Written questions by Sewards.

What assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the sale of (a) knives, (b) swords, and (c) battle axes on third-party online selling platforms.

The Government has been strengthening controls on the online sales of bladed articles, including knives, swords and axes. We commissioned Commander Stephen Clayman, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for knife crime, to conduct a review into the online sale and delivery of knives. The review was published on 19 February 2025 and made a number of recommendations.We are taking forward the most pressing recommendations in the report under “Ronan’s Law” a range of measures in the Crime and Policing Bill which will include stricter rules for online sellers of knives, including third party platforms, incorporating strengthening age verification controls and checks through a two-stage checks at the point of purchase and on delivery.We have introduced new legislation in the Crime and Policing Bill to provide the police with the power to require social media, marketplace, and search services to take down illegal knife and offensive weapon content. Failure to remove this material could result in both the company and a designated senior executive facing significant penalties. Further measures in the Bill, include increasing the penalties for illegal sales of knives and introduce a duty on sellers to report online bulk sales of knives.We are also looking to go further, In December last year we launched a consultation on plans to introduce a licensing scheme for those who sell knives or other bladed articles, including importers, retailers and private sellers, making them subject to strict regulations and conditions. The consultation closed on 24 February, and we are currently analysing the responses and will provide a response in due course.Effective law enforcement is also very important. We are therefore supporting the creation of a new police unit, the National Knife Crime Centre to provide a national capability tackling the unlawful sale and marketing of knives and weapons online and links to wider criminality. In 2026/27 we are providing the Centre with £1.75m of funding for its activities.

Pursuant to the Answer of 4th March to Question 116233, if he will clarify (a) the timeline for introducing secondary legislation and (b) whether it will apply to all Common High Priority List items.

We expect to lay secondary legislation to deliver the sanctions end-use control this Spring, subject to the Parliamentary timetable.The sanctions end-use control is intended to apply to exports which are not already subject to strategic export controls, where a risk of circumvention to a sanctioned destination is identified. The full scope of this measure and details on its application and implementation will be set out in guidance upon laying the legislation.

Pursuant to the Answer of 29 August 2025 to Question 73095, whether her Department has complemented a New Burden Assessment regarding the potential financial impact of extending the Armed Forces Covenant Duty on its Departmental responsibilities.

New burdens assessments are required when a department’s actions meet the government definition of a new burden, ensuring that the financial impact on local authorities is estimated for at least the first three years and fully funded by the relevant department.The Ministry of Defence will lead on developing a new burdens assessment in relation to the new Legal Duty extending the Armed Forces Covenant.

Whether she has made an assessment of the adequacy of (a) current funding models in the context of high mobility and separation on Service pupils and (b) targeted support for those with special and additional education needs, and disabilities.

Over £26 million of targeted funding was allocated in 2025/26 to help schools in England support their Service pupils, through the Service Pupil Premium. The rate increased to £350 per eligible pupil in 2025, reflecting the department’s commitment to recognising the unique challenges faced by Armed Forces families. This funding enables schools to provide targeted pastoral and academic support to mitigate the effects of mobility and parental separation on pupil progress and wellbeing. The department reviews the Service Pupil Premium annually.Service children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) might experience delays in identifying needs and inconsistent services and support between local authorities when their parents are redeployed and they move to a new area. The SEND reforms we are proposing respond directly to long-standing concerns about the outcomes for children with SEND and the inconsistency and inefficiencies in support. For example, National Inclusion Standards will set out support that should be available in every mainstream setting so that children can receive more consistent support. Education, health and care plans and new Individual Support Plans will be digital, to support smoother transitions when children move between schools or local authorities.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the portability of (a) special and (b) additional needs, and (c) disability provision for children in Armed Forces families.

As part of the consultation on the government’s special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) reforms, I recently attended a roundtable hosted by the Armed Forces Community All-Party Parliamentary Group. I met representatives from armed forces families and the charities that support them to hear first-hand about the problems they face. Children and young people from armed forces families might have to change nursery, school or college when their parents are redeployed. They can experience delays in identifying their needs, and inconsistent services and support between local authorities.To address the problems caused by delays, the department’s special educational needs and disabilities reforms will improve early identification of children’s needs so that provision can be put in place more quickly. We will invest in new training for all staff and increase the number of specialists. Education health and care plans and new Individual Support Plans will be digital, which will support services children by facilitating smoother transitions when they move between schools or local authorities.In future, services children should receive more consistent services when they move. National Inclusion Standards will set out, for the first time, support that should be available in every mainstream setting. A nationally consistent set of Specialist Provision Packages will provide comprehensive, evidence-based packages of support for children and young people with the most complex needs.Education is a devolved matter and the reforms will apply to England only.

What steps his Department is taking to enhance due diligence obligations on exporters of dual-use goods to help prevent diversion through Hong Kong.

The UK has introduced extensive trade sanctions to prevent Russia acquiring dual‑use items used in its military operations. Since March 2022, we have banned the export of all dual‑use goods and other high‑risk technologies, including products identified on the battlefield and items critical to Russia’s military‑industrial complex. Our comprehensive export sanctions have led Russia to pursue convoluted and costly routes to circumvent our measures via third-country intermediaries. Alongside extensive guidance and outreach to UK exporters on appropriate due diligence, we plan to bring forward secondary legislation to introduce new sanctions end-use controls. These new powers would require exporters to apply for a licence for specific exports identified to be at a high risk of diversion to a sanctioned destination.

What additional resources his Department has allocated to domestic enforcement bodies to (a) investigate and (b) prosecute sanctions evasion involving dual-use technologies exported to Russia through Hong Kong.

The Government has invested in strengthening trade sanctions enforcement capacity. The Office of Trade Sanctions Implementation (OTSI) was established in the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in October 2024. Alongside specialist investigative capacity, OTSI is equipped with powers to enforce sanctions breaches involving the movement of goods and technology via third countries. His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is responsible for enforcing export controls and trade sanctions at the UK border.HMRC has also strengthened its investigative capabilities in this area. DBT and HMRC work closely together to investigate potential sanctions evasion and enforce breaches.

What steps her Department is taking to increase rail carriage capacity in West Yorkshire.

The Department approved and funded the use of 12 additional trains (60 extra carriages) for the CrossCountry network. These additional trains were introduced in May 2025 and have increased the Inter-City train fleet substantially and enabled CrossCountry to add thousands of seats each week to its Inter-City network. West Yorkshire is likely to see a direct benefit from this, depending on the daily operational needs of the operator. Northern has begun discussions with train manufacturers to procure around 250 new train sets to replace the oldest trains in its fleet. Approximately two-thirds of its existing fleet is targeted to be replaced in the next 10 years. TransPennine Trains is currently in a live procurement, which is seeking to purchase a core order of 29 units. These trains will seek to realise benefits from the Transpennine Route Upgrade programme and support an increase in seats on journeys between York to Leeds; Leeds to Huddersfield; Huddersfield to Manchester Victoria and; Huddersfield to Manchester Piccadilly. London North Eastern Railway have added 60,000 extra seats across the route each week through their transformational timetable change in December 2025 and plan to add more capacity in the future by replacing its 7-car InterCity 225 trains with new 10-car 897 trains.

Whether her Department plans to introduce a new mechanism to restrict the activities of extreme criminal protest groups.

This government is committed to ensuring the police have the powers they need to proportionately manage extreme criminal protests while safeguarding the rights to freedom of expression and assembly.An independent review of public order and hate crime legislation is underway to assess whether current laws remain fit for purpose in light of evolving protest tactics, community impacts, and the need to protect democratic processes. The review is being led by Lord Ken Macdonald of River Glaven KC, former Director of Public Prosecutions and one of the UK’s most respected legal authorities. His independence and expertise will ensure a rigorous and impartial review.The review is expected to report in Spring 2026.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for her policies of Australia's Combatting Antisemitism, Hate and Extremism Bill 2026.

Tackling all forms of hatred is an issue of global significance. This government is committed to eradicating hated from our society, working to ensure that no individual should ever experience hatred or live in fear due to their race, religion, beliefs or the way they choose to live their lives. The government works closely with allies and international partners including Australia to achieve this. This exchanging of relevant and up-to-date policy information helps to inform and develop effective strategies for addressing the global rise of antisemitism both at home and abroad.

Media and Sport, what steps her Department has taken to help prevent anti-competitive practices in the live music and ticketing sectors.

Last year the government announced new consumer protection measures in the ticketing market. A strong consumer protection regime is essential for protecting consumers from harmful practices and stimulating competition to drive down prices. It is also good for businesses – helping to create a level playing field by penalising unscrupulous competitors and giving consumers greater confidence to engage in markets.The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) already has powers to investigate and take action against businesses that breach competition law, including by abusing a dominant position in a market. The CMA is currently investigating two secondary ticketing sites for potential breaches of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, under which traders are prohibited from showing consumers an initial headline price for a product and then introducing additional mandatory charges as consumers proceed with a purchase or transaction.To drive the long-term growth of the UK music sector, the government’s Creative Industries Sector Plan announced a Music Growth Package of up to £30m over three years, launching this spring and designed to boost domestic and international activity in our music sector and encourage private investment. We have also encouraged widespread adoption of a voluntary industry ticket levy on arena and stadium gigs to reverse the decline in grassroots venues and enable more artists to tour internationally.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to the Palestinian Authority on payments to convicted terrorists.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided in the House of Lords on 13 November 2025 in response to Question HL11575, which for ease is reproduced below:In President Abbas' letter to President Macron, dated 9 June 2025, he set out his commitment to the principles of non-violence, the organisation of elections, the development of a school curriculum that is free from incitement, and the implementation of a new social security system, which will revoke so-called prisoner payments, and ensure that any future welfare payments are needs-based and delinked from violent actions. The Palestinian Authority must now ensure that an independent audit is conducted to verify that these reforms have been completed.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has formalised conditions aimed at encouraging reform as part of the UK's memorandum of understanding with the Palestinian Authority.

I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided in the House of Lords on 13 November 2025 in response to Question HL11575, which for ease is reproduced below:In President Abbas' letter to President Macron, dated 9 June 2025, he set out his commitment to the principles of non-violence, the organisation of elections, the development of a school curriculum that is free from incitement, and the implementation of a new social security system, which will revoke so-called prisoner payments, and ensure that any future welfare payments are needs-based and delinked from violent actions. The Palestinian Authority must now ensure that an independent audit is conducted to verify that these reforms have been completed.

Pursuant to the Answer of 23 December 2025 to Question 98631, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the mathematical sciences on delivering the Industrial Strategy and the Growth Mission; and whether the reviewed Strategic Priorities Grant budget for 2026-27 will include additional funding for those sciences.

The government recognises mathematical sciences as a valuable subject in higher education.As outlined by my hon. Friend, the Member for Vale of Glamorgan, the 25/26 Guidance Letter from my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, to the Office for Students (OfS) sets out that the department will work with the OfS to review and reform the high-cost subject funding element of the Strategic Priorities Grant (SPG). This ensures that the funding best aligns with the government’s Growth Mission and is targeted effectively towards high-cost provision that supports the Industrial Strategy and future skills needs. We are collaborating closely with the OfS to assess the impact of any changes to SPG funding.

Pursuant to the Answer of 18 December 2025 to Question 98630, if she will recognise mathematical sciences as a strategically important high-cost subject as part of the Strategic Priorities Grant funding for 2026-27.

The government recognises mathematical sciences as a valuable subject in higher education.As outlined by my hon. Friend, the Member for Vale of Glamorgan, the 25/26 Guidance Letter from my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Education, to the Office for Students (OfS) sets out that the department will work with the OfS to review and reform the high-cost subject funding element of the Strategic Priorities Grant (SPG). This ensures that the funding best aligns with the government’s Growth Mission and is targeted effectively towards high-cost provision that supports the Industrial Strategy and future skills needs. We are collaborating closely with the OfS to assess the impact of any changes to SPG funding.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with representatives of the Falkland Islands on the potential impact of trade tariffs on its economy.

We are proud of the bond that the United Kingdom shares with the Falkland Islands as part of one Great British family, and we deeply value the relationship between our governments.I was pleased to speak with the new Assembly within a week of their election, and my officials have been engaging with the new representatives on their priorities, one of which is obviously trade.It is a matter of fact that the Brexit deal reached by the party opposite excluded the Overseas Territories, and we recognise the challenges EU trade tariffs pose for the Falkland Islands economy. But we are working with the Department for Business and Trade to promote Falklands trade in the UK and other markets.

Innovation and Technology, what internal discussions her Department has had on the allocation of funding for the mathematical sciences within the 2026-27 Strategic Priorities Grant.

The allocation of funding for mathematical sciences within the 2026-27 Strategic Priorities Grant is the responsibility of the Department for Education (DfE). As such, there has been no specific internal discussion within the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) on this issue.For this Academic Year 2025-26, more than two thirds of the £1.3 billion Strategic Priorities Grant budget allocated to providers will support the provision of high-cost subjects, for example medicine, dentistry; science, engineering and technology. DfE is reviewing the high-cost subject funding to ensure that this best aligns with the Government’s Growth Mission and is targeted effectively towards provision that supports the industrial strategy and future skills needs. DfE will issue guidance to the Office for Student (OfS) in due course setting out funding priorities for 2026/27.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Education on the role of the mathematical sciences within future Strategic Priorities Grant funding.

The mathematical sciences sector is key to delivering the Government’s missions and plays an important role from advising government and business, to sharing expertise that underpins the innovation and scientific discovery that helps our country and economy thrive. Ministers and officials in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) engage regularly with counterparts in the Department for Education (DfE) on a wide range of issues related to mathematical sciences and higher education funding. While we maintain this ongoing dialogue with the DfE, there have been no specific discussions on the role of mathematical sciences in the Office for Students’ Strategic Priorities Grant funding.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of moving disabled military veterans from Employment and Support Allowance to Universal Credit on their eligibility for local council tax support schemes.

Support for working age households, including the treatment of benefits, is designed by councils in consultation with their residents, taking into account the needs and circumstances of their local communities. Each year, councils must consider whether to revise or replace their scheme. This review may include the provision for those migrating between benefits. For pension age households, councils administer a centrally prescribed LCTS scheme, which is reviewed annually.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has raised the detention of Bita Shafiei on 13 November 2025 with her Iranian counterparts.

We are aware of Bita Shafiei's case and continue to raise the rights of women and girls and human rights defenders with the Iranian Government in multilateral fora. The UK co-sponsored an Iran Human Rights Resolution, adopted by the UN Third Committee on 19 November, which condemned the targeted repression of women and girls and called on Iran to release women human rights defenders imprisoned for exercising their rights. We delivered a statement at the Committee, which highlighted Iran's bolstering of surveillance capabilities to monitor and target women and girls, and we will continue to work with international partners to hold Iran to account.