Written questions by Wilkinson.

What progress the MRS has made in delivering mechanistic research into ME/CFS.

We do not know what ‘MRS’ refers to in this context. The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). A limited amount of mechanistic research is funded through the NIHR, but the majority of mechanistic research is funded through the Medical Research Council (MRC), a UK Research and Innovation Council sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Mechanistic research into myalgic encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome, is within the remit of the MRC.

Whether he plans to reassess compensation amounts under the Infected Blood Compensation Scheme.

In line with recommendations of the Infected Blood Inquiry, the Government has publicly consulted on proposed changes to the compensation scheme. The consultation closed on 22nd January, and we will publish our response within 12 weeks of the consultation’s closing date. The Government is keen to prioritise amendments to the compensation scheme as recommended, while continuing to focus on the swift delivery of compensation to all victims of this scandal.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of financial abuse by negligent Financial Deputies on vulnerable adults under the court of protection.

When the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) receives notice that the court has appointed a deputy to manage the finances or a person who lacks mental capacity, it provides the deputy with access to the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice and supporting guidance known as Deputy Standards. Those standards are published on gov.uk and provide information on legal duties and responsibilities.OPG expects Public Authority and professional deputies to have a higher level of technical knowledge and expertise than lay deputies, such as family members. For lay deputies, OPG provides initial support to help them meet their responsibilities competently. All deputies are subject to supervision by OPG and that process requires the deputy to submit annual accounts. Where a deputy fails to meet the Deputy Standards, they may be asked to complete a number of corrective actions. A significant breach of the standards may result in an application to the Court of Protection to remove the deputy.If someone believes a deputy has breached their duties, they can report the matter to OPG. Under Section 58 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 OPG has the power to deal with complaints or representations about the way in which a deputy is exercising their powers, including any alleged financial mismanagement or abuse. Where necessary, OPG refers cases to the Court of Protection and other agencies such as local authorities or the police.

What consideration her department has given to the potential benefits of changing Pupil Premium rules so that funding goes directly towards supporting the eligible child’s care.

The purpose of pupil premium funding is to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in state-funded schools in England.Pupil premium is not a personal budget for individual pupils. It is for schools to decide how to allocate the funding, after assessing the needs of their disadvantaged cohort, including previously looked after children.To ensure that pupil premium is focused on effective approaches to raising the educational attainment of disadvantaged pupils, schools must use their pupil premium in line with the evidence-informed 'menu of approaches'. Under the ‘wider strategies’ category this can include supporting pupil’s social and emotional needs.Previously looked after children and young people under adoption orders, special guardianship orders and child arrangements orders are eligible for funding for therapy through the Adoption and Special Guardianship Support Fund.

What assessment her department has made of the efficacy of schools’ use of the Pupil Premium to support eligible children.

The department is providing £3.2 billion of pupil premium funding in 2026/27 to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in state-funded schools in England. To ensure pupil premium is focused on effective approaches, schools must use their pupil premium in line with the evidence-informed 'menu of approaches'. Schools with more than 5 eligible pupils must publish a strategy statement annually on their school website using the department template. Schools are held accountable for the outcomes they achieve with all their funding, including through Ofsted inspections and by governors and trustees, and pupil premium is no exception. An evaluation of pupil premium and recovery premium, published in March 2025, found that overall schools were positive about the impact of the funding, and 85% agreed that having pupil premium meant they had a better strategy for meeting the needs of disadvantaged pupils. The evaluation is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-premium-and-recovery-premium-evaluation. A report published by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) in October 2025 found that generally schools’ planned spending of pupil premium aligned with the challenges identified, and that schools used a variety of evidence sources to support their choice of approaches. The report is available here: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/projects/pupil-premium-statement-research-project.

What steps her department is taking to help ensure that the Pupil Premium is spent on supporting the needs of the eligible children’s needs.

The department is providing £3.2 billion of pupil premium funding in 2026/27 to improve educational outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in state-funded schools in England. To ensure pupil premium is focused on effective approaches, schools must use their pupil premium in line with the evidence-informed 'menu of approaches'. Schools with more than 5 eligible pupils must publish a strategy statement annually on their school website using the department template. Schools are held accountable for the outcomes they achieve with all their funding, including through Ofsted inspections and by governors and trustees, and pupil premium is no exception. An evaluation of pupil premium and recovery premium, published in March 2025, found that overall schools were positive about the impact of the funding, and 85% agreed that having pupil premium meant they had a better strategy for meeting the needs of disadvantaged pupils. The evaluation is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/pupil-premium-and-recovery-premium-evaluation. A report published by the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) in October 2025 found that generally schools’ planned spending of pupil premium aligned with the challenges identified, and that schools used a variety of evidence sources to support their choice of approaches. The report is available here: https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/projects-and-evaluation/projects/pupil-premium-statement-research-project.

Whether her Department plans to promote the new road safety strategy to the public.

Injuries and fatalities from road collisions caused by driving are unacceptable, and this Government will work hard to prevent these tragedies for all road users. That is why on 7 January 2026, we published our new Road Safety Strategy, setting out our vision for a safer future on our roads for all. The Government’s THINK! road safety campaign delivers paid advertising to change attitudes and behaviours among those at most risk on the road, currently focused on the priority issues of speed, drink driving and drug driving. THINK! campaigns will play a key role in encouraging safer road user behaviours to support delivery of the strategy. This will include paid campaign activity to raise awareness of any potential significant changes to road safety legislation, with the introduction of these potential changes also supported by wider communications including via DfT social channels and GOV.UK, media engagement and partner and stakeholder networks. As our road environment and technologies evolve, providing education for all road users throughout their lifetime is vital to improving road safety. As announced in the strategy to support a Lifelong Learning approach in the UK, the Government will publish for the first time national guidance on the development and delivery of road safety education, training and publicity. Alongside this, the Government will publish a manual to support the implementation of a Lifelong Learning approach for road safety.

How much funding has been allocated to Opal in the National Policing Intelligence Unit in each year since 2021.

Opal is the National Policing Intelligence Unit for serious organised acquisitive crime. In 2023/4 and 2024/5, the Home Office provided £30,000 each year to help set up and run Pegasus which provides for a retail crime desk within Opal.The Home Office is providing £5 million over the three financial years from 2025/6 to continue to fund Opal’s work with retailers and police forces to identify and dismantle organised crime groups and prolific offenders.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of implementing the recommendations in the report Externalised asylum and migration policies and human rights law, published by the Council of Europe.

The UK has a long-standing commitment to protecting those in need, in line with our international obligations. All asylum claims that are lodged from within the UK and admitted to the UK asylum system, are given full and careful consideration. We have noted the Council of Europe’s report, and we will never remove anyone to a country where they would face persecution or serious harm. We remain firmly committed to this principle.As required through the Public Sector Equality Duty, Home Office officials consider equality impacts throughout the policy development process. Protecting children and vulnerable people is and will remain a priority.The reforms set out in the Asylum Policy Statement (Restoring Order and Control: A statement on the government’s asylum and returns policy - GOV.UK) introduce a comprehensive package of measures designed to restore order, control, fairness, and public confidence in the system. These reforms are fully compliant with our international obligations.Further policy development is needed on the details of these reforms. We are in the process of consulting meaningfully with affected stakeholders and will carefully assess equalities impacts.

With reference to her Department's White Paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, whether the funding announced for Opal is an yearly increase on past and current funding.

Opal is the National Policing Intelligence Unit for serious organised acquisitive crime. In 2023/4 and 2024/5, the Home Office provided £30,000 each year to help set up and run Pegasus which provides for a retail crime desk within Opal.The Home Office is providing £5 million over the three financial years from 2025/6 to continue to fund Opal’s work with retailers and police forces to identify and dismantle organised crime groups and prolific offenders.

What steps her Department plans to take to ensure that data collected by live facial recognition will be stored safely.

Police use of live facial recognition (LFR) is governed by data protection legislation, which requires that any processing of biometric data is lawful, fair, proportionate and subject to appropriate safeguards.The Home Office does not collect or store data generated through police use of LFR. Police forces act as data controllers for the operational use of the technology and are responsible for ensuring that data is stored and handled securely, in line with data protection law and established policing standards.LFR systems used by the police must be procured and operated in accordance with UK law and national security requirements. Police procurement decisions are subject to procurement legislation and Cabinet Office guidance on supply‑chain and national security risk. This includes having regard to cyber security standards and advice from the National Cyber Security Centre, which supports public sector organisations in protecting systems and sensitive data from cyber threats, including risks associated with third‑party suppliers and foreign access.Operational guidance on the use of LFR is set out in the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice (APP). The APP is national guidance developed and maintained by the College, following engagement with policing practitioners and relevant stakeholders. It sets out best practice and legal standards for police forces, making clear that any use of LFR must be lawful, necessary and proportionate, and must comply with data protection, equality and human rights legislation.The APP sits alongside the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, issued by the Home Secretary, which provides statutory guidance on the responsible and transparent use of surveillance cameras including facial recognition.

What steps her Department is taking to help ensure that data collected by live facial recognition technology cannot be accessed by foreign states.

Police use of live facial recognition (LFR) is governed by data protection legislation, which requires that any processing of biometric data is lawful, fair, proportionate and subject to appropriate safeguards.The Home Office does not collect or store data generated through police use of LFR. Police forces act as data controllers for the operational use of the technology and are responsible for ensuring that data is stored and handled securely, in line with data protection law and established policing standards.LFR systems used by the police must be procured and operated in accordance with UK law and national security requirements. Police procurement decisions are subject to procurement legislation and Cabinet Office guidance on supply‑chain and national security risk. This includes having regard to cyber security standards and advice from the National Cyber Security Centre, which supports public sector organisations in protecting systems and sensitive data from cyber threats, including risks associated with third‑party suppliers and foreign access.Operational guidance on the use of LFR is set out in the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice (APP). The APP is national guidance developed and maintained by the College, following engagement with policing practitioners and relevant stakeholders. It sets out best practice and legal standards for police forces, making clear that any use of LFR must be lawful, necessary and proportionate, and must comply with data protection, equality and human rights legislation.The APP sits alongside the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, issued by the Home Secretary, which provides statutory guidance on the responsible and transparent use of surveillance cameras including facial recognition.

If she will publish a list of stakeholders that ministers have met to develop a best practice guidance for the use of Live Facial Recognition technology by the police.

Police use of live facial recognition (LFR) is governed by data protection legislation, which requires that any processing of biometric data is lawful, fair, proportionate and subject to appropriate safeguards.The Home Office does not collect or store data generated through police use of LFR. Police forces act as data controllers for the operational use of the technology and are responsible for ensuring that data is stored and handled securely, in line with data protection law and established policing standards.LFR systems used by the police must be procured and operated in accordance with UK law and national security requirements. Police procurement decisions are subject to procurement legislation and Cabinet Office guidance on supply‑chain and national security risk. This includes having regard to cyber security standards and advice from the National Cyber Security Centre, which supports public sector organisations in protecting systems and sensitive data from cyber threats, including risks associated with third‑party suppliers and foreign access.Operational guidance on the use of LFR is set out in the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice (APP). The APP is national guidance developed and maintained by the College, following engagement with policing practitioners and relevant stakeholders. It sets out best practice and legal standards for police forces, making clear that any use of LFR must be lawful, necessary and proportionate, and must comply with data protection, equality and human rights legislation.The APP sits alongside the Surveillance Camera Code of Practice, issued by the Home Secretary, which provides statutory guidance on the responsible and transparent use of surveillance cameras including facial recognition.

With reference to Part 3 of her Department's White paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing White Paper, published on 26 January 2026, how many (a) strategic authority mayors and (bi) council leaders will be placed on a Policing and Crime Board.

Policing and Crime Boards will be made up of upper-tier local authority leaders, and where they are present in the force area, Strategic Authority Mayors. This will ensure that the whole force area is represented by elected individuals. The exact number will be influenced by the number of upper-tier local authorities and Strategic Authorities in that area; we anticipate Policing and Crime Boards will be between 5 to 11 members.Policing and Crime Boards will also include two independent members, to bring unique skills and expertise. They will be required to be supported by a Policing and Crime Lead, who will exercise many of the functions of the Board on their behalf, ensuring that there is a dedicated lead for policing on a day-to-day basis.

What are the current boundaries of operational independence for police forces.

Operational independence of the police is a longstanding fundamental principle of British policing. This ensures that Chief Constables maintain direction and control over their police force so that they can perform their role without fear or favour.There is no statutory definition of operational independence or its boundaries. However, the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and the Policing Protocol Order 2023 set an expectation that Chief Constables, their officers, and staff exercise professional judgement free from improper political or operational interference.The Government’s recently published White Paper ‘From Local to National: A New Model for Policing’ announced plans to clarify the boundaries of operational independence to provide policing with direction and support to drive improvement where necessary.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of aligning strategic authority mayoral boundaries with new regional policing boundaries.

The Police Reform White Paper, published on 26 January 2026, represents the most significant reforms to policing in England and Wales since the service was professionalised nearly 200 years ago. As part of this, the White Paper sets out an ambition to significantly reduce the number of police forces by the end of the next Parliament.An Independent Review of police structures, which will report this Summer, will examine the optimal configuration of police forces. The review will consider alignment of public service boundaries, including mayoral and local authorities. Mayors and elected local leaders will continue to be a core part of the governance and accountability arrangements for policing.

With reference to Pillar 1 entitled Police Back on the Beat within the white paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 27 January 2026, CP 1489, how many police officers constitute a team; and whether neighbourhood policing area teams would be assigned to single council wards.

The Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee (NPG) commitments means every neighbourhood now has named, and contactable officers. The commitments were delivered in line with police forces’ existing team structures and neighbourhood areas based on local needs shaped by a range of factors, including geography, crime types, urban or rural context, and population size and density. The constitution of a neighbourhood policing team therefore varies by force.The White Paper confirms that we will work with police forces to define and implement neighbourhood areas to ensure they are of a size that makes sense locally and are recognisable to communities. Ultimately, we aim to have neighbourhood areas aligned with local council wards.

With reference to Part 3 of her Department's White paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing White Paper, published on 26 January 2026, what her planned timetable is for the review of the police funding formula.

The White Paper represents the most significant reforms to policing for nearly 200 years. The reforms to our policing system set out in the White Paper will have significant consequences for the way policing is funded in future.Changes to police governance, force mergers and the creation of the National Police Service require a new way of allocating funding between forces, aligned with these new structures. We will therefore review the police funding formula once the implementation of police reform is underway so that the new formula reflects the new police force structures.

With reference to Section 22 of the Department's White Paper entitled From local to national: a new model for policing, published on 26 January 2026, how does her Department define dangerous behaviour; and what criteria do they use to identify it.

There is no one specific definition of ‘dangerous behaviour’ or any exhaustive list of the criteria for identifying it, as this changes as crime changes and evolves. However, the College of Policing (CoP) provide a non-statutory definition of Potentially Dangerous Persons (PDPs) which states that:'A PDP is a person who is not currently managed under one of the three Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) categories, but reasonable grounds exist for believing that there is a risk of them committing an offence or offences that will cause serious harm.’The MAPPA categories are explained Multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA) | College of Policing

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, is Lord Mandelson currently in receipt of a government salary.

No.