Written questions by Anderson.

What steps her department is taking to ensure that people are provided vehicles similar to their usual vehicle during Fitness to Drive assessments.

During a medical investigation into a person’s fitness to drive the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) may require a functional on-road driving assessment. These are delivered through specialist driving assessment centres that provide clinical and on-road evaluation of a driver’s functional ability where a medical condition may affect safe driving. These assessments require appropriately trained clinicians and specialist driving assessors, as well as access to adapted vehicles and suitable testing environments. The DVLA is working closely with the Department for Transport and the Mobility centres network (England) to provide accessible and timely access to driving and mobility assessments. There is a significant demand on Mobility centre assessment services, and this can result in delays in some areas. There is regular engagement with the centres to understand the challenges and maintain appropriate levels of grant funding. Individual Driving Mobility centres are responsible for managing their own assessments and waiting times. Central information on current waiting times for fitness to drive assessments is not held. Mobility centres are responsible for providing suitable vehicles for the applicant to use. These cover a range of adaptations to meet the needs of the majority of users. The Department for Transport has also provided targeted funding to the Mobility Centres to support upgrading their vehicle fleets and enhance the range of vehicle adaptations available.

Whether her department has held recent conversation with the DVLA regarding the time taken to process provisional driving license applications involving non-complex medical conditions.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) aims to process all applications as quickly as possible. There are no delays in applications for a provisional licence where there is no medical condition involved. The DVLA’s target for driving licence applications is to dispatch 95 per cent within three working days for straightforward online applications and 90 per cent within ten working days for straightforward paper applications. In the current financial year, the DVLA has achieved 100 per cent for online applications and 99.9 per cent for paper applications. Driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated can take longer to process as the DVLA is often reliant on receiving information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued. The DVLA is currently experiencing an increase in the volume and complexity of driving licence applications. Unfortunately, this has led to longer waiting times for some customers. In 2024/25 the DVLA made more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions with forecasts showing that more than 925,000 medical applications and notifications will be received in 2025/26. To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its online service and is launching a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to drivers with medical conditions. These enhancements, alongside the recruitment of additional staff to deal with medical applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements for customers.

What data her department holds on trends in the level of waiting times for provisional driving license applications.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) aims to process all applications as quickly as possible. There are no delays in applications for a provisional licence where there is no medical condition involved. The DVLA’s target for driving licence applications is to dispatch 95 per cent within three working days for straightforward online applications and 90 per cent within ten working days for straightforward paper applications. In the current financial year, the DVLA has achieved 100 per cent for online applications and 99.9 per cent for paper applications. Driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated can take longer to process as the DVLA is often reliant on receiving information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued. The DVLA is currently experiencing an increase in the volume and complexity of driving licence applications. Unfortunately, this has led to longer waiting times for some customers. In 2024/25 the DVLA made more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions with forecasts showing that more than 925,000 medical applications and notifications will be received in 2025/26. To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its online service and is launching a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to drivers with medical conditions. These enhancements, alongside the recruitment of additional staff to deal with medical applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements for customers.

What steps her department is taking to ensure provisional driving license applications involving medical conditions are assessed within DVLA target times.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) aims to process all applications as quickly as possible. There are no delays in applications for a provisional licence where there is no medical condition involved. The DVLA’s target for driving licence applications is to dispatch 95 per cent within three working days for straightforward online applications and 90 per cent within ten working days for straightforward paper applications. In the current financial year, the DVLA has achieved 100 per cent for online applications and 99.9 per cent for paper applications. Driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated can take longer to process as the DVLA is often reliant on receiving information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued. The DVLA is currently experiencing an increase in the volume and complexity of driving licence applications. Unfortunately, this has led to longer waiting times for some customers. In 2024/25 the DVLA made more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions with forecasts showing that more than 925,000 medical applications and notifications will be received in 2025/26. To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its online service and is launching a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to drivers with medical conditions. These enhancements, alongside the recruitment of additional staff to deal with medical applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements for customers.

What data her department holds about the proportion of provisional driving license applications involving non-complex medical conditions that were not assessed within DVLA target waiting times.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) aims to process all applications as quickly as possible. There are no delays in applications for a provisional licence where there is no medical condition involved. The DVLA’s target for driving licence applications is to dispatch 95 per cent within three working days for straightforward online applications and 90 per cent within ten working days for straightforward paper applications. In the current financial year, the DVLA has achieved 100 per cent for online applications and 99.9 per cent for paper applications. Driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated can take longer to process as the DVLA is often reliant on receiving information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued. The DVLA is currently experiencing an increase in the volume and complexity of driving licence applications. Unfortunately, this has led to longer waiting times for some customers. In 2024/25 the DVLA made more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions with forecasts showing that more than 925,000 medical applications and notifications will be received in 2025/26. To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its online service and is launching a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to drivers with medical conditions. These enhancements, alongside the recruitment of additional staff to deal with medical applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements for customers.

What data her department holds on current waiting times for Fitness to Drive assessments.

During a medical investigation into a person’s fitness to drive the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) may require a functional on-road driving assessment. These are delivered through specialist driving assessment centres that provide clinical and on-road evaluation of a driver’s functional ability where a medical condition may affect safe driving. These assessments require appropriately trained clinicians and specialist driving assessors, as well as access to adapted vehicles and suitable testing environments. The DVLA is working closely with the Department for Transport and the Mobility centres network (England) to provide accessible and timely access to driving and mobility assessments. There is a significant demand on Mobility centre assessment services, and this can result in delays in some areas. There is regular engagement with the centres to understand the challenges and maintain appropriate levels of grant funding. Individual Driving Mobility centres are responsible for managing their own assessments and waiting times. Central information on current waiting times for fitness to drive assessments is not held. Mobility centres are responsible for providing suitable vehicles for the applicant to use. These cover a range of adaptations to meet the needs of the majority of users. The Department for Transport has also provided targeted funding to the Mobility Centres to support upgrading their vehicle fleets and enhance the range of vehicle adaptations available.

What measures are in place to ensure provisional driving license applications are processed within DVLA target times during periods of high demand for applications.

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) aims to process all applications as quickly as possible. There are no delays in applications for a provisional licence where there is no medical condition involved. The DVLA’s target for driving licence applications is to dispatch 95 per cent within three working days for straightforward online applications and 90 per cent within ten working days for straightforward paper applications. In the current financial year, the DVLA has achieved 100 per cent for online applications and 99.9 per cent for paper applications. Driving licence applications where a medical condition must be investigated can take longer to process as the DVLA is often reliant on receiving information from third parties, including medical professionals, before a licence can be issued. The DVLA is currently experiencing an increase in the volume and complexity of driving licence applications. Unfortunately, this has led to longer waiting times for some customers. In 2024/25 the DVLA made more than 830,000 medical licensing decisions with forecasts showing that more than 925,000 medical applications and notifications will be received in 2025/26. To keep up with growing customer demand and to offer a better service, the DVLA is updating its online service and is launching a new casework system which will deliver significant improvements to drivers with medical conditions. These enhancements, alongside the recruitment of additional staff to deal with medical applications and answer telephone calls, will deliver real improvements for customers.

How many and what proportion of PIP claims were not assessed within the Department's target wait times in the last 12 months.

We have interpreted the questions as relating specifically to the assessment stage of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims.The department does not set or publish target wait times for the completion of PIP assessments. We therefore do not hold figures on how many, or what proportion, of assessments were completed outside such target times.However, the department does publish information on average assessment clearance times as part of its official PIP statistical releases, which can be found here.The department continues to take steps to improve the timeliness of PIP assessments, including increasing operational capacity and recruiting additional health professionals to help manage current demand levels.

What steps he is taking to ensure PIP claims are assessed within the Department's target wait times.

We have interpreted the questions as relating specifically to the assessment stage of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) claims.The department does not set or publish target wait times for the completion of PIP assessments. We therefore do not hold figures on how many, or what proportion, of assessments were completed outside such target times.However, the department does publish information on average assessment clearance times as part of its official PIP statistical releases, which can be found here.The department continues to take steps to improve the timeliness of PIP assessments, including increasing operational capacity and recruiting additional health professionals to help manage current demand levels.

What recent assessment he has made of trends in the level of waiting time for PIP claim decisions.

We are committed to ensuring people can access financial support through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in a timely manner. Reducing customer journey times for PIP claimants is a priority for the Department and we are working constantly to make improvements to our service. We always aim to make an award decision as quickly as possible, taking into account the need to review all available evidence, including that from the claimant.

What recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the conflict in the Middle East on energy prices for British consumers.

The Government recognises that families and businesses across the country will see the recent global events and once again be concerned about the impact on their energy bills. We continue to monitor the situation closely and we are looking at what further support may be needed. At the Autumn Budget we committed to taking money off energy bills and we have. The energy price cap will provide protection for households until the start of July, regardless of developments in the Middle East. Ofgem has confirmed that the price cap will fall by 7% or £117 annually for the period covering April to June. The price cap for that period is fixed and will not change.In addition to this, around 6 million families are benefitting from the expansion of the £150 Warm Home Discount, and through the Warm Homes Plan the Government is delivering the biggest investment in home upgrades in British history.

If he will make an assessment of the UK's level of military readiness for potential large-scale conflict.

Defence continues to focus on ensuring its readiness, including for a high-intensity conflict, in line with the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The SDR is already being implemented, and the Defence Investment Plan will further shape our priorities to ensure we can continue to meet the threats we face.

What steps he is taking to support people with potential surges in energy costs.

The Government recognises that families and businesses across the country will see the recent global events and once again be concerned about the impact on their energy bills. We continue to monitor the situation closely and we are looking at what further support may be needed. At the Autumn Budget we committed to taking money off energy bills and we have. The energy price cap will provide protection for households until the start of July, regardless of developments in the Middle East. Ofgem has confirmed that the price cap will fall by 7% or £117 annually for the period covering April to June. The price cap for that period is fixed and will not change.In addition to this, around 6 million families are benefitting from the expansion of the £150 Warm Home Discount, and through the Warm Homes Plan the Government is delivering the biggest investment in home upgrades in British history.

What recent assessment his Department has made on the adequacy of the UK's air defence.

This Government inherited a set of Armed Forces that were described by a previous defence secretary as having been “hollowed out and underfunded”. He made these comments from his time on the Government benches in the last Parliament. The Department routinely conducts both Planned Force Testing and Capability Auditing to maintain an accurate picture of the actual and projected state of the force. The details of those audits are not made public as their disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces. The Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century. The plan for implementing the Review’s recommendations for the Integrated Force will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of a lack of naval assets in the Mediterranean on the attack on RAF Akrotiri.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) keeps its defensive posture in the region under constant review and decisions are made based on operational factors. The deployment of HMS Dragon is in addition to the considerable amount of capability positioned into RAF Akrotiri since January, including hundreds of armed forces personnel, radar, anti-air defence missiles and F35s to defend our bases, people and interests. The MOD remains committed to maintaining the highest standards of security to safeguard our national defence capabilities.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the UK's military capabilities.

This Government inherited a set of Armed Forces that were described by a previous defence secretary as having been “hollowed out and underfunded”. He made these comments from his time on the Government benches in the last Parliament. The Department routinely conducts both Planned Force Testing and Capability Auditing to maintain an accurate picture of the actual and projected state of the force. The details of those audits are not made public as their disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces. The Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century. The plan for implementing the Review’s recommendations for the Integrated Force will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the UK’s defence industrial base.

This Defence Industrial Strategy (published on 8 September 2025) emphasises the importance of supporting UK-based businesses, to build and maintain a thriving, resilient and competitive UK industrial base. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) regularly assesses the UK’s defence industrial base to ensure it meets national security needs. Recent efforts focus on strengthening supply chain resilience, addressing workforce skills gaps, fostering innovation, enhancing collaboration with allies, and supporting sustainable, modern defence solutions. This Government is directing more of a growing defence budget at British based firms and we have committed to increasing direct spend with SMES by 50% by 2027. We continue to support the development of our defence industrial base, by implementing the Defence Industrial Strategy. The hon. Member will also have seen announcements from the MOD on creating new Defence Technical Excellence Colleges to increase skills for our defence industrial base and the announcements of five defence growth deals.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the size of the Royal Navy fleet.

The size and composition of the Royal Navy are kept under continuous review to ensure the force can meet Defence tasks and operational commitments.

What steps he is taking to strengthen the Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy is strengthening its warfighting effectiveness by modernising its fleet, investing in its people, and accelerating adaptation to emerging threats. The First Sea Lord has set out his vision of a Hybrid Navy that combines new high‑end capabilities – such as the Type 26 and Type 31 frigates – with greater use of autonomous and uncrewed systems. These ambitions remain subject to the Defence Investment Plan.

What steps he is taking to (a) improve military readiness and (b) address gaps in military capability to build resilience to (i) current and (ii) future threats.

The Strategic Defence Review sets out recommendations to enhance the readiness, agility and lethality of our armed forces, which will be implemented through the Defence Investment Plan, ensuring our Armed Forces have the capabilities to tackle current and future threats alongside our allies and partners.