Written questions by Campbell.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of mandating silent fireworks on (a) noise reduction, (b) animal welfare and (c) public health.

There has been no assessment of the potential impacts of mandating silent fireworks in respect to noise reduction and the impacts on animal welfare and public health. Lower noise fireworks are commercially available to consumers to purchase if they wish to, potentially reducing distress to vulnerable groups and animals. This year's fireworks campaign also encourages the use of low noise fireworks.To inform future decisions about the regulation of fireworks, I am engaging with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence on the issues with and impacts of fireworks.

What steps he is taking to provide investment into the research of a more accurate and reliable test to screen for prostate cancer.

The Department invests over £1.6 billion each year on research through its research delivery arm, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). In the financial year 2024/25, the NIHR’s reported spend on cancer research was over £141.6 million through its research programmes and infrastructure, reflecting cancer’s high priority.For example, the Government and Prostate Cancer UK (PCUK) have partnered together on the £42 million TRANSFORM screening trial to find the best way to screen men for prostate cancer to find it before it becomes advanced and harder to treat. PCUK is leading the development of the trial with the Government contributing £16 million through the NIHR.In addition, the NIHR is investing £3.1 million in the GP-TEST-PRO study, exploring the accuracy of a faster and more affordable prostate magnetic resonance imaging, alongside genetic testing, for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer in symptomatic men presenting to primary care.The NIHR continues to welcome funding applications for research into any aspect of human health and care, including prostate cancer.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the newly designated flight paths to East Midlands Airport on people living in Broxtowe constituency; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of providing statutory compensation for affected residents, in the context of potential changes to levels of noise pollution and property values.

East Midlands Airport is developing plans to modernise its airspace, in line with the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) Airspace Change process (CAP1616). This process includes a requirement for the airspace change sponsor to engage with relevant stakeholders at different stages of the process, from the initial design principles to detailed options appraisal, before any final plans are submitted to the CAA. The airport has completed Stage 2 of this process, and the next stage will include consultation on its plans with communities who might be affected. Following this consultation, and any changes required as a result, the airport is expected to submit its proposals to the CAA. The Government’s policy on aviation noise places the responsibility with airports to offer noise insulation assistance to households exposed to high noise levels and take other steps to support communities. Many airports exceed the minimum threshold set by Government and also offer other forms of support such as community funds.

How the Government plans to curb dangerous driving on the A52 in Broxtowe.

The Government is committed to reducing the numbers of those killed and injured on our roads. We are considering a range of policies under the new Road Safety Strategy; the first for ten years. Details on this will be published shortly.

Whether she plans to instruct National Highways and Nottinghamshire County Council to take a preventative stance on dangerous driving.

The Government recognises the importance of preventing dangerous driving and ensuring the safety of all road users. Enforcement of driving offences is a matter for the police; however, National Highways works closely with police forces across the Midlands to maintain safety on the Strategic Road Network. It engages regularly with local authorities and police to deliver targeted safety improvements. It also takes a proactive stance on prevention by promoting safe driving through its road safety website, national campaigns such as “Go Left” and “T.R.I.P.” and electronic message signs.

What progress he has made on the future of Chetwynd Barracks.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work towards the closure of Chetwynd Barracks in phases from 2026 as it becomes surplus to military requirements.

Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to require the creation of additional flood plains in all new developments.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 56024 on 9 June 2025.

Communities and Local Government, whether he plans to provide additional powers to local authorities to reject planning applications that do not make adequate provision for flooding.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 56024 on 9 June 2025.

Communities and Local Government, if he will confirm whether Government supported new homes will be built on known flood plains in Broxtowe.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 56024 on 9 June 2025.

Innovation and Technology, whether she is taking steps to improve reliability of broadband connection in the Bramcote area.

The government is committed to delivering nationwide gigabit coverage by 2032. Full-fibre technology will provide consumers with a faster but also more stable and reliable connection. People in the Bramcote area rightly expect to have the broadband connectivity they need to participate in the modern digital economy.All communication providers, including those who operate in Bramcote, are subject to statutory obligations to ensure their networks and services remain available. They must take appropriate and proportionate measures to prepare for and reduce the risks of disruption occurring and report significant incidents to Ofcom, who have powers to investigate, enforce remedial measures and fine communications providers.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Department is taking to ensure there are easy, accessible, diplomatic routes for ambassadors and high commissioners to utilise during travel to and from the United Kingdom.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) regularly liaises with missions and airports to assist with the transit arrangements for ambassadors and high commissioners entering or leaving the UK, as well as other international visitors travelling to the UK on official business.

What steps the Government is taking to support charities to increase availability of guide dogs in Nottinghamshire.

The UK government recognises the invaluable role guide dogs play in enhancing the independence and quality of life for individuals with visual impairments and hearing loss. Assistance dogs are not funded or provided by the government. Direct provision of guide dogs is primarily handled by charitable organisations. Organisations like Assistance Dogs UK (ADUK), an umbrella coalition for well-established dog training organisations, offer information and advice on how to apply for an assistance dog. As assistance dogs are provided by independent charities and organisations, the Government is not responsible or accountable for supply issues. We are aware of concerns around shortages of assistance dogs since the pandemic and there has been dialogue with assistance dogs charities. Guide Dogs UK have assured us that they are on course to return to pre-pandemic supply levels soon, and are working hard to reduce waiting times with record levels of investment.

Whether the Government plans to implement the recommendations of the Independent ADHD Taskforce; and what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of those recommendations on ADHD waiting times, support to people with ADHD and the quality of ADHD services.

NHS England established an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) taskforce which brought together those with lived experience with experts from the National Health Service, education, charity, and justice sectors to get a better understanding of the challenges affecting those with ADHD, including in accessing timely and equitable access to services and support. We are pleased that the taskforce’s final report was published on 6 November, and we are carefully considering its recommendations.

Whether the Department holds records on the number of privately owned e-scooters currently in use by the general public that are not covered by appropriate motor vehicle insurance policies; and whether any specific enforcement measures are either in-place, or being considered to ensure compliance with relevant insurance requirements.

The Department for Transport does not hold the information requested. Enforcement of illegal e-scooter use is a matter for the police and a range of motoring offences and penalties already apply.

What steps her Department is taking to increase the number of driving tests in Broxtowe.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times. The agency is intensifying its efforts to reduce waiting times and improve access to driving tests that will break down barriers to opportunity as part of the government’s Plan for Change. On the 12 November, the Secretary of State for Transport, updated the Transport Select Committee on the government’s ongoing response to high driving test waiting times.In the coming months, DVSA will:Change the booking service to allow only learner car drivers to book and manage their testsIntroduce a limit on the number of times a learner car driver can move or swap a test to twice and also limit the area they can move a test to once booked.Make use of Ministry of Defence (MOD) driving examiners for up to 12 months to help tackle driving test waiting times. DVSA is also continuing with recruitment campaigns across the country to provide as many tests as possible. Since July last year, DVSA has recruited and trained 344 driving examiners (DE) who are now in post and delivering driving tests. A full-time DE can be expected to add approximately 1,200 tests per year to the booking system.Nottingham Chilwell test centre serves candidates from Broxtowe. Since June 2024, DVSA has recruited six new entrant driving examiners who are now conducting tests at Chilwell.DVSA has also advertised for this test centre in its recent recruitment campaign and applicants are working their way through the interview process. DVSA will be advertising again for this test centre in its next recruitment campaign.

What step his Department will take to ensure people who need COVID boosters receive them.

The Government is committed to protecting those most vulnerable to COVID-19 through vaccination, as guided by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The primary aim of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme remains the prevention of serious illness, resulting in hospitalisations and deaths, arising from COVID-19.The JCVI has advised that population immunity to COVID-19 has been increasing due to a combination of naturally acquired immunity following recovery from infection and vaccine-derived immunity. COVID-19 is now a relatively mild disease for most people, though it can still be unpleasant, with rates of hospitalisation and death from COVID-19 having reduced significantly since COVID-19 first emerged.The focus of the JCVI advised programme has therefore moved towards targeted vaccination of the two groups who continue to be at higher risk of serious disease, including mortality. These are the oldest adults and individuals who are immunosuppressed. The JCVI’s advice for autumn 2025 is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-vaccination-in-2025-and-spring-2026-jcvi-advice/jcvi-statement-on-covid-19-vaccination-in-2025-and-spring-2026The Government has accepted the JCVI’s advice for autumn 2025 and in line with the advice, a COVID-19 vaccination is being offered to the following groups:adults aged 75 years old and over;residents in care homes for older adults; andindividuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.The campaign in England began on 1 October 2025 and runs until 31 January 2026. General practitioners have been in direct communication with eligible people to encourage them to book their vaccinations, complemented by millions of targeted emails, texts, and letters sent nationally by the National Health Service. Appointments, including walk-in sessions, are available in local pharmacies, general practices, and community clinic drop-in centres across the country.As for all vaccines, the JCVI keeps the evidence under regular review.

If she will make it her policy to exempt small businesses from paying VAT on birthday parties in line with the arrangements that currently exist for local leisure centres.

VAT is a broad-based tax on consumption, and the 20 per cent standard rate applies to most goods and services. VAT is the UK’s third-largest tax, forecast to raise around £180 billion in 2025/26, helping to fund vital public services. Tax breaks reduce the revenue available for those services and must represent value for money for the taxpayer. Exceptions to the standard rate have always been limited and balanced against affordability considerations. There are no specific VAT reliefs for birthday parties. A local authority leisure centre may not charge VAT if the activity falls within existing VAT exemptions, such as those for sport or education, or where the activity is treated as part of the council’s non-business community functions. Activities such as soft play and bouncy castle parties are taxable at the 20 per cent standard rate.

What steps he is taking to support small business owners in Broxtowe constituency.

The Government’s Plan for Small Businesses, published in July, sets out the measures that Government is taking to support small businesses across the UK. This includes tackling late payments, boosting access to finance, and removing red tape to enable small businesses, including those in Broxtowe constituency, to grow and thrive. SMEs can access DBT’s wealth of business and export support via business.gov.uk.The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Growth Hub is where small and medium businesses in the Broxtowe constituency can benefit from specialist business advice and help on how to grow and access new markets.

What steps she is taking to support the local economy in (a) Broxtowe and (b) Nottinghamshire.

The government’s approach to regional growth will drive growth in towns, city regions and communities and make the most of the opportunities in each part of the country, to make everyone better off. There is excellence right across the country and this government is backing it: lifting living standards and putting more money in people’s pockets. The region will benefit from the £2bn investment for the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), delivering a new mass transit system to connect Derby and Nottingham. We have also recommitted £160m over 10 years for the East Midlands Investment Zone and confirming support for East Midlands Freeport. Local partners expect the East Midlands Investment Zone to generate £383m in private sector investment and deliver 4,200 jobs. Further, as announced by the Chancellor at the recent Regional Investment Summit, Homes England will soon launch the procurement for a partner for the Broad Marsh regeneration project in Nottingham city centre, supported by the mayor Claire Ward.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her international counterparts on the reported massacres in el-Fasher in Sudan.

I refer the Hon. Member to the response provided to the Urgent Question on Sudan: Protection of Civilians on 30 October.