Written questions by Goldman.

What steps her Department is taking to reduce waiting times for skilled worker visa applications and renewals.

Awaiting answer.

With reference to the Answer of 14 April 2026 to Question 124428 on Visas: Skilled Workers, what steps she is taking to review the oversubscription of priority services for changes of visa sponsorship for skilled workers.

Awaiting answer.

What estimate she has made of the number of claimants for the Windrush compensation scheme whose applications are being processed.

As of the end of December 2025, the Windrush Compensation Scheme had received 11,133 claims. Of those, 10,696 claims (over 94% of all claims received) had received a final decision, with 9,061 claims fully closed.The Government remains committed to improving the Windrush Compensation Scheme. To ensure those who wish to apply to the scheme are supported to do so, the Government launched the £1.5 million Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund in 2025, enabling trusted local organisations to help claimants gather evidence and complete applications. The Year 2 funding round opened on 12 January and closed on 6 February, with successful bids to be announced shortly.Work is also underway, in collaboration with the Windrush Commissioner, to review the scheme’s application process.

What engagements she has had with the Windrush Commissioner since he took up that role.

The Independent Windrush Commissioner, since his appointment last year, has engaged regularly with the Minister for Migration and Citizenship and senior Home Office officials and will continue to do so as part of his role in overseeing progress on the Government’s commitments.

What estimate she has made of the number of people eligible for compensation under the Windrush compensation scheme that have not made a claim.

As of the end of December 2025, the Windrush Compensation Scheme had received 11,133 claims. Of those, 10,696 claims (over 94% of all claims received) had received a final decision, with 9,061 claims fully closed.The Government remains committed to improving the Windrush Compensation Scheme. To ensure those who wish to apply to the scheme are supported to do so, the Government launched the £1.5 million Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund in 2025, enabling trusted local organisations to help claimants gather evidence and complete applications. The Year 2 funding round opened on 12 January and closed on 6 February, with successful bids to be announced shortly.Work is also underway, in collaboration with the Windrush Commissioner, to review the scheme’s application process.

Whether she has considered the potential merits of reforming the application process to the Windrush compensation scheme.

As of the end of December 2025, the Windrush Compensation Scheme had received 11,133 claims. Of those, 10,696 claims (over 94% of all claims received) had received a final decision, with 9,061 claims fully closed.The Government remains committed to improving the Windrush Compensation Scheme. To ensure those who wish to apply to the scheme are supported to do so, the Government launched the £1.5 million Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund in 2025, enabling trusted local organisations to help claimants gather evidence and complete applications. The Year 2 funding round opened on 12 January and closed on 6 February, with successful bids to be announced shortly.Work is also underway, in collaboration with the Windrush Commissioner, to review the scheme’s application process.

What assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the Windrush compensation scheme.

As of the end of December 2025, the Windrush Compensation Scheme had received 11,133 claims. Of those, 10,696 claims (over 94% of all claims received) had received a final decision, with 9,061 claims fully closed.The Government remains committed to improving the Windrush Compensation Scheme. To ensure those who wish to apply to the scheme are supported to do so, the Government launched the £1.5 million Windrush Compensation Advocacy Support Fund in 2025, enabling trusted local organisations to help claimants gather evidence and complete applications. The Year 2 funding round opened on 12 January and closed on 6 February, with successful bids to be announced shortly.Work is also underway, in collaboration with the Windrush Commissioner, to review the scheme’s application process.

If her Department has reviewed the suitability of resources, including trained personnel and appropriate equipment, used by UK Border Force when searching for and rescuing migrants in the English Channel.

The operational response to these dangerous, illegal, and unnecessary crossings of the Channel by migrants in small boats is led by Border Security Command’s Maritime and Small Boat Operations. The personnel and equipment needs for that command are kept under regular review to ensure that resource matches risk.Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) operations in the Channel, rescuing migrants from unseaworthy vessels, are coordinated and directed by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). BSC Maritime and Small Boat Operations work closely with DfT and MCA (the regulator) to ensure safety and legal compliance.

If her Department will consider the treatment of LGBTQ+ refugees when assessing enforced returns to countries with newly established regimes, particularly where a change of government has not resulted in improved protections for LGBTQ+ people.

All asylum and human rights claims including those based on sexual orientation and gender identity are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with our international obligations. Each individual assessment is made against the background of relevant case law and the latest available country of origin information. This is based on evidence taken from a wide range of reliable sources, including reputable media outlets; local, national, and international organisations, including human rights organisations; and information from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office. Our assessment of the situation of a given group in a given country, is set out in the relevant country policy and information note, which is available on Country policy and information notes - GOV.UK.When someone applies for settlement, we review the situation in their country to assess whether they still need protection. Those who no longer need protection can return home in safety or apply to stay under other provisions of the Immigration Rules.We will not remove anyone to any country where they will face persecution or serious harm.

What steps she is taking to ensure that LGBTQ+ refugees will not be forcibly returned to countries where they are likely to face persecution.

All asylum and human rights claims including those based on sexual orientation and gender identity are carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with our international obligations. Each individual assessment is made against the background of relevant case law and the latest available country of origin information. This is based on evidence taken from a wide range of reliable sources, including reputable media outlets; local, national, and international organisations, including human rights organisations; and information from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office. Our assessment of the situation of a given group in a given country, is set out in the relevant country policy and information note, which is available on Country policy and information notes - GOV.UK.When someone applies for settlement, we review the situation in their country to assess whether they still need protection. Those who no longer need protection can return home in safety or apply to stay under other provisions of the Immigration Rules.We will not remove anyone to any country where they will face persecution or serious harm.

If she will take steps to ensure that Windrush (a) claimants and (b) claimants' families can ask for their cases to be reviewed if they believe that the level of compensation they have been awarded is incorrect.

We continue to listen and respond to feedback from affected communities and stakeholders, including the Windrush Commissioner, to improve how the Scheme operates. We are committed to awarding the maximum amount at the earliest point possible and doing so with compassion and understanding.On 24 October 2025, the Home Secretary announced a series of significant changes to the Windrush Compensation Scheme, including compensation for losses to occupational and personal pensions.We are working at pace to implement these changes. Updated rules and caseworker guidance will be published as soon as possible. Once the new rules go live, all changes will be applied retrospectively. A dedicated team will review previously concluded claims to identify those who may benefit from the updates.If a claimant or claimant’s family disagree with the outcome of their claim, they can request a review of the decision.We will be launching a consultation on our earned settlement proposals later this year. Everyone will be welcome to participate. There are no plans to change eligibility for the right of abode in the UK. Members of the Windrush generation who do not have proof of their lawful status in the UK can continue to apply to the Windrush Scheme to obtain this.

For what reason pensions were not included in the original Windrush Compensation Scheme.

We continue to listen and respond to feedback from affected communities and stakeholders, including the Windrush Commissioner, to improve how the Scheme operates. We are committed to awarding the maximum amount at the earliest point possible and doing so with compassion and understanding.On 24 October 2025, the Home Secretary announced a series of significant changes to the Windrush Compensation Scheme, including compensation for losses to occupational and personal pensions.We are working at pace to implement these changes. Updated rules and caseworker guidance will be published as soon as possible. Once the new rules go live, all changes will be applied retrospectively. A dedicated team will review previously concluded claims to identify those who may benefit from the updates.If a claimant or claimant’s family disagree with the outcome of their claim, they can request a review of the decision.We will be launching a consultation on our earned settlement proposals later this year. Everyone will be welcome to participate. There are no plans to change eligibility for the right of abode in the UK. Members of the Windrush generation who do not have proof of their lawful status in the UK can continue to apply to the Windrush Scheme to obtain this.

If she will make it her policy to exclude Windrush claimants from her proposed changes to the eligibility criteria for (a) Indefinite Leave to Remain and (b) Right of Abode.

We continue to listen and respond to feedback from affected communities and stakeholders, including the Windrush Commissioner, to improve how the Scheme operates. We are committed to awarding the maximum amount at the earliest point possible and doing so with compassion and understanding.On 24 October 2025, the Home Secretary announced a series of significant changes to the Windrush Compensation Scheme, including compensation for losses to occupational and personal pensions.We are working at pace to implement these changes. Updated rules and caseworker guidance will be published as soon as possible. Once the new rules go live, all changes will be applied retrospectively. A dedicated team will review previously concluded claims to identify those who may benefit from the updates.If a claimant or claimant’s family disagree with the outcome of their claim, they can request a review of the decision.We will be launching a consultation on our earned settlement proposals later this year. Everyone will be welcome to participate. There are no plans to change eligibility for the right of abode in the UK. Members of the Windrush generation who do not have proof of their lawful status in the UK can continue to apply to the Windrush Scheme to obtain this.

With reference to the news story entitled Windrush compensation scheme overhaul to deliver faster justice, published on 24 October 2025, when she expects pension losses to be added to the awards of Windrush Compensation Scheme claimants.

We continue to listen and respond to feedback from affected communities and stakeholders, including the Windrush Commissioner, to improve how the Scheme operates. We are committed to awarding the maximum amount at the earliest point possible and doing so with compassion and understanding.On 24 October 2025, the Home Secretary announced a series of significant changes to the Windrush Compensation Scheme, including compensation for losses to occupational and personal pensions.We are working at pace to implement these changes. Updated rules and caseworker guidance will be published as soon as possible. Once the new rules go live, all changes will be applied retrospectively. A dedicated team will review previously concluded claims to identify those who may benefit from the updates.If a claimant or claimant’s family disagree with the outcome of their claim, they can request a review of the decision.We will be launching a consultation on our earned settlement proposals later this year. Everyone will be welcome to participate. There are no plans to change eligibility for the right of abode in the UK. Members of the Windrush generation who do not have proof of their lawful status in the UK can continue to apply to the Windrush Scheme to obtain this.

How her Department plans to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot extending the newly recognised refugee move-on period.

On 27 August, the Home Office announced that the 56-day “move on” grace period pilot will pause for all single adults in receipt of a positive asylum decision. Other who fall within the exception criteria (pregnant women, individuals aged 65 and over and individuals with a disability) will continue to be given the 56-day pilot move on period until the end of December.The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) & RSM have been contracted to undertake an evaluation of the changes to the move on period on behalf of the Home Office and we will publish the results of that evaluation in due course.

What her criteria are for making the extension of the newly recognised refugee move-on period permanent.

On 27 August, the Home Office announced that the 56-day “move on” grace period pilot will pause for all single adults in receipt of a positive asylum decision. Other who fall within the exception criteria (pregnant women, individuals aged 65 and over and individuals with a disability) will continue to be given the 56-day pilot move on period until the end of December.The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) & RSM have been contracted to undertake an evaluation of the changes to the move on period on behalf of the Home Office and we will publish the results of that evaluation in due course.

If she will ensure that changes to the move-on pilot for newly recognised refugees are announced in advance of the end date.

On 27 August, the Home Office announced that the 56-day “move on” grace period pilot will pause for all single adults in receipt of a positive asylum decision. Other who fall within the exception criteria (pregnant women, individuals aged 65 and over and individuals with a disability) will continue to be given the 56-day pilot move on period until the end of December.The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) & RSM have been contracted to undertake an evaluation of the changes to the move on period on behalf of the Home Office and we will publish the results of that evaluation in due course.

What steps she plans to take to ensure that Essex Police's share of national funding from the police funding formula adequately reflects the level of policing it provides nationally.

In 2025-26, overall funding for policing will total up to £19.6 billion in 2025-26, an increase of up to £1.2 billion when compared to the 2024-25 police settlement. Essex Police will receive up to £434.1 million in funding in 2025-26, an increase of up to £27.9 million when compared to the 2024-25 police settlement, equating to a 6.9% cash increase.The 2025-26 police settlement ensures that every local policing body in England and Wales will receive the same percentage increase in their Core Grant, offering funding certainty for forces in setting a balanced budget.Funding for policing in future years beyond 2025-26 will be set out in phase 2 of the Spending Review.

What steps her Department is taking to ensure that vehicle manufacturers rectify security issues with cars to prevent theft; and what discussions her Department has had with vehicle manufacturers on preventing car theft.

This Government is determined to drive down vehicle crime and we are working with the automotive industry and police – taking a national approach - to ensure our response is as strong as it can be, including working closely with the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for vehicle crime.Through the Crime and Policing Bill, we have introduced measures to ban electronic devices used to steal vehicles, empowering the police and courts to target the criminals using, manufacturing and supplying them. This will support the changes manufacturers continue to make to prevent thefts.We also provided £250,000 funding in financial year 24/25 to help support enforcement work at the ports to prevent stolen vehicles and vehicle parts being shipped abroad.Via the National Vehicle Crime Reduction Partnership and the police-led National Vehicle Crime Working Group, we are focusing on prevention and deterrence of theft of and from vehicles. This includes training police officers on the methods used to steal vehicles, encouraging vehicle owners to secure their vehicles, and working with industry to address vulnerabilities in vehicles.In recent weeks, the Security Minister and I have each met vehicle manufacturers to discuss these issues. Officials also regularly engage and work with industry to discuss workable solutions to help prevent vehicle theft.

If the Government will make an assessment of the adequacy of existing health checks for retired firefighters; and if she will work with (a) NHS Trusts and (b) local healthcare providers in Essex to improve healthcare for firefighters.

The health and safety of firefighters is of paramount importance.We will continue to engage with the Department of Health and Social Care, the Health and Safety Executive and the National Fire Chiefs Council on the development of policy in this area, including examining the potential benefits of health screening programmes for current and retired firefighters.Fire and rescue authorities, as the employers, are responsible for the health and wellbeing of firefighters, and so it is for those authorities to take the appropriate action to protect their workforces.