAT) on media training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

How much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

The Northern Ireland Office has not incurred any spend on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

Innovation and Technology, how much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

The Department has spent no money on (a) media or (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

How much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

The Department carries out media training in-house and so did not spend any money on media or voice training for Ministers in this period.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, how much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

Since 5 July 2024, £1848 has been spent by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on media or voice training for junior Ministers.

How much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

The Department has not spent any money on either media or voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

Media and Sport, how much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

The department has not spent any expenses on media or voice training for ministers since 5 July 2024.

How much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

The Department has had no spend on media and voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

How much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

Since 5 July 2024, the Department has spent £9.7k on media training for members of the Ministerial team. No costs on voice training for Ministers have been incurred since the 5th July 2024.

How much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

There has been no spend on media or voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

How much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

The Department for Business and Trade has not spent anything on media and voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

Communities and Local Government, how much their Department spent on (a) media and (b) voice training for Ministers since 5 July 2024.

The department has not incurred any expenses on media or voice training for ministers since 5 July 2024.