Written questions by Hinder.

What progress has been made by the expert panel of clinical specialists on its review of the harms caused to young people by the provision of unregulated cross-sex hormones by private providers; and what his expected timetable is for publication of the panel's report.

The Government is continuing its work with the National Health Service to reform gender services, to ensure young people receive timely, holistic care and support, while reviewing the use of cross-sex hormones in line with recommendation eight of the Cass Review. The Cass Review said that NHS England should review its policy on cross-sex hormones. The review noted that the option to provide cross-sex hormones is available for patients aged 16 years old and over, but that “extreme caution” was recommended along with a “strong clinical rationale for providing hormones before the age of 18”. In line with Dr Cass’s recommendations, every case for treatment is now discussed by a national multi-disciplinary team, and NHS England is reviewing its clinical commissioning policy on cross-sex hormones. A public consultation on the evidence is anticipated to take place this summer, and an updated policy is expected to be in place by April 2026. With regard to private prescribing, a working group has been established by NHS England to provide advice to Government officials and the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer. The remit of the working group is to provide practical advice on the operational consequences of introducing any restrictions on private prescribing and advice on how to manage any risks to patients. The working group is made up of consultant endocrinologists, pharmacy and primary care leads, and national commissioners. It is not the working group's role to decide whether restrictions on private prescribing should, or should not, be introduced. Neither is the group providing advice on the future use of cross-sex hormones by NHS clinicians. The Department will use the outputs of the working group to inform ongoing policy development.

If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the research by Queen's University, Ontario, entitled Severe Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity Among Gestational Carriers: A Cohort Study, published on 24 September 2024.

Ensuring that women are healthy during their pregnancy is important for ensuring good outcomes for women and babies. This includes surrogates, also known as gestational carriers. We welcome additional research and evidence in this field, including reports such as the Queen’s University Ontario publication, which we will consider.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 January 2025 to Question 24054 on Colne-Skipton Railway Line, if she will publish the completed feasibility work.

The findings of this work have been presented to all the Local Transport Authorities along the proposed route, Transport for the North, and the Skipton-East Lancashire Rail Action Partnership (SELRAP) campaign group.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential merits of restoring the Skipton to Colne rail route.

All feasibility work relating to the proposed reinstatement of the Skipton-Colne line has been completed. While there is a strong strategic case for improving connectivity between East Lancashire and the Leeds city region, the scheme is currently unaffordable due to its high capital and operating costs. No DfT funding has been allocated for further development.

With reference to the Answer of 6 January 2020 to Question 492 on Colne-Skipton Railway Line, whether her Department has completed the further feasibility work.

All feasibility work relating to the proposed reinstatement of the Skipton-Colne line has been completed. While there is a strong strategic case for improving connectivity between East Lancashire and the Leeds city region, the scheme is currently unaffordable due to its high capital and operating costs. No DfT funding has been allocated for further development.

What progress has been made on the independent review into the Police Federation of England and Wales.

The Police Federation of England and Wales has appointed an independent panel to review past failings and future governance of the organisation. That review is independent of Government; the progress of the review and the publication of its findings are matters for the independent panel and the Police Federation.

What steps she is taking to improve passenger rail performance.

Improving railway performance and delivering reform is my top priority. The Rail Minister and I continue to hold Train Operating Companies and Network Rail to account through the levers available to us, and will not hesitate to take action where there is a breach. I have also recently announced that performance information will be displayed at stations, demonstrating transparency and allowing passengers to hold us to account as we deliver change.