Written questions by Wrigley.

What steps his Department is taking to support high street businesses in competing with large online retailers.

We intend to introduce permanently lower tax rates for retail, hospitality, and leisure (RHL) properties, including those on the high street, from 2026-27. This tax cut must be sustainably funded, and so we intend to apply a higher rate from 2026-27 on the most valuable properties - those with a Rateable Value of £500,000 and above. These represent less than one per cent of all properties, but include the majority of large distribution warehouses, including those used by online giants. Ahead of these changes being made, we have prevented RHL relief from ending in April 2025 by extending it for one year at 40 per cent up to a cash cap of £110,000 per business and frozen the small business multiplier. We are also working with businesses to understand their barriers to growth and High Streets will be a key pillar of our forthcoming Small Business Strategy.

Whether she has had recent discussions with Disability Rights UK on the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill 2025.

The Department has extensively engaged a range of stakeholders on the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill.This includes holding regular forums, which both Disability Rights UK and Big Brother Watch have attended, to provide stakeholders with the latest information on Bill measures and invite questions and feedback.

Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the EU on touring artists.

The UK Government remains in constructive dialogue with the EU on tackling the challenges facing UK musicians and their support staff when touring in the EU, as well as other EU reset priorities. Cabinet Office Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds and European trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič have been tasked with moving discussions forward and leaders will take stock at the UK-EU Summit in May.On 7 April, the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, Chris Bryant, attended the Informal Meeting for EU Culture Ministers in Warsaw, as a guest of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This is the first time a UK minister has been invited to such a meeting since the UK’s exit from the EU. Minister Bryant used the opportunity to forge closer, more cooperative ties with his EU counterparts, including on matters related to touring. The Minister and senior DCMS officials had previously engaged EU counterparts on this bilaterally, including from the EU Commission, Poland, France, Germany, Italy, Denmark and Sweden.Our aim is to identify practical solutions to ensure that UK artists can continue to perform across Europe with minimal barriers while respecting the regulatory frameworks on both sides.

What recent discussions she has had with Big Brother Watch on the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill 2025.

The Department has extensively engaged a range of stakeholders on the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill.This includes holding regular forums, which both Disability Rights UK and Big Brother Watch have attended, to provide stakeholders with the latest information on Bill measures and invite questions and feedback.

What information his Department holds on (a) when the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency plans to publish guidance on regulatory process for phage therapy use; and (b) whether that guidance will help reduce regulation on phage therapy research.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is preparing the draft guidance, Regulatory considerations for therapeutic use of bacteriophages in the United Kingdom, which will be published in the second quarter of 2025.Regulation of medicines in the UK is undertaken by the MHRA in accordance with the Human Medicines Regulations 2012 (SI 2012/1916) (as amended), thereby ensuring compliance with statutory obligations relating to the manufacture, distribution, sale, labelling, advertising, and promotion of medicines.The purpose of the guidance is to address regulatory considerations applicable to the use, in the UK, of bacteriophages for therapeutic purposes in humans, whether as licensed or unlicensed medicinal products.

If she will take steps to publish an updated impact assessment on the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Bill.

The Department published its Impact Assessment with the introduction of this Bill on the 22nd January 2025. It can be found here: ImpactAssessment.pdf.The Department has committed to produce a further Impact Assessment for the Eligibility Verification Measure within 12 months of Royal Assent of the Bill. There are no plans to provide a further Impact Assessment of other measures in the Bill beyond usual procedures.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2025 to Question 37400, if she will publish the (a) minutes and (b) attendees of meetings with private parking companies before the Westminster Hall debate on 6 May 2025.

Pursuant to my answer to Question UIN 39208 on 25 March 2025, as part of the government’s ongoing work to introduce a Code of Practice for Private Parking Operators, officials speak regularly with the two Private Parking Trade Associations.I am due to have meetings with the two parking Trade Associations next month.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to protect landscapes with literal heritage in Devon.

Much of England's culturally rich landscapes and the literary heritage they represent are found in our National Parks, The Broads and National Landscapes. These Protected Landscapes are already specifically designated and managed to conserve and enhance their natural beauty and important cultural associations, including relevant literature and the sites which inspired it, as key components of the natural beauty of the area. Protected Landscapes are extensively protected as set out in the National Planning Policy Framework which gives ‘great weight’ to the landscape and scenic beauty of Protected Landscapes. In addition local authorities are able to formally identify areas of local landscape value in local plans and the historic literary importance of a place can already be taken into account in development decisions.

What recent discussions she has had with GWR on ticket offices in Devon.

The Department expects all train operating companies to use reasonable endeavours to meet their obligations for regulated staffed ticket office opening hours under Schedule 17 of the Ticketing and Settlement Agreement. As such, we regularly review ticket office opening hours compliance.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 April 2025 to Question 41337 on Dangerous Dogs, what steps he is taking to improve health outcomes for people who are victims of dog bites.

The National Health Service provides advice on what to do after an animal bite, which is available at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/animal-and-human-bites/Individuals who have been bitten by an animal and are concerned should seek medical assistance.

Food and Rural Affairs, when he plans to respond to Question 34414 on Climate and Nature Bill, tabled by the hon. Member for Newton Abbot on 27 February 2025.

Question 34414 was answered on 3 April 2025.

For what reason Ukrainian humanitarian visas are excluded from the 10-year route to residency based on nationality.

The UK has offered or extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families under the Ukraine Schemes, thanks to the immense generosity of the British public. We are determined to continue to provide stability for those we have welcomed to the UK and who still need our sanctuary.The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025, provides up to an additional 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK for those with existing Ukraine Scheme permission.We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine. It is important our approach respects these wishes.This is why our offer of temporary sanctuary under the Ukraine Schemes does not lead to settlement in the UK. Similarly, time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application. This applies to holders of Ukraine Scheme permission regardless of nationality. There are other routes available for those who wish to settle in the UK permanently, if they meet the requirements.Registration or naturalisation as a British citizen is available to a Ukrainian national in the same way as other nationals, if they meet the statutory requirements.Those granted permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes, which provide full rights to work and study, can apply to switch into other visa routes for which they qualify, including work and global talent visas.We continue to keep the Ukraine schemes under review in line with the ongoing conflict.

What steps he is taking with European allies to jointly (a) procure and (b) stockpile defence equipment; and if he will make it his policy to work with European allies to coordinate mutual large-scale rearmament.

Europe faces a generational threat to our shared security. As part of strengthening our international relationships this Government will seek an ambitious, broad-based UK-EU security partnership to protect the UK and EU and enhance cooperation on the threats we collectively face. We will seek a new geopolitical partnership with the EU that drives closer coordination and complements our unshakable commitment to NATO, which will remain the foremost vehicle for European security. The need for collective European and NATO industrial and procurement initiatives is apparent in programmes such as the European Long-Range Strike Approach, the DIAMOND integrated air and missile defence initiative and NATO’s Defence Production Action Plan and Multinational Procurement initiatives. Collective procurement will deliver more of the capabilities we need across the continent and enhance our shared deterrence. This Government recognises the vital role the UK’s defence industry plays not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the UK.

If she will allow Ukrainians resident in the UK to apply for (a) working and (b) global talent visas.

The UK has offered or extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families under the Ukraine Schemes, thanks to the immense generosity of the British public. We are determined to continue to provide stability for those we have welcomed to the UK and who still need our sanctuary.The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025, provides up to an additional 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK for those with existing Ukraine Scheme permission.We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine. It is important our approach respects these wishes.This is why our offer of temporary sanctuary under the Ukraine Schemes does not lead to settlement in the UK. Similarly, time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application. This applies to holders of Ukraine Scheme permission regardless of nationality. There are other routes available for those who wish to settle in the UK permanently, if they meet the requirements.Registration or naturalisation as a British citizen is available to a Ukrainian national in the same way as other nationals, if they meet the statutory requirements.Those granted permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes, which provide full rights to work and study, can apply to switch into other visa routes for which they qualify, including work and global talent visas.We continue to keep the Ukraine schemes under review in line with the ongoing conflict.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of US tariffs on the UK fishing industry.

We know that this will be a concerning time for UK businesses. That is why the Government has been focused on negotiating an economic deal with the US and we remain committed to these discussions. We are resolute in our support for industry across the whole of the UK, and we will continue to engage with seafood businesses to assess and understand the impact of these tariffs. In addition, on 3 April the Government launched a Request for Input from businesses to help inform the UK’s response to US tariffs.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of the appointment of the new chair of the Competition and Markets Authority on regulation of competition in UK markets.

The Secretary of State has welcomed the appointment of Doug Gurr as interim Chair of the Competition and Markets Authority (“CMA”). Doug Gurr has a wealth of experience as a business leader and entrepreneur. Along with the CMA Chief Executive, Sarah Cardell, he has initiated a programme of work to improve Pace, Predictability, Proportionality and Process across the CMA’s activities to support growth and investment, while ensuring a level playing field for businesses and protecting consumers. The government is supporting this work through the new growth-focused Strategic Steer to the CMA and a new Framework Agreement to be published later this year.

If he will take steps with Versus Arthritis to improve the quality of data that his Department publishes on arthritis.

The Department of Health and Social Care will continue to work with Versus Arthritis as we consider how best to support people with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions such as arthritis. Data on MSK health, including arthritis, is published on Fingertips, and is available at the following link:https://fingertips.phe.org.uk/profile/msk/dataIntegrated care boards (ICBs) are responsible for commissioning services that meet the needs of their populations. To support this, the Department of Health and Social Care is delivering the Getting It Right First Time MSK Community Delivery Programme jointly with NHS England and the Department for Work and Pensions. With a £3.5 million funding boost as part of the programme, ICBs will assess their current MSK services and share examples of best practice, roll out innovative ways of working, as well as improving data on how services are performing.The implementation of Secure Data Environments (SDEs), allowing National Health Service data to be accessed through secure platforms rather than shared with researchers, will support safer and more secure access to health and care data for secondary uses, such as research into prevalence and impact. This is being delivered through major investment in digital infrastructure across the NHS in England, including the NHS Research SDE Network, funded by the Data for Research and Development programme.The Single Patient Record will also give clinicians in different settings access to comprehensive records on a person's health, so that they have the information they need to make the best-informed decisions when delivering care and treatment.

If she will make an assessment of the potential impact of her proposed reforms to the welfare system on the poverty rate for households with at least one disabled (a) child and (b) adult.

No assessment has been made on this basis.Definitions of disability in the Policy Simulation Model, which is used to model poverty impacts of a policy, differ from those used in the Households Below Average Income (HBAI) poverty statistics. It has therefore not been possible to estimate the impact of the package on the level of poverty amongst individuals living in families with a disabled person, as this requires an estimate to be made using the HBAI definition. However, given the balance of the package we would expect much of the increase in poverty to be focused amongst individuals in this family type.The government's impact assessment regarding Health and Disability Reform is available at Spring Statement 2025 health and disability benefit reforms - Impacts.

With reference to the oral contribution of the hon. Member for Hazel Grove in Home Office oral questions on 31 March 2025, Official report, Column 19, if she will (a) extend the Ukrainian Permission Extension scheme beyond 18 months and (b) create a pathway to UK citizenship for resident Ukrainians.

The UK has offered or extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families under the Ukraine Schemes, thanks to the immense generosity of the British public. We are determined to continue to provide stability for those we have welcomed to the UK and who still need our sanctuary.The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025, provides up to an additional 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK for those with existing Ukraine Scheme permission.We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine. It is important our approach respects these wishes.This is why our offer of temporary sanctuary under the Ukraine Schemes does not lead to settlement in the UK. Similarly, time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application. This applies to holders of Ukraine Scheme permission regardless of nationality. There are other routes available for those who wish to settle in the UK permanently, if they meet the requirements.Registration or naturalisation as a British citizen is available to a Ukrainian national in the same way as other nationals, if they meet the statutory requirements.Those granted permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes, which provide full rights to work and study, can apply to switch into other visa routes for which they qualify, including work and global talent visas.We continue to keep the Ukraine schemes under review in line with the ongoing conflict.

With reference to the oral contribution of the hon. Member for Hazel Grove in Home Office oral questions on 31 March 2025, Official report, Column 19, whether Ukrainian refugees resident in the UK will be able to stay beyond the expiry of their visas.

The UK has offered or extended sanctuary to over 300,000 Ukrainians and their families under the Ukraine Schemes, thanks to the immense generosity of the British public. We are determined to continue to provide stability for those we have welcomed to the UK and who still need our sanctuary.The Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025, provides up to an additional 18 months’ permission to stay in the UK for those with existing Ukraine Scheme permission.We recognise the Ukrainian government’s desire for the future return of its citizens to Ukraine. It is important our approach respects these wishes.This is why our offer of temporary sanctuary under the Ukraine Schemes does not lead to settlement in the UK. Similarly, time spent in the UK with permission granted under the Ukraine Schemes cannot be relied upon towards the continuous qualifying period for the purposes of a Long Residence application. This applies to holders of Ukraine Scheme permission regardless of nationality. There are other routes available for those who wish to settle in the UK permanently, if they meet the requirements.Registration or naturalisation as a British citizen is available to a Ukrainian national in the same way as other nationals, if they meet the statutory requirements.Those granted permission under one of the Ukraine Schemes, which provide full rights to work and study, can apply to switch into other visa routes for which they qualify, including work and global talent visas.We continue to keep the Ukraine schemes under review in line with the ongoing conflict.