Written questions by Glindon.

Pursuant to the answer of 22 October 2024 to Question 9455 on Air Pollution: Poverty, if he will take steps to reduce the number of schools in England that are in areas exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations.

The Government is determined to improve air quality and protect children from the harms of pollution, and is committed to meeting the legal targets for air quality, including the targets recently set under the Environment Act 2021. The Department of Health and Social Care is working across Government to achieve this, including with the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs on their Clean Air Strategy to reduce emissions and reduce harms associated with air pollution.Local air quality is the responsibility of local authorities, who should prepare air quality action plans to ensure the level of pollutants is reduced, if it is not compliant with relevant limits. Local authorities are responsible for monitoring air quality in their areas and will decide where to undertake their monitoring, which may be around schools. The Government will continue to work with local authorities to support their work on improving air quality. Active Travel England and the Department for Transport are working on guidance for local authorities to help them implement School Streets vehicle access restrictions effectively.

Pursuant to the Answer of 22 October 2024 to Question 9455 on Air Pollution: Poverty, if he will take steps to help tackle the impact of air pollution on people with a low income.

The Chief Medical Officers Annual report on Air Pollution (2022) demonstrated the increased health risks associated with exposure to air pollution among those living in areas of higher socio-economic deprivation. The Government are committed to reducing health inequalities and DHSC are supporting Defra to deliver their comprehensive and ambitious Clean Air Strategy which will include a series of interventions to reduce emissions so that everyone’s exposure to air pollution is reduced.

What estimate her Department has made of the number and proportion of households where income does not meet essential spending in Newcastle East and Wallsend constituency.

No such assessment has been made. Statistics on the number of people living in low income households in the UK at a regional level are published annually in the Households Below Average Income statistics publication, available here: Households below average income (HBAI) statistics - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). These are on a before and after housing costs basis and include measures of material deprivation. The numbers of children living in low income families before housing costs by constituency are published annually in the Children in Low Income Families Publication, available here: Childrenin low income families: local area statistics - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk). We know that good work can significantly reduce the chances of people falling into poverty, but too many people are being denied the security and dignity that comes with being in good work. The Get Britain Working White Paper, to be set out in the Autumn, will develop measures to reduce inactivity and help people to find better paid and more secure jobs. For those most in need, an additional £421 million will be provided to enable the extension of the Household Support Fund in England until 31 March 2025, plus funding for the Devolved Governments through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion, as usual.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on levels of food security in Syria.

Food, medical supplies and other humanitarian goods are not subject to UK sanctions. Culpability for the humanitarian situation in Syria lies with Bashar al-Assad and his backers, notably Russia. We have taken action to ensure that the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 include humanitarian provisions. In May 2024, the UK introduced a statutory instrument to further facilitate the provision of fuel to those delivering humanitarian assistance in Syria.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on the Lebanese refugee population in Syria.

The UK is actively monitoring the displacement of refugees from Lebanon into Syria and continues to work closely with the UN and other partners to ensure that sanctions do not impact humanitarian operations. UK support includes Mobile Medical and Integrated Mobile Teams on the ground, which are offering critical services, such as healthcare, food and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) as well as essential support for women and girls, child protection and GBV needs. This is being directed towards border crossings and near areas where returnees are based.

If she will take steps to introduce binding sectoral bargaining to the further education sector.

The government does not set or recommend pay in further education (FE) as this remains the responsibility of individual colleges who are free to implement pay arrangements in line with their local needs. There are no current plans to introduce binding sectoral bargaining in FE. The department is investing around £600 million across in FE in the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years. This includes extending retention payments of up to £6,000 after tax to eligible early career FE teachers in key subject areas, including in sixth form colleges. We also continue to support recruitment and retention with teacher training bursaries worth up to £30,000 tax-free in certain key subject areas, and with support for industry professionals to enter the teaching workforce through the Taking Teaching Further programme. The department will also work with the FE sector to recruit 6,500 additional teachers across schools and colleges to raise standards for children and young people.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 on human rights in Syria.

Sanctions are one of the levers used to hold the Assad regime to account for the atrocities committed in Syria and it is right the UK has a robust sanctions regime in place. They target individuals and entities where there is evidence of their involvement in repressing the Syrian civilian population or have provided support to or benefitted from the Assad regime. Sanctions have significantly weakened both the capability and legitimacy of the Assad regime. The FCDO remains closely engaged across Government, with non-governmental organisations, and Syrian civil society to monitor their impact on the Syrian population. In concert with these efforts, the UK actively uses its leadership in the UN Security Council (UNSC) and Human Rights Council to draw attention to human rights abuses and push for a political settlement as laid out in UNSC Resolution 2254.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the Syria (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 in encouraging the Syrian regime to (a) refrain from actions, policies or activities which repress the civilian population and (b) participate in negotiations in good faith to reach a negotiated political settlement to bring about a peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria; and how frequently his Department reviews those regulations.

Sanctions are one of the levers used to hold the Assad regime to account for the atrocities committed in Syria and it is right the UK has a robust sanctions regime in place. They target individuals and entities where there is evidence of their involvement in repressing the Syrian civilian population or have provided support to or benefitted from the Assad regime. Sanctions have significantly weakened both the capability and legitimacy of the Assad regime. The FCDO remains closely engaged across Government, with non-governmental organisations, and Syrian civil society to monitor their impact on the Syrian population. In concert with these efforts, the UK actively uses its leadership in the UN Security Council (UNSC) and Human Rights Council to draw attention to human rights abuses and push for a political settlement as laid out in UNSC Resolution 2254.

What assessment his Department has made of the impact of air pollution on neighbourhoods with high levels of poverty.

Although air pollution can be harmful to everyone, some people are more affected because they live in a polluted area, are exposed to higher levels of air pollution in their day-to-day lives, or are more susceptible to health problems caused by air pollution, such as cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, lung cancer, and a shortened life expectancy.There is clear evidence that people with a low income are affected by air pollution in a number of different ways. The disadvantages that come about as a result of poor income add up, with deprived populations who are more likely to be in poor health, and are at greater risk from air pollution and its adverse health impacts. These inequalities can affect people throughout their lives, from the prenatal stage through to old age, particularly as deprived communities often have limited opportunities to improve their environment. Further information on pollution is available at the following link:https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1124738/chief-medical-officers-annual-report-air-pollution-dec-2022.pdfA 2021 study by the UK Health Security Agency found that one-third of the schools in England were in areas exceeding World Health Organisation guidelines for fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations. Schools with higher annual mean PM2.5 concentrations are more likely to have a high deprived pupil intake and be in neighbourhoods with high levels of child income deprivation compounding existing socioeconomic disadvantages.

Pursuant to the Answer of 14 October 2024 to Question 6235 on Environment Protection: Industry, if he will take steps with the Office for Clean Energy Jobs to support workers from high carbon sectors move into clean energy jobs as part of the transition to net zero.

Our ambitious Clean Energy Mission will be an incredible opportunity for jobs and investment all across the country, supporting the Growth Mission. The Office for Clean Energy Jobs will support workers from high carbon sectors to move to clean energy jobs by targeting skill interventions to reskill and upskill workers. We will continue to coordinate our approach to ensure a just transition across Government, including working closely with Skills England.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is taking to encourage a ceasefire on the Israel-Lebanon Blue Line.

We were the first G7 country to call for the implementation of an immediate ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel, on 19 September. The Prime Minister has spoken with a number of international leaders, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, His Majesty King Abdullah II, President Macron and Chancellor Scholz, to press the case for restraint. This builds on extensive discussions by the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary at the UN with regional leaders. The Foreign Secretary spoke with counterparts in Egypt, Oman and Iraq about our ongoing efforts for de-escalation.

What steps he is taking to help increase labour productivity in the North East.

Labour productivity in the UK has stagnated over the past fourteen years. It is essential that we act decisively to change this in all nations and regions, including in the North East of England.We are currently working closely with both the North East and Tees Valley Combined Authorities as they develop their Local Growth Plans, to identify their highest-potential sectors and growth priorities.This will enable a focus on the North East's economic strengths, make the most of mayoral leadership and help create the best conditions for lasting change, driving up labour productivity and growth.

If she will take steps to reduce pay gaps between school teachers and further education teachers.

The department recognises the vital role that FE teachers play in developing the skills needed to drive our missions to improve opportunity and economic growth. The government does not set or recommend pay in further education (FE), and the FE sector does not have a Pay Review Body. Colleges are not bound by the national pay and conditions framework for school teachers and are free to implement their own pay arrangements. We are investing around £600 million across the financial years 2024/25 and 2025/26, including extending retention payments of up to £6,000 after tax to eligible early career FE teachers in key subject areas. We also continue to support recruitment and retention with teacher training bursaries worth up to £30,000 tax-free in certain key subject areas, and with support for industry professionals to enter the teaching workforce through our Taking Teaching Further programme. My right hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, has announced a Budget on 30 October, which will be followed by a multi-year spending review in the spring of next year. Decisions about future post-16 funding and capital programmes will be subject to the outcomes of these fiscal events.

Whether the UK is carrying out airstrikes in Yemen.

The situation in the Red Sea remains extremely serious. The Houthis continue to conduct illegal and dangerous attacks that risk innocent lives, exacerbate the humanitarian suffering in Yemen, threaten regional security and harm the global economy. In response to the Houthi attacks, the Royal Air Force conducted five self-defensive strikes against Houthi targets between January and May, acting alongside the United States, with non-operational support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada, the Netherlands, Denmark, and New Zealand.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of ensuring parity of access to public funds for (a) domestic and (b) overseas applicants for child arrangement orders.

Court and tribunal fees do not vary depending on whether the applicant resides in England and Wales or overseas. The Help with Fees remission scheme is available for those who are less able to reasonably afford a court or tribunal fee. Providing that the application is made in English or Welsh, and the applicants’ income is in pound sterling, eligibility for a full or partial fee remission is not affected by whether the applicant resides in England and Wales or overseas. The only exception relates to proceedings taking place in the Immigration & Asylum chamber of the First-tier Tribunal, for which only in-country applicants can apply for Help with Fees. Similarly, access to legal aid is determined by the jurisdiction of the court (i.e. whether the relevant proceedings are before a court in England and Wales), rather than where an applicant is residing. In private family proceedings, legal aid is available for matters such as child arrangement orders, financial remedy proceedings and divorce if you are a victim of domestic abuse or at risk of being abused. Legal aid is also available for child arrangements orders sought as protection measures for children. Funding is subject to providing the required evidence and passing the means and merits tests.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the NHS Learning Support Fund.

The Government keeps the funding arrangements for all healthcare students under close review. At all times the Government must strike a balance between the level of support students receive, and the need to make best use of public funds to deliver value for money. There are no immediate plans to make changes to the levels of funding provided by the scheme.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2024 to Question 2899 on Nurses: Training, what steps he is taking to promote the merits of nursing as a career.

To remove the barriers to training in clinical roles, eligible students receive a non-repayable grant of £5,000 a year, with additional incentives for priority specialisms, such as mental health nursing.The National Health Service has a long-established campaign process for promoting NHS careers, including nursing, both locally and nationally. NHS Health Careers, as part of NHS England, provides support to people in education and at different stages of their career, to learn more about all the career opportunities available in the NHS.NHS England is expanding routes into healthcare professions through apprenticeships and blended learning programmes, allowing students to choose to study in a flexible way that reflects their needs.To ensure nursing remains an attractive career, the Government will also make sure that staff are treated with the respect they deserve, improve their working conditions, and reform the way they deliver care.

What steps his Department is taking to support people with alcohol dependence.

A vital part of delivering the Health Mission shift to prevention will be action to reduce the harms from excess alcohol consumption. The Department is continuing to invest in improvements to local alcohol treatment services to ensure that those in need can access high quality help and support.Funding for alcohol treatment services is provided through the public health grant. In addition, local authorities have received a further £267 million from the Department this year to improve the quality and capacity of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery, alongside £105 million made available by the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Work and Pensions, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to improve treatment pathways and recovery, housing, and employment outcomes for people affected by drug and alcohol use. This additional investment is improving the quality and capacity of alcohol treatment services in England, which includes action to expand the alcohol treatment and recovery workforce.As part of the NHS Long Term Plan, over £30 million of national funding has been invested between 2019 and 2025, on an ambitious programme to establish new, or to optimise existing, Alcohol Care Teams in the 25% hospitals with the highest need, which are 47 out of the 188 eligible sites in England. This is estimated to prevent 50,000 avoidable admissions over five years.The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities published a Commissioning Quality Standard providing guidance for local authorities to support them in commissioning effective alcohol and drug treatment and recovery services in their areas. This guide is available at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/commissioning-quality-standard-alcohol-and-drug-servicesThe UK clinical guidelines on alcohol treatment are expected to be published later this year, and will include recommendations to promote good practice.

What steps he is taking to help increase the number of supply chain jobs in green industries.

The Government will introduce a new Industrial Strategy to drive long-term sustainable, inclusive and secure growth - through securing investment into crucial sectors of the economy. The Industrial Strategy will be key in identifying levers to ensure that we continue to build strong domestic supply chains for green industries and are able to capitalise on the growth opportunities of the net zero transition. Additionally, we have established the Office for Clean Energy Jobs within DESNZ. The Office is dedicated to ensuring that clean energy jobs are not only abundant but also of high quality, focussing on fair pay, favourable terms, and good working conditions.

What steps her Department is taking to increase the climate resilience of public transport systems.

The cross-government third National Adaptation Programme sets out plans to tackle the effects of climate change. For transport, this means working closely with transport infrastructure operators to take meaningful and measurable action to address risks posed by our changing climate. The Department for Transport has plans in place to adapt to and address the risks of climate change. The Department consulted in April 2024 on a draft strategy to enhance climate change adaptation planning and action across the transport sector. The responses to this consultation are being considered.