Written questions by Vickers.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the provision of British Sign Language interpreters for deaf jurors.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 placed the right to British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting in the jury deliberation room on a statutory footing (now section 9C of the Juries Act 1974). The Ministry of Justice is committed to ensuring the justice system is supported by a range of high-quality language services that meet the needs of all those that require them. Visual and tactile provisions, including sign language interpreters, are met and monitored through the Ministry of Justice's language services contract with Clarion Interpreting Ltd.Whilst HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) does not record protected characteristics of jurors in respect of complaints, an interrogation of data held suggests that there have been two recorded complaints regarding interpreter provision for jury service support in the last five years. When concerns are raised, HMCTS addresses them at a local level and, where appropriate, escalates issues through established contract management processes and ongoing improvements in data quality and governance.The quality of interpreting provided to the Department, including the management of its register of interpreters, is assured by an independent provider, The Language Shop (TLS). TLS undertakes a programme of assessments for interpreters, as well as an annual audit of supplier processes for onboarding new interpreters. These safeguards ensure the legal right is delivered in practice while maintaining the integrity of the jury room.

What guidance his Department provides to court staff on communicating with deaf jurors in the absence of an interpreter.

The Government is committed to ensuring that all jurors are able to participate effectively in the Criminal Justice System. Since new legislative provisions came into force in 2022, deaf jurors may be granted the assistance of British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters in the jury deliberation room. If an interpreter is unavailable at any point, it is for the trial judge to decide whether to proceed or to adjourn until appropriate support is in place. Courts source interpreters through the Ministry of Justice’s contracted suppliers, with contingency arrangements (including booking pairs of BSL interpreters for deliberations) to manage fatigue and ensure quality. HMCTS guidance makes clear that reasonable adjustments must be put in place to enable jurors with disabilities to participate, and that interpreter support should be arranged promptly where required. Where an interpreter is temporarily unavailable, jury officers and the judge will consider appropriate interim steps, such as written communication, assistive listening technology, or a brief adjournment, so that the juror is not disadvantaged. Judicial guidance in the Equal Treatment Bench Book underlines that arrangements are judicially led in line with legislation.

What steps his Department is taking to improve access to urgent care services in areas where there is no A&E department within 10 miles.

Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning services to meet the needs of their local communities, as they are best placed to take those decisions.The Urgent and Emergency Care Plan 2025/26 sets out the planned action to be taken to improve services this year. Backed by almost £450 million, it will expand urgent and emergency care facilities to provide faster care for patients, including those services outside of acute hospitals.The 10-Year Health Plan focuses on shifting urgent care into the community through new Neighbourhood Health Services. This will improve the experience and care that people receive, rather than having to go to hospital unnecessarily, while more timely access to primary care and better proactive care for long term conditions will reduce demand into urgent and emergency care.

What steps her Department is taking to support law enforcement agencies with the technical capability to (a) detect and (b) disrupt livestreamed child sexual abuse in real time.

The Government is unequivocal in its commitment to protecting children from all forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse. This includes ensuring that we are working to combat livestreamed abuse and ensuring that offenders cannot use technology to harm children with impunity.The Home Office continues to invest in a network of Undercover Online Officers (UCOLs) in Regional Organised Crime Units. UCOLs deploy online to identify and pursue offenders seeking to sexually exploit children, including those who consume and facilitate livestreaming operations. Home Office funding supports both the National Crime Agency to use its unique capabilities to disrupt the livestreaming of child abuse, and GCHQ’s aim to significantly reduce harm to children by addressing the volume and scope of online offending and helping to bring offenders to justice.In order to tackle the threat and reduce livestreaming of child sex abuse, which is an inherently transnational crime, the National Crime Agency (NCA) works in collaboration with law enforcement in the UK and internationally to pursue the highest harm offenders. The UK is also leading the way in supporting the building and developing thematic knowledge and operational capabilities of other international law enforcement agencies to work together to pursue offenders and safeguard children. In addition, the NCA is leading a number of initiatives with industry and engagement with the financial sector, to specifically prevent and detect livestreaming offending. This includes work to build on the UK-supported report by the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) ‘Detecting, Disrupting and Investigating Online Child Sexual Exploitation’.This UK Government is prioritising our response to this crime, including crucial action through multilateral and bilateral forums to lead the way in ensuring there is robust international capacity to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse, including in response to livestreaming and other online offending, and working to keep children safe online and in communities around the world.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of introducing a universal screening programme for prostate cancer on long-term NHS costs.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises ministers on all screening matters, does not currently recommend population screening for prostate cancer. As such, England does not have a national screening programme.As part of its commitment to review its recommendations, the UK NSC commissioned an evidence review for prostate cancer screening, to cover modelling the clinical effectiveness and cost of several approaches to prostate cancer screening. It includes different potential ways of screening the whole population and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.The modelling and evidence review is now complete, and it is being considered by the UK NSC and experts. Subject to no further revisions being required, the UK NSC plans to hold a public consultation towards the end of 2025. After this the UK NSC will make a recommendation. Ministers will then be asked to consider whether to accept the recommendation.NHS England is engaged in initial discussions regarding prostate cancer screening costs and feasibility, and as any recommendations from the UK NSC evidence review take shape, these discussions will continue.Ministers are cognisant of the fact that a clearly defined and quality assured screening programme, whether population wide or to specific targeted high-risk groups, would avoid some of the health inequities associated with more ad hoc testing currently being carried out via general practitioners and other organisations.

What funding he is providing for defence innovation partnerships with (a) universities and (b) SMEs.

As of 1 July 2025, the new innovation body – UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) – has launched within the Ministry of Defence to harness UK ingenuity and boost military technology UKDI has brought together previously separate innovation organisations including the Defence and Security Accelerator, the Defence Innovation Unit, Command Innovation Hubs, and Future Capability Innovation, to create a streamlined system that enhances collaboration across defence, security, academia, industry, and international partners. With a ringfenced annual budget of at least £400 million, UKDI will serve as an engine for growth in the defence, security, and dual-use technology sectors.

What progress she has made on tackling (a) livestreamed child abuse and (b) other online sexual exploitation and abuse of children.

The Government is unequivocal in its commitment to protecting children from all forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse. This includes ensuring that we are working to combat livestreamed abuse and ensuring that offenders cannot use technology to harm children with impunity.The Home Office continues to invest in a network of Undercover Online Officers (UCOLs) in Regional Organised Crime Units. UCOLs deploy online to identify and pursue offenders seeking to sexually exploit children, including those who consume and facilitate livestreaming operations. Home Office funding supports both the National Crime Agency to use its unique capabilities to disrupt the livestreaming of child abuse, and GCHQ’s aim to significantly reduce harm to children by addressing the volume and scope of online offending and helping to bring offenders to justice.In order to tackle the threat and reduce livestreaming of child sex abuse, which is an inherently transnational crime, the National Crime Agency (NCA) works in collaboration with law enforcement in the UK and internationally to pursue the highest harm offenders. The UK is also leading the way in supporting the building and developing thematic knowledge and operational capabilities of other international law enforcement agencies to work together to pursue offenders and safeguard children. In addition, the NCA is leading a number of initiatives with industry and engagement with the financial sector, to specifically prevent and detect livestreaming offending. This includes work to build on the UK-supported report by the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) ‘Detecting, Disrupting and Investigating Online Child Sexual Exploitation’.This UK Government is prioritising our response to this crime, including crucial action through multilateral and bilateral forums to lead the way in ensuring there is robust international capacity to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse, including in response to livestreaming and other online offending, and working to keep children safe online and in communities around the world.

For what reason the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund is restricted to Scottish residents; and whether he plans to extend that scheme to workers in England.

The Office for Clean Energy Jobs is funding targeted Regional Skills Pilots across the UK which will address skill gaps in a limited number of places which have been identified as priority areas for clean energy, including Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire pilot, the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund, is being delivered in partnership between UK Government, Scottish Government and Skills Development Scotland. This is a targeted pilot for workers in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Pilots are also running in Cheshire West and Chester, North and North East Lincolnshire and Pembrokeshire, with local and devolved partners empowered to develop their own plans for how best to target the funding. The Department will publish a Clean Energy Workforce Strategy setting out our approach to creating good jobs across the country.

What steps she is taking to ensure that people in the UK who pay to direct livestreamed sexual abuse of children overseas are (a) identified and (b) prosecuted.

The Government is unequivocal in its commitment to protecting children from all forms of child sexual exploitation and abuse. This includes ensuring that we are working to combat livestreamed abuse and ensuring that offenders cannot use technology to harm children with impunity.The Home Office continues to invest in a network of Undercover Online Officers (UCOLs) in Regional Organised Crime Units. UCOLs deploy online to identify and pursue offenders seeking to sexually exploit children, including those who consume and facilitate livestreaming operations. Home Office funding supports both the National Crime Agency to use its unique capabilities to disrupt the livestreaming of child abuse, and GCHQ’s aim to significantly reduce harm to children by addressing the volume and scope of online offending and helping to bring offenders to justice.In order to tackle the threat and reduce livestreaming of child sex abuse, which is an inherently transnational crime, the National Crime Agency (NCA) works in collaboration with law enforcement in the UK and internationally to pursue the highest harm offenders. The UK is also leading the way in supporting the building and developing thematic knowledge and operational capabilities of other international law enforcement agencies to work together to pursue offenders and safeguard children. In addition, the NCA is leading a number of initiatives with industry and engagement with the financial sector, to specifically prevent and detect livestreaming offending. This includes work to build on the UK-supported report by the Financial Action Taskforce (FATF) ‘Detecting, Disrupting and Investigating Online Child Sexual Exploitation’.This UK Government is prioritising our response to this crime, including crucial action through multilateral and bilateral forums to lead the way in ensuring there is robust international capacity to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse, including in response to livestreaming and other online offending, and working to keep children safe online and in communities around the world.

What discussions he has had with NHS England on the feasibility of rolling out a national prostate cancer screening initiative.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises ministers on all screening matters, does not currently recommend population screening for prostate cancer. As such, England does not have a national screening programme.As part of its commitment to review its recommendations, the UK NSC commissioned an evidence review for prostate cancer screening, to cover modelling the clinical effectiveness and cost of several approaches to prostate cancer screening. It includes different potential ways of screening the whole population and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.The modelling and evidence review is now complete, and it is being considered by the UK NSC and experts. Subject to no further revisions being required, the UK NSC plans to hold a public consultation towards the end of 2025. After this the UK NSC will make a recommendation. Ministers will then be asked to consider whether to accept the recommendation.NHS England is engaged in initial discussions regarding prostate cancer screening costs and feasibility, and as any recommendations from the UK NSC evidence review take shape, these discussions will continue.Ministers are cognisant of the fact that a clearly defined and quality assured screening programme, whether population wide or to specific targeted high-risk groups, would avoid some of the health inequities associated with more ad hoc testing currently being carried out via general practitioners and other organisations.

What steps he is taking to improve access to prostate cancer screening services.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises ministers on all screening matters, does not currently recommend population screening for prostate cancer. As such, England does not have a national screening programme.As part of its commitment to review its recommendations, the UK NSC commissioned an evidence review for prostate cancer screening, to cover modelling the clinical effectiveness and cost of several approaches to prostate cancer screening. It includes different potential ways of screening the whole population and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.The modelling and evidence review is now complete, and it is being considered by the UK NSC and experts. Subject to no further revisions being required, the UK NSC plans to hold a public consultation towards the end of 2025. After this the UK NSC will make a recommendation. Ministers will then be asked to consider whether to accept the recommendation.NHS England is engaged in initial discussions regarding prostate cancer screening costs and feasibility, and as any recommendations from the UK NSC evidence review take shape, these discussions will continue.Ministers are cognisant of the fact that a clearly defined and quality assured screening programme, whether population wide or to specific targeted high-risk groups, would avoid some of the health inequities associated with more ad hoc testing currently being carried out via general practitioners and other organisations.

What assessment he has made of trends in the level of disparities in access to prostate cancer testing among different socioeconomic groups.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises ministers on all screening matters, does not currently recommend population screening for prostate cancer. As such, England does not have a national screening programme.As part of its commitment to review its recommendations, the UK NSC commissioned an evidence review for prostate cancer screening, to cover modelling the clinical effectiveness and cost of several approaches to prostate cancer screening. It includes different potential ways of screening the whole population and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.The modelling and evidence review is now complete, and it is being considered by the UK NSC and experts. Subject to no further revisions being required, the UK NSC plans to hold a public consultation towards the end of 2025. After this the UK NSC will make a recommendation. Ministers will then be asked to consider whether to accept the recommendation.NHS England is engaged in initial discussions regarding prostate cancer screening costs and feasibility, and as any recommendations from the UK NSC evidence review take shape, these discussions will continue.Ministers are cognisant of the fact that a clearly defined and quality assured screening programme, whether population wide or to specific targeted high-risk groups, would avoid some of the health inequities associated with more ad hoc testing currently being carried out via general practitioners and other organisations.

Whether he plans to ensure that men in areas with higher incidence rates of prostate cancer have targeted access to early screening.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises ministers on all screening matters, does not currently recommend population screening for prostate cancer. As such, England does not have a national screening programme.As part of its commitment to review its recommendations, the UK NSC commissioned an evidence review for prostate cancer screening, to cover modelling the clinical effectiveness and cost of several approaches to prostate cancer screening. It includes different potential ways of screening the whole population and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.The modelling and evidence review is now complete, and it is being considered by the UK NSC and experts. Subject to no further revisions being required, the UK NSC plans to hold a public consultation towards the end of 2025. After this the UK NSC will make a recommendation. Ministers will then be asked to consider whether to accept the recommendation.NHS England is engaged in initial discussions regarding prostate cancer screening costs and feasibility, and as any recommendations from the UK NSC evidence review take shape, these discussions will continue.Ministers are cognisant of the fact that a clearly defined and quality assured screening programme, whether population wide or to specific targeted high-risk groups, would avoid some of the health inequities associated with more ad hoc testing currently being carried out via general practitioners and other organisations.

What (a) funding and (b) retraining support is available for oil and gas workers in England impacted by the transition to renewable energy.

We will shortly be publishing a Clean Energy Workforce Strategy which will set out our approach to upskilling and reskilling the workforce into clean energy roles through initiatives including the Energy Skills Passport, in collaboration with industry, which is helping oil and gas workers to identify routes into roles in offshore wind including construction and maintenance. The skills system is delivering training for existing workers looking to retrain or upskill into clean energy. Support includes the announcement of 10 Technical Excellence Colleges for construction, which will transform existing further education colleges to deliver the skills needed for growth-driving sectors like clean energy; the Growth and Skills levy to deliver greater flexibility for learners and employers in England; and Skill Bootcamps to address the need for clean energy skills where this reflects regional priorities.

What discussions his Department has had with employers in the oil and gas sector in England on (a) skills transition and (b) workforce retention.

The Department (DESNZ) established the Office for Clean Energy Jobs (OCEJ) to engage industry and employers on skills needs and challenges. In partnership with Skills England, it leads workforce planning by identifying skills gaps and supporting reskilling. DESNZ consulted with all stakeholders, including employers on ‘Building the North Sea’s Energy Future’. It included questions on supporting the oil and gas workforce to transition to clean energy sectors. A Government response will be published in due course. These engagements have informed recent initiatives, including the Energy Skills Passport, the Oil and Gas Transition Training Fund pilot in Aberdeen, and the training guarantee for at-risk workers at Petroineos and Prax oil refineries.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of introducing a universal prostate cancer screening programme.

The UK National Screening Committee (UK NSC), which advises ministers on all screening matters, does not currently recommend population screening for prostate cancer. As such, England does not have a national screening programme.As part of its commitment to review its recommendations, the UK NSC commissioned an evidence review for prostate cancer screening, to cover modelling the clinical effectiveness and cost of several approaches to prostate cancer screening. It includes different potential ways of screening the whole population and targeted screening aimed at groups of people identified as being at higher-than-average risk, such as black men or men with a family history of cancer.The modelling and evidence review is now complete, and it is being considered by the UK NSC and experts. Subject to no further revisions being required, the UK NSC plans to hold a public consultation towards the end of 2025. After this the UK NSC will make a recommendation. Ministers will then be asked to consider whether to accept the recommendation.NHS England is engaged in initial discussions regarding prostate cancer screening costs and feasibility, and as any recommendations from the UK NSC evidence review take shape, these discussions will continue.Ministers are cognisant of the fact that a clearly defined and quality assured screening programme, whether population wide or to specific targeted high-risk groups, would avoid some of the health inequities associated with more ad hoc testing currently being carried out via general practitioners and other organisations.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of net zero policies on employment in the oil and gas sector in England.

The North Sea basin is super-mature, and production is in natural decline. Oil and gas production fell by 72% between 1999 and 2023. Direct jobs in oil and gas extraction fell by around a third between 2014 and 2023. The clean energy transition creates an opportunity for our expert oil and gas sector to play a central role in the future of energy supply. Robert Gordon University estimates that the renewables workforce could grow from 39,000 in 2024 to 84,000-153,000 by 2035, subject to realised deployment across those technologies and proportion of UK content delivered by the domestic supply chain.

What steps he is taking to (a) raise awareness of prostate cancer symptoms and (b) encourage men to come forward for testing.

The Department remains committed to raising awareness of all cancer types, including prostate cancer, and recognises that there is more to be done to encourage men at increased risk to come forward for testing.The National Health Service, and several other local and national organisations, publish information on the signs and symptoms of many different types of cancer, including prostate cancer. This information can be found on the NHS.UK website, at the following link:https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms/Men with symptoms, those over the age of 50 years old, those from a black ethnic background, or those with a family history of prostate cancer, who are worried about their risk of prostate cancer, are urged to see a general practitioner.In January 2025, NHS England re-launched its Abdominal and urological symptoms of cancer phase of the Help Us Help You public awareness campaigns. These public campaigns aim to increase knowledge of cancer symptoms and address barriers to acting on them, to encourage people to come forward as soon as possible to see their general practitioner.In addition, NHS England has delivered a full roll out of non-specific symptom pathways, designed to speed up the diagnosis of cancer. Non-specific symptom pathways introduce a route to possible diagnosis for patients who display symptoms that could indicate cancer, but which do not align to specific cancers.

What assessment he has made of trends in the level of regional variation in patient access to motor neurone disease clinical trials; and what steps he is taking to ensure equitable access across all NHS regions.

The Department is committed to ensuring equitable access to health and care research, including motor neurone disease (MND) studies, across all National Health Service regions. National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) infrastructure has national coverage, but we recognise that trials in some disease areas can be concentrated in specialist centres, which can result in regional variation in patient access.Through investment in world-class expertise, specialist facilities, a dedicated research delivery workforce, and coordinated support services, the NIHR enables research to be set up and delivered effectively across the NHS and wider health and care system.Measures to ensure equitable access include supporting travel and accommodation costs through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme, study-level travel reimbursement, and practical assistance from NIHR Clinical Research Facilities and the Research Delivery Network.In line with the NHS 10-Year Health Plan, there is a growing emphasis on delivering research in community and home settings, supported by digital tools and mobile research teams. This approach reduces the need for hospital visits and ensures that patients with MND can participate in research regardless of their location. This work is complemented by wider Government investment, such as the £6 million MND Translational Accelerator and the £8 million EXPERTS-ALS programme, which are designed to connect research centres nationally and broaden opportunities for patients across regions.

How much funding his Department has allocated to support the (a) development and (b) expansion of MND clinical trial infrastructure.

The Department funds health and care research infrastructure through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). This provides world-class research expertise, specialist facilities, a dedicated research delivery workforce, and support services across the National Health Service and wider health and care system in England.NIHR infrastructure funding is not allocated by individual disease or therapy area. Instead, it underpins the development and expansion of research capacity across all specialties, including motor neurone disease (MND). Examples include:- Biomedical Research Centres (BRCs), with £909 million awarded from December 2022 to March 2028. Six BRCs conduct research into neurological disease, supporting discovery science and the development of new trial approaches;- the Research Delivery Network, with approximately £380 million provided each year, providing the NHS with support funding and the workforce to expand research delivery capability across regions, including for MND studies; and- Clinical Research Facilities, with £214 million invested until 2029 in 28 facilities, creating dedicated spaces for early-phase and complex trials such as drug, cell, and gene therapies, supporting both the development and expansion of MND clinical trials.Government responsibility for MND research is shared between the Department of Health and Social Care, with research delivered by NIHR, and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, with research delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). In addition, targeted investments are helping to strengthen trial capacity, including £6 million for the MND Translational Accelerator, which connects UK institutes to speed up the development of treatments, and £8 million for the EXPERTS-ALS programme, which screens promising drugs and complements the MND-SMART platform trial.