Written questions by Whittingdale.

How many visas were issued to citizens of the Russian Federation to visit the UK in each of the last five years.

The Home Office publishes data on entry clearance visas by nationality and visa type in the Immigration system statistics publication. Data on visas issued are published in table ‘Vis_D02’ of the ‘detailed entry clearance dataset’. Information on how to use the dataset can be found in the ‘Notes’ page of the workbook. The latest data relates up to the end of March 2025.Information on future Home Office statistical release dates can be found in the ‘Research and statistics calendar’.

When she plans to hold roundtable discussions on the police's use of facial recognition technology; and who will attend the roundtable discussions.

Live facial technology is being used effectively by some police forces to identify suspects more quickly and accurately. Its use is governed by data protection, equality, and human rights legislation supplemented by specific policing guidance. However, I am aware of the concerns some have expressed about the lack of specific statutory provision for police use of the technology.At the Westminster Hall Debate on live facial recognition on 13 November, I was clear that the government wants to take time to think carefully about how much support the police may need from Government and Parliament to set and manage the rules for the use of this technology.I will also be listening to those with views on the legal framework and to the public in the coming months. This will include a series of roundtable meetings in December and January with regulators, civil society groups and industry.

Whether she plans to introduce legislation to govern the use of facial recognition technology by the police.

Live facial technology is being used effectively by some police forces to identify suspects more quickly and accurately. Its use is governed by data protection, equality, and human rights legislation supplemented by specific policing guidance. However, I am aware of the concerns some have expressed about the lack of specific statutory provision for police use of the technology.At the Westminster Hall Debate on live facial recognition on 13 November, I was clear that the government wants to take time to think carefully about how much support the police may need from Government and Parliament to set and manage the rules for the use of this technology.I will also be listening to those with views on the legal framework and to the public in the coming months. This will include a series of roundtable meetings in December and January with regulators, civil society groups and industry.

If she will repeal the Section 37 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 prohibiting police officers serving while off duty as on-call firefighters.

We have no current plans to repeal Section 37 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004.