Written questions by Anderson.

What the (a) average and (b) longest waiting times were for (i) theory and (ii) practical driving tests in Ashfield constituency in each of the last five years.

During the last 12 months, two driving examiners (DE) have retired in Ashfield. As a result of recruitment campaigns in Ashfield, in the last 12 months two new entrants were successful. One new entrant has completed their training and is conducting driving tests, the other new entrant, following successful completion of their training will start conducting tests in the next 7-8 weeks. A further new entrant will start their training on 23 June. In February, DVSA also transferred one examiner into Ashfield DTC.DVSA has received applications for its current campaign for the Ashfield cluster. The agency anticipates additional new entrants for late Autum from this campaign. DVSA is continuing with its recruitment campaigns and will recruit as many DEs as possible.The average and longest waiting times for a practical car driving test in Ashfield is shown in the table below: YearYTD Car Waiting Times (Average)Booking Window (longest waiting)2020 / 2021*11.84 Weeks18 Weeks**2021 / 202215.71 Weeks24 Weeks2022 / 202322.21 Weeks24 Weeks2023 / 202419.42 Weeks24 Weeks2024 / 202522.55 Weeks24 Weeks* Impacted by COVID restrictions.**Booking window was 18 weeks and changed to 24 weeks in 2021. Over the last 12 months, the regions that have experienced the longest driving test waiting times are in the South of England.The average waiting time in days for a theory test at test centres that serve customers in Ashfield can be found in the tables below: DerbyFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2226.922/2318.323/2419.424/2524.9 NottinghamFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2229.222/2318.523/2419.424/2526.0 ChesterfieldFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2223.222/2318.623/2420.724/2527.3 *Please note, DVSA only holds data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays. Theory tests can be booked up to 6 months in advance.I regularly meet with officials from DVSA to discuss various topics. The Secretary of State met with DVSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Loveday Ryder, on 21 May 2025 to discuss car practical driving test waiting times and other topics.

How many driving test examiners have been onboarded in Ashfield constituency in the last year.

During the last 12 months, two driving examiners (DE) have retired in Ashfield. As a result of recruitment campaigns in Ashfield, in the last 12 months two new entrants were successful. One new entrant has completed their training and is conducting driving tests, the other new entrant, following successful completion of their training will start conducting tests in the next 7-8 weeks. A further new entrant will start their training on 23 June. In February, DVSA also transferred one examiner into Ashfield DTC.DVSA has received applications for its current campaign for the Ashfield cluster. The agency anticipates additional new entrants for late Autum from this campaign. DVSA is continuing with its recruitment campaigns and will recruit as many DEs as possible.The average and longest waiting times for a practical car driving test in Ashfield is shown in the table below: YearYTD Car Waiting Times (Average)Booking Window (longest waiting)2020 / 2021*11.84 Weeks18 Weeks**2021 / 202215.71 Weeks24 Weeks2022 / 202322.21 Weeks24 Weeks2023 / 202419.42 Weeks24 Weeks2024 / 202522.55 Weeks24 Weeks* Impacted by COVID restrictions.**Booking window was 18 weeks and changed to 24 weeks in 2021. Over the last 12 months, the regions that have experienced the longest driving test waiting times are in the South of England.The average waiting time in days for a theory test at test centres that serve customers in Ashfield can be found in the tables below: DerbyFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2226.922/2318.323/2419.424/2524.9 NottinghamFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2229.222/2318.523/2419.424/2526.0 ChesterfieldFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2223.222/2318.623/2420.724/2527.3 *Please note, DVSA only holds data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays. Theory tests can be booked up to 6 months in advance.I regularly meet with officials from DVSA to discuss various topics. The Secretary of State met with DVSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Loveday Ryder, on 21 May 2025 to discuss car practical driving test waiting times and other topics.

Which areas of England have the longest waiting time for a driving test.

During the last 12 months, two driving examiners (DE) have retired in Ashfield. As a result of recruitment campaigns in Ashfield, in the last 12 months two new entrants were successful. One new entrant has completed their training and is conducting driving tests, the other new entrant, following successful completion of their training will start conducting tests in the next 7-8 weeks. A further new entrant will start their training on 23 June. In February, DVSA also transferred one examiner into Ashfield DTC.DVSA has received applications for its current campaign for the Ashfield cluster. The agency anticipates additional new entrants for late Autum from this campaign. DVSA is continuing with its recruitment campaigns and will recruit as many DEs as possible.The average and longest waiting times for a practical car driving test in Ashfield is shown in the table below: YearYTD Car Waiting Times (Average)Booking Window (longest waiting)2020 / 2021*11.84 Weeks18 Weeks**2021 / 202215.71 Weeks24 Weeks2022 / 202322.21 Weeks24 Weeks2023 / 202419.42 Weeks24 Weeks2024 / 202522.55 Weeks24 Weeks* Impacted by COVID restrictions.**Booking window was 18 weeks and changed to 24 weeks in 2021. Over the last 12 months, the regions that have experienced the longest driving test waiting times are in the South of England.The average waiting time in days for a theory test at test centres that serve customers in Ashfield can be found in the tables below: DerbyFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2226.922/2318.323/2419.424/2524.9 NottinghamFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2229.222/2318.523/2419.424/2526.0 ChesterfieldFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2223.222/2318.623/2420.724/2527.3 *Please note, DVSA only holds data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays. Theory tests can be booked up to 6 months in advance.I regularly meet with officials from DVSA to discuss various topics. The Secretary of State met with DVSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Loveday Ryder, on 21 May 2025 to discuss car practical driving test waiting times and other topics.

What recent discussions she has had with the DVSA on waiting times for driving tests.

During the last 12 months, two driving examiners (DE) have retired in Ashfield. As a result of recruitment campaigns in Ashfield, in the last 12 months two new entrants were successful. One new entrant has completed their training and is conducting driving tests, the other new entrant, following successful completion of their training will start conducting tests in the next 7-8 weeks. A further new entrant will start their training on 23 June. In February, DVSA also transferred one examiner into Ashfield DTC.DVSA has received applications for its current campaign for the Ashfield cluster. The agency anticipates additional new entrants for late Autum from this campaign. DVSA is continuing with its recruitment campaigns and will recruit as many DEs as possible.The average and longest waiting times for a practical car driving test in Ashfield is shown in the table below: YearYTD Car Waiting Times (Average)Booking Window (longest waiting)2020 / 2021*11.84 Weeks18 Weeks**2021 / 202215.71 Weeks24 Weeks2022 / 202322.21 Weeks24 Weeks2023 / 202419.42 Weeks24 Weeks2024 / 202522.55 Weeks24 Weeks* Impacted by COVID restrictions.**Booking window was 18 weeks and changed to 24 weeks in 2021. Over the last 12 months, the regions that have experienced the longest driving test waiting times are in the South of England.The average waiting time in days for a theory test at test centres that serve customers in Ashfield can be found in the tables below: DerbyFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2226.922/2318.323/2419.424/2524.9 NottinghamFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2229.222/2318.523/2419.424/2526.0 ChesterfieldFinancial YearAverage Wait Time In Days21/2223.222/2318.623/2420.724/2527.3 *Please note, DVSA only holds data from when its new theory test booking service was implemented in September 2021. Theory test data availability is not measured in the same way as practical tests. DVSA’s relevant KPI for theory tests is the difference between the first confirmed booking date and the first confirmed test date, excluding bank holidays. Theory tests can be booked up to 6 months in advance.I regularly meet with officials from DVSA to discuss various topics. The Secretary of State met with DVSA’s Chief Executive Officer, Loveday Ryder, on 21 May 2025 to discuss car practical driving test waiting times and other topics.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of extending the validity of driving theory tests to a minimum of three years.

The maximum duration of two years between passing the theory test and a subsequent practical test is in place to ensure a customer’s road safety knowledge and ability to identify developing hazards is current. This validity period is set in legislation, and the Government has no current plans to lay further legislation to extend it. It is important road safety knowledge and hazard perception skills are up to date at the critical point a person drives unsupervised for the first time.

What steps his Department is taking to increase the number of available NHS dental appointments in Ashfield constituency.

The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access National Health Service dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to the areas that need them most. To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.The responsibility for commissioning primary care services, including NHS dentistry, to meet the needs of the local population has been delegated to the integrated care boards (ICBs) across England. For the Ashfield constituency, this is the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB. ICBs have been asked to start making extra urgent dental appointments available from April 2025. The Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB is expected to deliver 24,360 additional urgent dental appointments as part of the scheme.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of levels of access to NHS dental care in Ashfield constituency.

The Dental Statistics - England 2023/24, published by the NHS Business Services Authority on 22 August 2024, is available at the following link:https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/statistical-collections/dental-england/dental-statistics-england-202324In the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, which includes the Ashfield constituency, 42% of adults were seen by a National Health Service dentist in the previous 24 months to June 2024, compared to 40% in England, and 60% of children were seen by an NHS dentist in the previous 12 months to June 2024, compared to 56% in England.The Government plans to tackle the challenges for patients trying to access NHS dental care with a rescue plan to provide 700,000 more urgent dental appointments and recruit new dentists to areas that need them most.

What interim support his Department is providing to integrated care boards in relation to NHS dentist shortages in Ashfield constituency.

We are determined to rebuild National Health Service dentistry, but it will take time and there are no quick fixes. Strengthening the workforce is key to our ambitions.Integrated care boards have started to advertise posts through the Golden Hello scheme. This recruitment incentive will see up to 240 dentists receiving payments of £20,000 to work in those areas that need them most for three years.We have launched a 10-Year Health Plan to reform the NHS, a central part of which will be our workforce. We will publish a refreshed workforce plan to ensure the NHS has the right people, in the right places, with the right skills to deliver the care patients need when they need it.To rebuild dentistry in the long term, we will reform the dental contract with the sector, with a shift to focus on prevention and the retention of NHS dentists.

How many referrals has HMRC received from local enforcement authorities in relation to the penalty regime introduced through the Tobacco Products (Traceability and Security Features) (Amendment) Regulations 2023.

HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has received 312 referrals from local enforcement authorities in relation to the penalty regime introduced through the Tobacco Products (Traceability and Security Features) (Amendment) Regulations 2023. These regulations extended powers to enable Trading Standards to tackle non-compliance with the UK’s Tobacco Track and Trace system, which regulates tobacco at all stages of the supply chain, from manufacture through to retail. Trading Standards can make referrals to HMRC on potential breaches of the law, for HMRC to impose penalties.

If she will increase sentences for offences committed with a knife.

Tackling knife crime is a priority and this Government is determined to do all it can to break the deadly cycle of violence that devastates the lives of individuals, families and communities.The maximums available for existing knife offences include up to 4 years’ imprisonment for carrying a knife or threatening with an offensive weapon being 4 years’ imprisonment. Where someone is actually harmed by a knife or offensive weapon, there are a range of offences that the offender may be charged with, such as causing grievous bodily harm. These can result in lengthy sentences, up to life imprisonment. Sentencing in individual cases are a matter for our independent judiciary.We will be reforming the sentencing framework in line with most of the recommendations made by the Independent Sentencing Review in May 2025 to ensure that our prisons never run out of space again, which would place the public at unconscionable risk.

What steps she is taking to help ensure access to cash in Ashfield constituency.

The Government recognises that cash continues to be used by millions of people across the UK, including those in vulnerable groups, and is committed to protecting access to cash for individuals and businesses.The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) assumed regulatory responsibility for access to cash in September 2024. Its rules require the reasonable provision of free cash withdrawal and deposit facilities for personal current accounts.  Data from LINK (the operator of the UK’s largest ATM network) identifies 66 ATMs in Ashfield, including 47 free-to-use ATMs. The UK’s largest banks and building societies are required to assess the impact of a closure or material alteration of a relevant cash withdrawal or deposit facility and put in place a new service if necessary. Assessments are undertaken by LINK, the industry designated coordinating body responsible for conducting cash access assessments. LINK take into account a number of factors including those unique to each location, such as the size and vulnerability of the population and whether it is reasonable for people to travel to nearby facilities, factoring in geographic barriers such as hills, rivers and major roads. Where a resident, community organisation or other interested party feels access to cash in their community is insufficient, they can submit a request for a cash access assessment. Further information about submitting a cash access request can be found on LINK’s website.The Government is also working closely with industry to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament. These hubs will provide small businesses and individuals with critical cash and in-person banking services.  Over 225 banking hubs have been recommended to date and over 150 are already open.

If she will increase the number of police officers in neighbourhood teams in Nottinghamshire.

The Government has committed to restoring neighbourhood policing through the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. This includes putting thousands more police personnel on the beat in neighbourhood policing roles up and down the country. As a part of this pledge, Nottinghamshire Police have been allocated £3,570,488 funding in 2025/26 to bolster their neighbourhood policing teams.Based on their funding allocation, Nottinghamshire Police’s projected growth over 2025/26 will be 30 police officers (FTE), 20 Police Community Support Officers (FTE), and 20 Special Constables (headcount).

What steps is she taking to help tackle illegal immigration from Iran.

We continue to work closely with our partners across the Middle East to enhance capabilities concerning irregular migration and border security across the region, to further disrupt serious organised crime, including organised immigration crime and illicit drug flows.

How many knife crimes were reported in Nottinghamshire in each of the last five years.

The information requested falls under the remit of the UK Statistics Authority. A response to the Hon gentleman’s Parliamentary Question of 22 May is attached.

What recent assessment she has made of the potential impact of the increase in National Insurance contributions on organisations that deliver services for SEND children.

Most children with special educational needs and disabilities receive their education in mainstream schools. With the increase in employers’ National Insurance contributions from April 2025, the department is providing additional funding of over £930 million in the 2025/26 financial year to support mainstream schools and special schools.

What steps she is taking to retain police officers in Nottinghamshire.

The retention of police officers is a priority for the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs Council. Voluntary resignation rates in England and Wales, at 3.4%, are low compared to other sectors. Experienced officers are incredibly valuable which is why forces should be using evidence-based strategies to manage the retention and progression of officers. Retention activity is supported by the College of Policing which provides a learning platform to all forces that contains insights and guidance, themed around attraction, recruitment, onboarding and retention.In 2025-26, overall funding for policing will total up to £19.6 billion, an increase of up to £1.2 billion when compared to the 2024-25 police settlement. Nottinghamshire Police will receive up to £301.6 million in funding in 2025-26, an increase of up to £18.0 million when compared to the 2024-25 police settlement equating to a 6.4% cash increase.Of this, as part of the Officer Maintenance Ringfenced Grant, £376.8 million will be available to forces to maintain officer numbers at expected levels. Nottinghamshire Police has been allocated up to £6.2 million for maintaining a headcount of 2,408 officers.As part of the Neighbourhood Policing Grant, £200 million will be available to forces in 2025/26 to support the Government’s commitment in delivering 13,000 additional personnel into neighbourhood policing teams by the end of this parliament. Nottinghamshire Police has been allocated £3.6 million for an increase of 30 police officers, 20 PCSOs and 20 Special Constables.

What steps she is taking to inform clients of WW&J McClure solicitors that their trusts are no longer viable.

The Ministry of Justice does not hold responsibility for informing clients about the status of their legal arrangements with private law firms. The legal profession in England and Wales is regulated independently of government. Responsibility for solicitors’ conduct lies with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), overseen by the Legal Services Board. The SRA’s role involves protecting clients and the public. The different ways in which they can provide support to consumers of legal services can be found on their website: SRA | What you can expect from us | Solicitors Regulation Authority.The Government is aware of the issues surrounding WW&J McClures’ collapse, which involve multiple regulators responding to former clients across Scotland, England and Wales. Government officials have been engaging with the SRA, which has confirmed it is continuing to investigate the situation.With regards to the issue of raising awareness among clients of McClures, there are requirements with respect to the advertising and publication of an insolvency so that creditors and other interested parties are made aware. The administration of McClures was advertised as required in the London Gazette. Information for former clients of McClures in Scotland was also published by Law Society of Scotland. For clients in England and Wales, the SRA also issued a public update, which remains available on their website SRA | WW&J McClure and Jones Whyte | Solicitors Regulation AuthorityIn addition, for clients of McClures across Great Britain, Jones Whyte published an extensive list of FAQs, covering the number of clients it had taken on, the steps it was taking to contact those clients, and the procedure for clients to transfer to another legal firm if they wished.The Ministry of Justice has not held discussions with third-party intermediaries who were involved in selling trusts that were subsequently managed by WW&J McClures solicitors. Under the Legal Services Act 2007, the creation of a trust is not a reserved legal activity. This means that such activity may have involved individuals or organisations who were not regulated legal professionals. Where the sale of such trusts involved financial advice or services, this would be covered by the financial regulatory regime overseen by HM Treasury.Officials from the Ministry of Justice have engaged with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regarding the collapse of WW&J McClure solicitors and the regulatory concerns arising from their handling of client trusts.The SRA has confirmed that it is carrying out an investigation into the former partners of the firm. As those individuals are no longer on the roll of solicitors, the SRA is limited in the enforcement action it can currently take. However, any concerns identified during the course of the investigation would be taken into account if any former partner seeks to return to legal practice.The Ministry continues to monitor this issue through regular engagement with legal regulators and remains in contact with the SRA as it progresses its investigation. The SRA has published a public update on its website for affected clients and other interested parties: SRA | WW&J McClure and Jones Whyte | Solicitors Regulation Authority

Whether she has had discussions with the Solicitors Regulation Authority on trusts that were under the authority of WW&J McClure solicitors.

The Ministry of Justice does not hold responsibility for informing clients about the status of their legal arrangements with private law firms. The legal profession in England and Wales is regulated independently of government. Responsibility for solicitors’ conduct lies with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), overseen by the Legal Services Board. The SRA’s role involves protecting clients and the public. The different ways in which they can provide support to consumers of legal services can be found on their website: SRA | What you can expect from us | Solicitors Regulation Authority.The Government is aware of the issues surrounding WW&J McClures’ collapse, which involve multiple regulators responding to former clients across Scotland, England and Wales. Government officials have been engaging with the SRA, which has confirmed it is continuing to investigate the situation.With regards to the issue of raising awareness among clients of McClures, there are requirements with respect to the advertising and publication of an insolvency so that creditors and other interested parties are made aware. The administration of McClures was advertised as required in the London Gazette. Information for former clients of McClures in Scotland was also published by Law Society of Scotland. For clients in England and Wales, the SRA also issued a public update, which remains available on their website SRA | WW&J McClure and Jones Whyte | Solicitors Regulation AuthorityIn addition, for clients of McClures across Great Britain, Jones Whyte published an extensive list of FAQs, covering the number of clients it had taken on, the steps it was taking to contact those clients, and the procedure for clients to transfer to another legal firm if they wished.The Ministry of Justice has not held discussions with third-party intermediaries who were involved in selling trusts that were subsequently managed by WW&J McClures solicitors. Under the Legal Services Act 2007, the creation of a trust is not a reserved legal activity. This means that such activity may have involved individuals or organisations who were not regulated legal professionals. Where the sale of such trusts involved financial advice or services, this would be covered by the financial regulatory regime overseen by HM Treasury.Officials from the Ministry of Justice have engaged with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regarding the collapse of WW&J McClure solicitors and the regulatory concerns arising from their handling of client trusts.The SRA has confirmed that it is carrying out an investigation into the former partners of the firm. As those individuals are no longer on the roll of solicitors, the SRA is limited in the enforcement action it can currently take. However, any concerns identified during the course of the investigation would be taken into account if any former partner seeks to return to legal practice.The Ministry continues to monitor this issue through regular engagement with legal regulators and remains in contact with the SRA as it progresses its investigation. The SRA has published a public update on its website for affected clients and other interested parties: SRA | WW&J McClure and Jones Whyte | Solicitors Regulation Authority

Whether she plans to increase the length of sentences for shoplifting.

Sentencing in individual cases is a matter for the courts, and the courts have a range of sentencing powers to deal with each offender effectively and appropriately, including discharges, fines, community sentences, suspended sentences and imprisonment.The maximum penalty for an offence is set by Parliament and is designed to cover the most serious imaginable behaviours that may fall under that offence. We continue to keep maximum penalties under review to make ensure they reflect the seriousness of the offending behaviour.Under the previous Government, shop theft increased to an unacceptable level, with more and more offenders using violence and abuse against shopworkers. We will not stand for this as everybody has a right to feel safe at their place of work.That is why, through our Crime and Policing Bill, we are introducing a new offence of assaulting a retail worker. The new offence will carry a maximum prison sentence of six months and/or an unlimited fine, matching the current sentence guidelines for common assault. It will also come with a presumption for a court to apply a Criminal Behaviour Order. This will prohibit the offender from doing anything described in the order, which might include a condition preventing specific acts which cause harassment, alarm or distress, or preventing an offender from visiting specific premises.The Crime and Policing Bill will also introduce new measures to address the perceived immunity for ‘low value’ shop theft. With this change, there will no longer be a threshold categorising shop theft of goods worth £200 and under as ‘low value’. Instead, all cases of shop theft will be taken seriously irrespective of the value of goods stolen, with a maximum custodial penalty of 7 years. Shop theft of any amount is illegal, and repealing this legislation will ensure everyone understands this.

What recent discussions her Department has had with third parties who sold trusts that then came under the authority of WW&J McClure solicitors.

The Ministry of Justice does not hold responsibility for informing clients about the status of their legal arrangements with private law firms. The legal profession in England and Wales is regulated independently of government. Responsibility for solicitors’ conduct lies with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), overseen by the Legal Services Board. The SRA’s role involves protecting clients and the public. The different ways in which they can provide support to consumers of legal services can be found on their website: SRA | What you can expect from us | Solicitors Regulation Authority.The Government is aware of the issues surrounding WW&J McClures’ collapse, which involve multiple regulators responding to former clients across Scotland, England and Wales. Government officials have been engaging with the SRA, which has confirmed it is continuing to investigate the situation.With regards to the issue of raising awareness among clients of McClures, there are requirements with respect to the advertising and publication of an insolvency so that creditors and other interested parties are made aware. The administration of McClures was advertised as required in the London Gazette. Information for former clients of McClures in Scotland was also published by Law Society of Scotland. For clients in England and Wales, the SRA also issued a public update, which remains available on their website SRA | WW&J McClure and Jones Whyte | Solicitors Regulation AuthorityIn addition, for clients of McClures across Great Britain, Jones Whyte published an extensive list of FAQs, covering the number of clients it had taken on, the steps it was taking to contact those clients, and the procedure for clients to transfer to another legal firm if they wished.The Ministry of Justice has not held discussions with third-party intermediaries who were involved in selling trusts that were subsequently managed by WW&J McClures solicitors. Under the Legal Services Act 2007, the creation of a trust is not a reserved legal activity. This means that such activity may have involved individuals or organisations who were not regulated legal professionals. Where the sale of such trusts involved financial advice or services, this would be covered by the financial regulatory regime overseen by HM Treasury.Officials from the Ministry of Justice have engaged with the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regarding the collapse of WW&J McClure solicitors and the regulatory concerns arising from their handling of client trusts.The SRA has confirmed that it is carrying out an investigation into the former partners of the firm. As those individuals are no longer on the roll of solicitors, the SRA is limited in the enforcement action it can currently take. However, any concerns identified during the course of the investigation would be taken into account if any former partner seeks to return to legal practice.The Ministry continues to monitor this issue through regular engagement with legal regulators and remains in contact with the SRA as it progresses its investigation. The SRA has published a public update on its website for affected clients and other interested parties: SRA | WW&J McClure and Jones Whyte | Solicitors Regulation Authority