Written questions by Trickett.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the break up of Spirit on the Northern Ireland economy.

The Government is working with the Northern Ireland Executive to help ensure the best outcome for Spirit Aerospace and all its skilled and hardworking staff.The Northern Ireland Office and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) are fully aware of the commercial discussions taking place about the potential acquisition of the Spirit business. DBT continues to be in contact with Spirit, Airbus, Boeing and other potential buyers and we want to see an outcome that includes a commitment to develop and grow the aerospace industry in Northern Ireland both directly and through the supply chain.

What steps she is taking to reduce trends in the level of sudden cardiac death amongst (a) school and (b) university aged young people.

In 2017, NHS England published a national service specification for inherited cardiac conditions (ICC), which defines the standards of care expected from organisations funded by NHS England. This specification covers young adults with previously undiagnos...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to make an assessment of Russia’s compliance with international humanitarian law in the context of it's military activity in Ukraine.

We are fully committed to holding Russian forces to account for any violations of international humanitarian law that have been committed in Ukraine. Established accountability mechanisms, including the International Criminal Court's investigations and Uk...

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a programme of routine ECG heart screening in schools and universities.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC) last reviewed screening for sudden cardiac death (SCD) in people under the age of 39 years old in 2019, and concluded that screening should not be offered. Further information on this review is available at the...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to make an assessment of Israel's compliance with international humanitarian law in the context of it's recent military activity in Syria.

We are monitoring the situation closely and continue to call on Israel to uphold their obligations to peace, stability, and security under international law. The Israeli government has stated that their presence in the Golan Heights buffer zone is defensi...

How much was spent on consultants across Government Departments in (a) 2023 and (b) 2024.

Consultancy spend across government is not centrally held and is held by each department. Cabinet Office spend on consultants is published in the Annual Reports and Accounts which are available on gov.uk.

How much his Department spent on consultants in (a) 2023 and (b) 2024.

Consultancy spend across government is not centrally held and is held by each department. Cabinet Office spend on consultants is published in the Annual Reports and Accounts which are available on gov.uk.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether the Government recognises the Golan Heights as Syrian territory.

Our position remains clear: The Golan Heights are occupied territory and we do not recognise Israel's annexation of them. We continue to call on Israel and all actors to uphold their obligations to peace, stability and security under international law.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of funding for local government.

We are taking immediate action to begin addressing the challenges facing local government by ensuring that funding goes to the places that need it most.At the Autumn Budget, we announced over £4 billion in additional funding for local government services,...

What estimate her Department has made of the cost to the public purse of disability benefits in (a) 2025 and (b) 2026.

Forecast expenditure on Disability benefits are only available by financial year, in 2025/26 they’re forecast to be £43.8 billion, and £46.4 billion in 2026-27. (Figures quoted in real terms based on 2024/25 prices). Disability benefits expenditure covers...

How much his Department has spent on consultants since 5 July 2024.

Information regarding expenditure on consultants for the period since 5 July 2024 for the core Department is unavailable, as it is currently unaudited. Fully audited figures for the year from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 will be available upon the public...

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information his Department holds on whether the Israeli Defence Force has committed a breach of international law in Gaza.

The FCDO's International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Cell undertakes regular assessments of Israel's commitment and capability to comply with International Humanitarian Law, as well as aspects of its record of compliance in order to meet our legal obligations ...

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the ability of Defence Fire and Rescue Service workers aged over 60 to carry out their role.

All Defence Fire and Rescue Service personnel aged over 60 are required to be in date with their operation fitness assessment which is undertaken annually. These fitness standards are in line with The UK National Fire Fighter Fitness Standards.

What steps he is taking to ensure (a) occupational health support and (b) other the health and wellbeing measures for Defence Fire and Rescue Services are similar to those provided to (i) Local Authority and (ii)

Defence Fire and Rescue Service personnel are provided with occupational health support through the Defence Business Services Occupational Health contract. Additional support can be accessed through the Ministry of Defence People Portal and the Civil Serv...

Whether he plans to equalise the pension age of Defence Fire and Rescue Service workers with their counterparts in (a) Local Authority and (b) Civil Aviation Authority Fire Services.

The Defence Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) have no plans to equalise the pension age of its personnel with their counterparts in Local Authority and Civil Aviation Authority Fire Services.

If he will provide Defence Fire and Rescue Service workers an early pension get out clause at 57.

As Civil Servants, the Defence Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS) workforce pension scheme is administered by My Civil Service Pension and in accordance with MOD policy. Each occupation group can only apply the rules, in which Trade Unions have been consulted...

What criteria will his Department use to measure social value when undertaking procurement rounds.

Public procurement is a key lever for enabling delivery of the Government’s missions by using procurement policy to drive economic growth, raise employment standards, and achieve additional social value through the life of a contract. The Government’s ‘Plan to Make Work Pay’ sets out an ambitious programme to value organisations that create local jobs, skills and wealth and treat their workers well and equally. Ministers are considering how to take these plans forward.

What steps he is taking to encourage the Government Property Agency to develop plans to insource facilities management services when contracts expire.

The Government Property Agency’s current contracts, which cover nearly 90 Buildings across the current government estate, commenced on 1st November 2023 for a minimum period of 5 years. The Government Property Agency will consider all options for delivery when planning for the next generation of government contracts, including insourcing.

Whether he has had recent discussions with civil service trade unions on the procurement of facilities management services.

The Cabinet Office holds frequent discussions with Civil Service trade unions on a number of topics. The Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster held introductory meetings with the General Secretaries of the FDA, Prospect and PCS unions recently where they discussed a range of issues.