Written questions by Sewards.

What steps the Department is taking to reduce delays for court cases involving child or vulnerable witnesses.

Awaiting answer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of an April 2026 US State Department report indicating the Palestinian Authority continues to pay salaries to convicted terrorist.

Awaiting answer.

If her Department will conduct a review of the level of in-person banking provision.

The Government is committed to ensuring that people can continue to access in-person banking services. That is why, on 14 May, the Government commissioned an independent Review into Access to Banking Services, chaired by Richard Lloyd OBE. The Review will assess the impact of changes in the provision of in-person banking services across the United Kingdom, including the scale and nature of any detriment to consumers arising from a lack of access, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups. The evidence gathered will inform decisions on whether future action is needed. The Review will seek input from market participants and consumer representatives, and may also consult Government and regulators. The Government will consider the Review’s findings carefully and will update the House in due course. Alongside this, the Government intends to include a power in forthcoming financial services legislation to enable it to act, if necessary, to protect access to banking services.

Whether any UK Home Office or National Crime Agency staff members are currently seconded to the Notices & Diffusions Task Force of the Interpol General Secretariat.

Any misuse of INTERPOL tools, including Red Notices, is taken very seriously by this Government.The UK continues to support INTERPOL’s efforts to ensure systems are in place to protect individuals’ rights and uphold Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which forbids the organisation to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character, as well as Article 2 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which ensures and promotes the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.INTERPOL’s safeguards operate at two stages: pre-publication via the Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF) and post-publication via an independent statutory body of INTERPOL the Commission for the Control of Files (CCF). The UK has previously seconded lawyers and an analyst to the NDTF and currently maintains other secondees within INTERPOL.The NCA uploads INTERPOL Notices and Diffusions that are circulated to the UK onto the Police National Computer and Border Systems. This is typically done within 24 hours and for the purpose of providing UK law enforcement with information required to protect the public at the earliest opportunity. Enquiries are then undertaken by the NCA to identify if the individual circulated has a footprint in the UK. Any cases where a potential UK lead is identified are then prioritised for action.Home Office and NCA officials actively engage with INTERPOL through formal structures such as the Committee on Governance group, and via informal meetings, to explore ways to further strengthen measures to tackle abuse of INTERPOL systems by hostile states. This includes ongoing work to amend the INTERPOL Constitution. The Government will not hesitate to recommend further reforms to INTERPOL as necessary.

Pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2026 to Question UIN 109867, whether her department has made any assessment of the need to raise recommendations with Interpol on its obligations under Article 2 of the Interpol charter.

Any misuse of INTERPOL tools, including Red Notices, is taken very seriously by this Government.The UK continues to support INTERPOL’s efforts to ensure systems are in place to protect individuals’ rights and uphold Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which forbids the organisation to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character, as well as Article 2 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which ensures and promotes the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.INTERPOL’s safeguards operate at two stages: pre-publication via the Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF) and post-publication via an independent statutory body of INTERPOL the Commission for the Control of Files (CCF). The UK has previously seconded lawyers and an analyst to the NDTF and currently maintains other secondees within INTERPOL.The NCA uploads INTERPOL Notices and Diffusions that are circulated to the UK onto the Police National Computer and Border Systems. This is typically done within 24 hours and for the purpose of providing UK law enforcement with information required to protect the public at the earliest opportunity. Enquiries are then undertaken by the NCA to identify if the individual circulated has a footprint in the UK. Any cases where a potential UK lead is identified are then prioritised for action.Home Office and NCA officials actively engage with INTERPOL through formal structures such as the Committee on Governance group, and via informal meetings, to explore ways to further strengthen measures to tackle abuse of INTERPOL systems by hostile states. This includes ongoing work to amend the INTERPOL Constitution. The Government will not hesitate to recommend further reforms to INTERPOL as necessary.

Pursuant to the answer of 30 January 2026 to Question UIN 109867, whether it has had communications of any nature with the Interpol General Secretariat or Commission for the Control of INTERPOL's Files (CCF) regarding misuse of Interpol Red Notice system.

Any misuse of INTERPOL tools, including Red Notices, is taken very seriously by this Government.The UK continues to support INTERPOL’s efforts to ensure systems are in place to protect individuals’ rights and uphold Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which forbids the organisation to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character, as well as Article 2 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which ensures and promotes the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.INTERPOL’s safeguards operate at two stages: pre-publication via the Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF) and post-publication via an independent statutory body of INTERPOL the Commission for the Control of Files (CCF). The UK has previously seconded lawyers and an analyst to the NDTF and currently maintains other secondees within INTERPOL.The NCA uploads INTERPOL Notices and Diffusions that are circulated to the UK onto the Police National Computer and Border Systems. This is typically done within 24 hours and for the purpose of providing UK law enforcement with information required to protect the public at the earliest opportunity. Enquiries are then undertaken by the NCA to identify if the individual circulated has a footprint in the UK. Any cases where a potential UK lead is identified are then prioritised for action.Home Office and NCA officials actively engage with INTERPOL through formal structures such as the Committee on Governance group, and via informal meetings, to explore ways to further strengthen measures to tackle abuse of INTERPOL systems by hostile states. This includes ongoing work to amend the INTERPOL Constitution. The Government will not hesitate to recommend further reforms to INTERPOL as necessary.

Whether it is current policy to conduct internal checks on INTERPOL Wanted Persons Diffusions or Red Notice requests further to those conducted by the Commission for the Control of INTERPOL's Files (CCF).

Any misuse of INTERPOL tools, including Red Notices, is taken very seriously by this Government.The UK continues to support INTERPOL’s efforts to ensure systems are in place to protect individuals’ rights and uphold Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which forbids the organisation to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character, as well as Article 2 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which ensures and promotes the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.INTERPOL’s safeguards operate at two stages: pre-publication via the Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF) and post-publication via an independent statutory body of INTERPOL the Commission for the Control of Files (CCF). The UK has previously seconded lawyers and an analyst to the NDTF and currently maintains other secondees within INTERPOL.The NCA uploads INTERPOL Notices and Diffusions that are circulated to the UK onto the Police National Computer and Border Systems. This is typically done within 24 hours and for the purpose of providing UK law enforcement with information required to protect the public at the earliest opportunity. Enquiries are then undertaken by the NCA to identify if the individual circulated has a footprint in the UK. Any cases where a potential UK lead is identified are then prioritised for action.Home Office and NCA officials actively engage with INTERPOL through formal structures such as the Committee on Governance group, and via informal meetings, to explore ways to further strengthen measures to tackle abuse of INTERPOL systems by hostile states. This includes ongoing work to amend the INTERPOL Constitution. The Government will not hesitate to recommend further reforms to INTERPOL as necessary.

Whether it is current policy for the National Crime Agency to conduct internal checks on Interpol Wanted Persons Diffusions or Red Notice requests before making them available to UK police forces.

Any misuse of INTERPOL tools, including Red Notices, is taken very seriously by this Government.The UK continues to support INTERPOL’s efforts to ensure systems are in place to protect individuals’ rights and uphold Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which forbids the organisation to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character, as well as Article 2 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which ensures and promotes the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.INTERPOL’s safeguards operate at two stages: pre-publication via the Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF) and post-publication via an independent statutory body of INTERPOL the Commission for the Control of Files (CCF). The UK has previously seconded lawyers and an analyst to the NDTF and currently maintains other secondees within INTERPOL.The NCA uploads INTERPOL Notices and Diffusions that are circulated to the UK onto the Police National Computer and Border Systems. This is typically done within 24 hours and for the purpose of providing UK law enforcement with information required to protect the public at the earliest opportunity. Enquiries are then undertaken by the NCA to identify if the individual circulated has a footprint in the UK. Any cases where a potential UK lead is identified are then prioritised for action.Home Office and NCA officials actively engage with INTERPOL through formal structures such as the Committee on Governance group, and via informal meetings, to explore ways to further strengthen measures to tackle abuse of INTERPOL systems by hostile states. This includes ongoing work to amend the INTERPOL Constitution. The Government will not hesitate to recommend further reforms to INTERPOL as necessary.

If the National Crime Agency has internal processes in place for determining whether an Interpol Wanted Persons Diffusion or Red Notice request is in conformity with the Interpol charter, particularly with regard to Article 3.

Any misuse of INTERPOL tools, including Red Notices, is taken very seriously by this Government.The UK continues to support INTERPOL’s efforts to ensure systems are in place to protect individuals’ rights and uphold Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which forbids the organisation to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character, as well as Article 2 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which ensures and promotes the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.INTERPOL’s safeguards operate at two stages: pre-publication via the Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF) and post-publication via an independent statutory body of INTERPOL the Commission for the Control of Files (CCF). The UK has previously seconded lawyers and an analyst to the NDTF and currently maintains other secondees within INTERPOL.The NCA uploads INTERPOL Notices and Diffusions that are circulated to the UK onto the Police National Computer and Border Systems. This is typically done within 24 hours and for the purpose of providing UK law enforcement with information required to protect the public at the earliest opportunity. Enquiries are then undertaken by the NCA to identify if the individual circulated has a footprint in the UK. Any cases where a potential UK lead is identified are then prioritised for action.Home Office and NCA officials actively engage with INTERPOL through formal structures such as the Committee on Governance group, and via informal meetings, to explore ways to further strengthen measures to tackle abuse of INTERPOL systems by hostile states. This includes ongoing work to amend the INTERPOL Constitution. The Government will not hesitate to recommend further reforms to INTERPOL as necessary.

To confirm whether the Home Office has engaged in communications with Interpol’s Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF), regarding new or emerging information on specific Wanted Persons Diffusions or Red Notices about their conformity with the Interpol charter.

Any misuse of INTERPOL tools, including Red Notices, is taken very seriously by this Government.The UK continues to support INTERPOL’s efforts to ensure systems are in place to protect individuals’ rights and uphold Article 3 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which forbids the organisation to undertake any intervention or activities of a political, military, religious or racial character, as well as Article 2 of INTERPOL’s Constitution, which ensures and promotes the widest possible mutual assistance between all criminal police authorities in the spirit of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.INTERPOL’s safeguards operate at two stages: pre-publication via the Notices and Diffusions Task Force (NDTF) and post-publication via an independent statutory body of INTERPOL the Commission for the Control of Files (CCF). The UK has previously seconded lawyers and an analyst to the NDTF and currently maintains other secondees within INTERPOL.The NCA uploads INTERPOL Notices and Diffusions that are circulated to the UK onto the Police National Computer and Border Systems. This is typically done within 24 hours and for the purpose of providing UK law enforcement with information required to protect the public at the earliest opportunity. Enquiries are then undertaken by the NCA to identify if the individual circulated has a footprint in the UK. Any cases where a potential UK lead is identified are then prioritised for action.Home Office and NCA officials actively engage with INTERPOL through formal structures such as the Committee on Governance group, and via informal meetings, to explore ways to further strengthen measures to tackle abuse of INTERPOL systems by hostile states. This includes ongoing work to amend the INTERPOL Constitution. The Government will not hesitate to recommend further reforms to INTERPOL as necessary.

What assessment he has made of accessibility to NHS mental health services for residents in Leeds South West and Morley, including average waiting times for assessment and treatment.

Awaiting answer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans she has to (a) review and (b) revoke the privileges and immunities currently afforded to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London under the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Act 1996.

This Government is taking a consistent, long term, and strategic approach to managing the UK's relations with China, rooted in UK interests. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Act 1996 exists to promote trade with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and that legitimate activity is permitted to continue. However, anyone in any organisation found to be assisting a foreign state to undermine our security will be brought to justice.

What steps his Department is taking to reduce delays between qualification, professional registration, and commencing employment for newly qualified nurses and midwives.

As set out in the 10-Year Health Plan, we are working with higher education institutions (HEIs) to set a standard for the confirmation of course completion, so that newly qualified nurses can begin work as soon as they are able. This work is due for completion by September 2026.NHS England, the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Council of Deans for Health, and HEIs are also working closely together to improve data sharing and significantly streamline registration processes to enable a smoother transition for newly qualified nurses and midwives into their first roles. NHS England continues to monitor this to ensure these improvements are maintained.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if she will bring forward legislative proposals to repeal the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Act 1996.

This Government is taking a consistent, long term, and strategic approach to managing the UK's relations with China, rooted in UK interests. The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office Act 1996 exists to promote trade with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and that legitimate activity is permitted to continue. However, anyone in any organisation found to be assisting a foreign state to undermine our security will be brought to justice.

What steps his Department is taking to implement the Graduate Guarantee for newly qualified nurses and midwives; and what metrics will be used to measure its impact.

Awaiting answer.

How many newly qualified nurses and midwives are expected to join the Nursing and Midwifery Council register in (a) 2025-26 and (b) 2026-27; and how many Band 5 nursing and midwifery vacancies were there in each of these periods.

The Nursing and Midwifery Council publishes data twice a year on the makeup of its professional register, and this includes information on the number of people trained in the United Kingdom who have joined the register for the first time, which will be a close proxy for newly qualified nurses and midwives. This information can be found at the link below:https://www.nmc.org.uk/about-us/reports-and-accounts/registration-statistics/The data shows 22,176 nursing and midwifery first time registrants, who were resident in England, joining in the year to March 2025 who will largely have entered education three years earlier, in the 2021/22 academic year. Data published by the Office for Students as part of the Higher Education Students Early Statistics release shows nursing and midwifery undergraduate entrants fell 9% between 2021/22 and 2022/23 and a further 14% between 2022/23 and 2024 after a big increase in joiners during 2020/21 and 2021/22. We might therefore expect that numbers joining the Nursing and Midwifery Council register fall similar amounts in 2025/26 and 2026/27.The Department does not hold information on the number of band 5 nursing and midwifery vacancies there were in 2025/26 or that there are projected to be in 2026/27. Data is published quarterly on total registered nursing vacancies and can found at the link below:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/nhs-vacancies-survey

What additional resources have been allocated to (a) Cantonese and (b) Mandarin translation and linguistic capabilities for investigations conducted under the National Security Act 2023.

Counter Terrorism Policing continues to maintain the technological tools and translation capabilities necessary to meet legislative and evidential requirements.CTP are strengthening this capacity, including through the development and deployment of enhanced technical solutions and by increasing the number of suitably cleared translators.

What (a) data protection and (b) privacy safeguards are in place to ensure the security of (i) home addresses and (ii) other personal information belonging to people considered vulnerable to targeting by (A) hostile foreign state actors and (B) transnational repression activities, including those people with bounties placed on them by the Chinese Communist Party.

It is the longstanding policy of successive UK Governments that we do not comment on operational, intelligence or security matters. However, we continually assess potential threats to individuals’ rights, freedoms, and safety in the UK and are front footed in identifying and investigating such threats. Wherever threat is identified, we use all appropriate measures, including through our world class police and intelligence services, to mitigate risk to individuals.Any attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas, undermining democracy and the rule of law, will never be tolerated and will be thoroughly investigated.

How many investigations are currently underway into potential foreign interference activities linked to the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London.

It is the longstanding policy of successive UK Governments that we do not comment on operational, intelligence or security matters.The verdicts in the recent trial represent the first convictions under the National Security Act related to China and send a strong message that the full force of the law will be applied to anyone who carries out hostile acts in the UK on behalf of any foreign state.

What steps he is taking to help ensure that NHS staff who took partial retirement and subsequently apply for Voluntary Redundancy are not disadvantaged in their entitlement to contractual redundancy payments.

Entitlement to contractual redundancy payments is set out in the Agenda for Change NHS terms and conditions of service handbook, under section 16, for National Health Service staff that are on Agenda for Change contracts in England, or those whose terms refer dynamically to the Agenda for Change. The NHS national voluntary redundancy scheme follows the same Agenda for Change principles.Where an employee has taken partial retirement, the Department expects employers to apply the contractual redundancy provisions to the individual’s circumstances and ensure that staff are treated fairly and consistently.Taking partial retirement does not make staff ineligible for redundancy payments, however, it will affect how any contractual redundancy payment is calculated. In line with Agenda for Change paragraph 16.6, service which has been used to calculate previous pension benefits does not count again when calculating a contractual redundancy payment. Statutory redundancy entitlements are separate and should be met in accordance with statutory rules.