Written questions by Wrigley.

Whether her Department has plans to make changes to its policy on sending remittances to Ukraine.

There are no plans to change the policy on remittances to Ukraine. How remittances are sent to Ukraine is determined by individual UK banks. We appreciate the hardships citizens face as a result of the ongoing conflict and note that increasing financial regulation from the National Bank of Ukraine has made it difficult to provide remittances to the people of Ukraine, including via UK banks. The UK reaffirms its unwavering support to Ukraine for as long as it takes. We are facing a once in a generation moment for the collective security of Europe. Securing a lasting peace in Ukraine that safeguards its sovereignty for the long-term is essential if we are to deter Russia from further aggression in the future. Ukraine is paying the ultimate price in Russia’s illegal invasion – with the lives of its citizens – to defend the values and freedoms we hold dear.The UK has committed £12.8bn in military, humanitarian and economic support to Ukraine since February 2022. The UK will continue to honour the PM’s commitment on 10 July 2024 which provides Ukraine with £3bn of military support per annum until 2030/31 or for as long as needed.

Whether it remains her Department's policy to recognise existing visas under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme.

To provide future certainty, Ukrainians provided with temporary sanctuary in the UK under the Ukraine visa schemes can apply for a further 18 months’ permission to remain in the UK through the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, which opened to applications on 4 February 2025.The Homes for Ukraine scheme remains open, uncapped and free of charge for Ukrainians in need of sanctuary to apply to come to the UK. Ukrainians granted under the Homes for Ukraine scheme can continue to travel to sanctuary in the UK while their visa remains valid.The Government keeps the Ukraine schemes under review and engages, where appropriate, with relevant stakeholders while closely monitoring developments in Ukraine.

Pursuant to the Answer of 6 February 2025 to Question 27894, whether her Department will pursue cases where they have no evidence.

Where DWP identifies suspected fraud that leads to a criminal investigation, the Department is obliged to pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry, whether these point towards or away from a suspect. This is done in accordance with the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 and Code of Practice. What amounts to a reasonable line of enquiry will always involve considering the facts of, and the issues in, the case. An enquiry must be proportionate, reasonable, and necessary. The decision must be based on an objective belief grounded in facts, information, or intelligence and cannot be based on any personal factors about an individual suspect.

If he will bring forward legislative proposals to amend the Social Security Act 1973 to ensure pensioners who served in the armed forces prior to 6 April 1975 but did not meet the qualifying service threshold receive a pension.

Although the Ministry of Defence is unable to comment on possible changes to the Social Security Act 1973 as this legislation was introduced by the Department of Social Security, now the Department for Work and Pensions, I am leading work across Government and with civil society to look at the best ways to ensure all Veterans get access to the support and opportunities they need and deserve. This year, we will set out our plans for Veterans in our updated Veterans’ Strategy. This Government will always stand up for those who have served our country. Prior to 1975, there were no rights to preserved pensions in any public or private pension schemes. For instance, to qualify for a pension under the Civil Service arrangements, an individual had to be over age 50 and have served for ten or more years. Those who left voluntarily before meeting these criteria lost rights to pensions. For the Armed Forces, occupational pensions were awarded only if a member had completed at least 16 years reckonable service as an Officer or 22 years reckonable service as an Other Rank. Reckonable service is paid service after age 21 for officers or after age 18 for Other Ranks. Engagements for shorter periods were on non-pensionable terms. Gratuities (lump-sum payments) were awarded to those who did not serve long enough for a pension but had completed at least nine years reckonable service as an Officer or 12 years reckonable service as an Other Rank. Gratuities were not paid to compensate for lack of pension but rather to assist the individual to settle into civilian life. The Social Security Act 1973 brought about changes by requiring all occupational pension schemes to preserve pension rights for those who left service after 6 April 1975 having completed at least five years qualifying service and having attained the age of 26 (later Social Security Acts reduced the qualifying period from five years to two years and removed the age qualification requirement). These changes were not made retrospective. The legacy issues of the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 1975 are replicated in other public sector schemes in existence prior to the Social Security Act 1973. Where legacy issues are common across public sector schemes, a retrospective change implemented for the Armed Forces would certainly result in pressure from others for similar treatment. To concede retrospection for one group would place great pressure on other public service schemes. Further, if retrospection were to be accepted, future meaningful improvements to pension schemes for current employees would be unaffordable. It is a principle of public service pensions policy, and one that has been upheld by successive Governments, that improvements to pension schemes are not made retrospective.

What recent discussions she has had with Network rail on expanding rail electrification to Devon.

Department for Transport ministers have had no recent discussions with Network Rail on expanding rail electrification to Devon. To deliver the government’s Net Zero commitment, the Government’s stated approach will be to electrify additional rail lines and deploy alternative traction technologies such as battery and hybrid where it makes operational and economic sense. This whole track and train approach ensures that we find the best solution for each situation, with a particular emphasis on taxpayer Value for Money.

What goods and services are still traded between the UK and Russia.

The Department for Business & Trade publishes regular Trade and Investment Factsheets, which are available on gov.uk and contain the latest available data on goods and services traded between the UK and other countries, including Russia.

What steps her Department is taking to help ensure that rail fares are affordable in Devon.

We are committed to reforming the overcomplicated fares system with a view to simplifying rail fares across the country. Whilst it is our ambition through public ownership to deliver a more affordable railway, any long-term changes or concessions made to rail fares policy require balancing against the potential impacts on passengers, taxpayers and the railway. This year's 4.6 per cent increase will be the lowest absolute increase in three years and will support the Government's long-term plan to achieve financial sustainability of the railway.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleagues on the potential deployment of a European peacekeeping force to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.

The Foreign Secretary is in close contact with his Cabinet colleagues. As the Prime Minister has said, the UK is ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees for Ukraine, including being ready and willing to contribute to security guarantees to Ukraine by putting our own troops on the ground in the future if necessary. Until then, we remain focused on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position.

Media and Sport, if she will implement financial incentives to encourage media organisations to come within the remit of Impress, in the context of the Leveson Report.

The Government is committed to protecting press freedom, which is essential to a strong and functioning democracy. In the UK, there exists an independent, self-regulatory system for the press, which is crucial to maintain press freedom.For that reason, the Government currently has no plans to bring forward financial incentives to encourage media organisations to join Impress.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will take steps to ensure that Ukraine continues to receive adequate military support.

The UK will deliver £3 billion of military assistance to Ukraine this year and every year until at least 2030. The UK-administered International Fund for Ukraine to procure military equipment now stands at over £1.3 billion. The UK will also provide £2.26 billion to the G7 Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) Loans to Ukraine scheme, in which $50 billion from G7 countries will be delivered to Ukraine for its military, budget, and reconstruction needs.

If she will take steps to open additional railway stations in Devon.

The Government is funding the construction of a new Okehampton Interchange station which is planned to open in 2026. Future rail infrastructure investment, including new stations, will be considered as part of the current Spending Review, which will be concluded in June 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what kind of shipping trade (a) to and (b) from Russia is not covered by the sanctions regime.

In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the UK has introduced an unprecedented package of sanctions. Sanctions have deprived Russia of over $400 billion since February 2022. Sanctions on trade to and from Russia are designed to undermine Russia's war effort by inflicting economic cost on the regime and denying it the equipment, services, and technology critical for its military development. Russian imports into the UK have fallen by more than 99 per cent, and UK exports to Russia are down by more than 75 per cent. Since July, the UK has sanctioned over 125 oil tankers, as well as a number of vessels carrying Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and military goods.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had recent discussions with the French ambassador on a European peacekeeping force in Ukraine.

We are in close touch with our European partners, including France, to help defend Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. As the Prime Minister has said, the UK is ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees for Ukraine, including being ready and willing to contribute to security guarantees to Ukraine by putting our own troops on the ground if necessary.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will commit to increasing security guarantees for Ukraine.

As the Prime Minister has said, the UK is ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees for Ukraine. This includes further support for Ukraine's military - where the UK has already committed £3 billion a year until at least 2030. It also means being ready and willing to contribute to security guarantees to Ukraine by putting our own troops on the ground if necessary.

When GP practices will be informed about the funding settlement details for the next financial year.

We are investing an additional £889 million in general practice (GP) to reinforce the front door of the National Health Service and bring back the family doctor, bringing total spend on the GP Contract to £13.2 billion in 2025/26. This is the biggest increase in over a decade and means we are reversing the recent trend with a rising share of total NHS resources going to GPs. Details of the contract were announced on 28 February 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the withdrawal of US support on Ukrainian independence.

Europe has provided two thirds of all aid, and over half of all military aid to Ukraine. The $50 billion G7 ERA loans puts Ukraine in a good position for 2025, of which the UK's $3 billion contribution will be earmarked for military spending, giving Ukraine more of the vital kit it needs to fight off Russian aggression.A just and lasting peace is only possible if we continue to show strength and provide Ukraine with the support it needs. There will be no let-up in our support, which we will continue for as long as it is necessary.The UK notes the US decision to pause foreign aid funding for 3 months, pending a review. This is a matter for the US. We are currently working to assess the implications and are working with other partners to share analysis of the pause. We continue to engage with the US Administration at the highest levels on Ukraine.

If he will make an estimate of annual income received by the NHS from parking fines.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of parking costs on National Health Service staff in Devon. All NHS trusts that charge for hospital car parking provide free parking for those ‘in-most need’. This includes frequent outpatient attenders, parents of sick children staying overnight, blue badge disabled holders, and NHS staff working overnight.Data on the income from car parking charges is published annually through the NHS Estates Return Information Collection. Data on the income from patients and visitors is combined. The latest figures, from 2023/24, show that the income received from patients and visitors for parking on NHS hospital sites was £101,812,089. The income received from staff for parking on NHS hospital sites in 2023/24 was £70,510,110. Data for the income from NHS trusts for carparking is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/estates-returns-information-collection/summary-page-and-dataset-for-eric-2023-24No data is collected on the income generated by the number of parking fines issued or the amount of annual income received by parking companies from the NHS. No data is collected to determine the number of NHS hospitals that use a private parking company.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has had no recent discussions with NHS England on private parking companies. NHS trusts are expected to comply with the NHS car parking guidance 2022 for NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts. This applies to all NHS trusts, including those that use private parking companies to operate their hospital car parks.

How many and what proportion of NHS hospitals use private parking companies.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of parking costs on National Health Service staff in Devon. All NHS trusts that charge for hospital car parking provide free parking for those ‘in-most need’. This includes frequent outpatient attenders, parents of sick children staying overnight, blue badge disabled holders, and NHS staff working overnight.Data on the income from car parking charges is published annually through the NHS Estates Return Information Collection. Data on the income from patients and visitors is combined. The latest figures, from 2023/24, show that the income received from patients and visitors for parking on NHS hospital sites was £101,812,089. The income received from staff for parking on NHS hospital sites in 2023/24 was £70,510,110. Data for the income from NHS trusts for carparking is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/estates-returns-information-collection/summary-page-and-dataset-for-eric-2023-24No data is collected on the income generated by the number of parking fines issued or the amount of annual income received by parking companies from the NHS. No data is collected to determine the number of NHS hospitals that use a private parking company.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has had no recent discussions with NHS England on private parking companies. NHS trusts are expected to comply with the NHS car parking guidance 2022 for NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts. This applies to all NHS trusts, including those that use private parking companies to operate their hospital car parks.

If he will make an estimate of annual income received by the NHS from parking payments from staff.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of parking costs on National Health Service staff in Devon. All NHS trusts that charge for hospital car parking provide free parking for those ‘in-most need’. This includes frequent outpatient attenders, parents of sick children staying overnight, blue badge disabled holders, and NHS staff working overnight.Data on the income from car parking charges is published annually through the NHS Estates Return Information Collection. Data on the income from patients and visitors is combined. The latest figures, from 2023/24, show that the income received from patients and visitors for parking on NHS hospital sites was £101,812,089. The income received from staff for parking on NHS hospital sites in 2023/24 was £70,510,110. Data for the income from NHS trusts for carparking is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/estates-returns-information-collection/summary-page-and-dataset-for-eric-2023-24No data is collected on the income generated by the number of parking fines issued or the amount of annual income received by parking companies from the NHS. No data is collected to determine the number of NHS hospitals that use a private parking company.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has had no recent discussions with NHS England on private parking companies. NHS trusts are expected to comply with the NHS car parking guidance 2022 for NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts. This applies to all NHS trusts, including those that use private parking companies to operate their hospital car parks.

What recent discussions he has had with NHS England on private parking companies.

No assessment has been made of the potential impact of parking costs on National Health Service staff in Devon. All NHS trusts that charge for hospital car parking provide free parking for those ‘in-most need’. This includes frequent outpatient attenders, parents of sick children staying overnight, blue badge disabled holders, and NHS staff working overnight.Data on the income from car parking charges is published annually through the NHS Estates Return Information Collection. Data on the income from patients and visitors is combined. The latest figures, from 2023/24, show that the income received from patients and visitors for parking on NHS hospital sites was £101,812,089. The income received from staff for parking on NHS hospital sites in 2023/24 was £70,510,110. Data for the income from NHS trusts for carparking is available at the following link:https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/estates-returns-information-collection/summary-page-and-dataset-for-eric-2023-24No data is collected on the income generated by the number of parking fines issued or the amount of annual income received by parking companies from the NHS. No data is collected to determine the number of NHS hospitals that use a private parking company.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has had no recent discussions with NHS England on private parking companies. NHS trusts are expected to comply with the NHS car parking guidance 2022 for NHS trusts and NHS foundation trusts. This applies to all NHS trusts, including those that use private parking companies to operate their hospital car parks.