Written questions by Whittome.

What steps he is taking to ensure that people with substance use issues can access specialist inpatient detox treatment.

Local authorities are responsible for commissioning drug and alcohol treatment services according to local need as part of their public health responsibilities, and this includes the provision of inpatient detoxification services.In line with recommendations in Dame Carol Black’s independent review of drug treatment and recovery, the Department created a distinct grant to support and expand inpatient detoxification for people who use drugs and alcohol. The £10 million a year grant ran between 2022/23 and 2024/25, before being consolidated into the Drug and Alcohol Treatment and Recovery Improvement Grant in 2025/26. Investment in inpatient detoxification services will continue beyond 2026. The Government has committed over £13.45 billion across three years through the Public Health Grant, including £3.4 billion ringfenced for drug and alcohol prevention, treatment, and recovery, which includes funding for inpatient detoxification. This multi-year funding provides greater certainty for local areas as they plan and sustain services.

What steps he is taking to ensure that patient experience data and intelligence is independently aggregated and analysed following the abolition of local Healthwatch.

Following the abolition of local Healthwatch, our proposals are that integrated care boards (ICBs) and local authorities (LAs) will have the responsibility for gathering views, and feedback from local people about health and social care services respectively in their area. ICBs and LAs will be required to take these views into account when looking at their commissioning strategies to ensure these meet the needs of local people. They will also be required to demonstrate that they have done so. However, these proposals require primary legislation. The timing of this is subject to the will of Parliament and will happen when parliamentary time allows.

If he will ensure that human, qualitative patient insight is not displaced by digital, survey-based and institution-led feedback once local Healthwatch is abolished.

As set out in the Dash Review of the patient safety landscape published in July 2025, and in the 10-Year Health Plan, the statutory functions of local Healthwatch bodies will be transferred to integrated care boards (ICBs) for health, and to local authorities (LAs) for social care.Both ICBs and LAs will be required to demonstrate how they have gathered patient and user feedback from local people including those who do not have access to digital platforms, those who are less proficient with technology, and people for whom English is a second language.

What assessment he has made of the potential benefits of including inflammatory bowel disease on the list of medical conditions which are entitled to a medical exemption certificate.

There are currently no plans to add inflammatory bowel disease to the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate which exempts the holder from paying the National Health Service prescription charge.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the availability of NHS provision on the number of patients with Cranio-Cervical Instability who are seeking (a) diagnosis and (b) surgical treatment overseas.

The Department recognises that Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) and associated cranio‑cervical instability (CCI) are complex conditions that can be challenging to diagnose and manage, and we acknowledge the concerns raised by patients and clinicians about variation in expertise and access to appropriate care.Care for CCI is managed within existing specialised neurology and spinal pathways, delivered in centres with the appropriate expertise. NHS England works with clinical experts and integrated care boards to ensure that provision reflects the best available evidence and supports patients with complex connective‑tissue and neurological presentations. Decisions on surgical interventions for CCI must be based on individual clinical assessment, the strength of available evidence for benefit, and consideration of potential risks.Once qualified, healthcare professionals are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge remains up to date, and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development. Clinical teams are expected to use the best available evidence and follow national guidance when assessing and managing patients with complex connective tissue disorders.The Department continues to engage with patient groups, charities, and Members of Parliament on the issues facing people with EDS and CCI. Insights from this engagement, including on the barriers patients encounter in accessing National Health Services, are informing our ongoing consideration of what further action may be needed to strengthen referral routes, support the dissemination of clinical resources, and consider where further system support may improve diagnostic confidence and care coordination.The Department is aware of a number of individual cases where patients with suspected CCI have travelled overseas for imaging or surgery not routinely available in the NHS.

What steps his Department is taking to improve a) (a) the diagnosis of, (b) clinician training on and (c) access to treatment for patients with Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes and associated Cranio-Cervical Instability.

The Department recognises that Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (EDS) and associated cranio‑cervical instability (CCI) are complex conditions that can be challenging to diagnose and manage, and we acknowledge the concerns raised by patients and clinicians about variation in expertise and access to appropriate care.Care for CCI is managed within existing specialised neurology and spinal pathways, delivered in centres with the appropriate expertise. NHS England works with clinical experts and integrated care boards to ensure that provision reflects the best available evidence and supports patients with complex connective‑tissue and neurological presentations. Decisions on surgical interventions for CCI must be based on individual clinical assessment, the strength of available evidence for benefit, and consideration of potential risks.Once qualified, healthcare professionals are responsible for ensuring their own clinical knowledge remains up to date, and for identifying learning needs as part of their continuing professional development. Clinical teams are expected to use the best available evidence and follow national guidance when assessing and managing patients with complex connective tissue disorders.The Department continues to engage with patient groups, charities, and Members of Parliament on the issues facing people with EDS and CCI. Insights from this engagement, including on the barriers patients encounter in accessing National Health Services, are informing our ongoing consideration of what further action may be needed to strengthen referral routes, support the dissemination of clinical resources, and consider where further system support may improve diagnostic confidence and care coordination.The Department is aware of a number of individual cases where patients with suspected CCI have travelled overseas for imaging or surgery not routinely available in the NHS.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to help ensure UK-registered charities can continue operating in Palestine under Palestinian Authority registration.

Regarding the registration of non-governmental organisations to operate in Gaza, I refer the Hon Member to the statement I made to the House on 5 January, and to the joint statement made by the Foreign Secretary and a number of her counterparts on 30 December, which can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/jointstatementon-the-gaza-humanitarian-response.

Communities and Local Government, what recent steps he has taken towards bringing the provisions in the Freehold Reform Act 2024 into force.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question UIN 103549 on 14 January 2026 and to the Written Ministerial Statement I made on 27 January 2026 (HCWS1278).

What consideration his Department has given to introducing transitional arrangements for the implementation of UK graduate prioritisation in medical specialty recruitment for the 2025–26 recruitment cycle; and whether he will review the decision to assess applicants’ immigration or settlement status at the point of application rather than at the point of job offer, in cases where applicants will have Indefinite Leave to Remain by the time offers are made.

The Government does not plan to introduce transitional arrangements for the implementation of the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill.For 2026 specialty training posts we have used immigration status as a reasonable proxy for National Health Service experience. Subject to parliamentary passage, the bill prioritises applicants at offer stage based on their immigration status at that point. Applicants will be able to update their application status where it has changed since they made their application. For specialty training posts starting from 2027 onwards, the immigration status category will not apply automatically. Instead, we will be able to make regulations to specify any additional groups who will be prioritised by reference to criteria indicating significant experience as a doctor in the health service, or by reference to immigration status. We will set out next steps on these regulations in due course.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the Medical Training (Prioritisation) Bill on British citizens who have already commenced undergraduate medical degrees overseas on the understanding that they would be able to return to the UK to complete their Foundation Programme; and what plans he has to implement transitional protections and assurances to safeguard their training prospects and future careers in the NHS.

Subject to the parliamentary passage of the bill, British citizens who have graduated from medical schools outside of the United Kingdom will not be prioritised for foundation training places if they spent the majority of their time studying outside the British Islands.The Government does not plan to implement transitional protections or assurances in relation to these applicants. Prioritisation does not mean exclusion. Non-prioritised graduates will still be able to apply for foundation training places, and they will be offered places if vacancies remain after prioritised applicants have received offers.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her (a) Chinese and (b) Japanese counterpart on the maintenance of peace and international law in East Asia.

The Foreign Secretary has emphasised the importance of regional stability in her discussions with Chinese and Japanese counterparts. The Prime Minister also recently visited China and Japan and held relevant discussions on regional security with both leaders.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of redundancy arrangements for NHS staff who take partial retirement.

This specific assessment has not been made. Where National Health Service staff have taken partial retirement, they retain continuous service. As a result, some staff may be entitled to receive a statutory redundancy payment that exceeds their contractual redundancy entitlement, in which case, the statutory payment will apply. Entitlement to redundancy payments ultimately depends on what is set out in an employee’s employment contract and whether their contract refers to Section 16 of the Agenda for Change terms. Different rules may apply to NHS staff who are not employed on Agenda for Change terms in England.Contractual redundancy provisions for staff covered by the NHS Terms and Conditions of Service handbook, also referred to as Agenda for Change, were agreed and ratified in partnership by the NHS Staff Council, the collective bargaining structure made up of trade union and employer representatives. Any future changes to the handbook, including this section, would require the Department to issue a mandate to allow negotiations to be undertaken by the NHS Staff Council.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of long working hours and workforce burnout on staff wellbeing, retention and safe staffing levels within the NHS.

We know from engagement on the 10-Year Health Plan that many National Health Service staff feel disempowered and overwhelmed. Tackling this and providing proper support for staff is a top priority. NHS organisations have a responsibility to create supportive working environments for staff, ensuring they have the conditions they need to thrive, including access to high quality health and wellbeing support.The Government is committed to publishing a 10 Year Workforce Plan which will have a focus on supporting and retaining our hardworking and dedicated healthcare professionals. This includes the development of a new set of staff standards for modern employment, which will reaffirm our commitment to improving retention and are likely to focus on flexible working, improving staff health and wellbeing and dealing with violence, racism, and sexual harassment in the NHS workplace. Additionally, we will roll out Staff Treatment Hubs that will ensure staff have access to high quality support for occupational health, including support for mental health and back conditions.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of a) waiving and b) subsidising the cost of the first six to eight (i) preliminary and (ii) core examinations for junior doctors.

The Department has not made a specific assessment of the potential merits of waiving or subsidising the cost of the first six to eight preliminary and/or core examinations for resident, previously “junior”, doctors.My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, made two offers to the British Medical Association (BMA) Resident Doctors Committee in 2025 to try to resolve its ongoing industrial disputes. These including provisions to reimburse fees for mandatory royal college examinations to resident doctors in England. However, the BMA rejected these offers.The Government remains determined to put an end to the damaging cycles of disruption caused by strike action and is holding talks with the BMA to resolve the disputes.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she made of the potential impact of electric shock collars on the welfare of dogs.

The Government is concerned about the possible welfare implications of the use of electric shock collars.As set out in the Animal Welfare Strategy, Defra will consult on whether to ban the use of electric shock collars later in this Parliament.

What steps he is taking to reduce diagnostic waiting times for gynaecological conditions in Nottingham; and if he will make additional funding available to support gynaecological services.

Reducing diagnostic waiting times, including for gynaecology, is a key part of the Government’s health mission. That is why we are transforming diagnostic services and are taking steps to support the National Health Service to increase diagnostic capacity, including those tests typically used in gynaecology services such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound.As set out in the Elective Reform Plan, we plan to build up to five more community diagnostic centres (CDCs), as part of £600 million capital funding for diagnostics in 2025/26. The plan also commits to CDCs opening 12 hours per day, seven days a week, delivering more same-day tests and consultations. In August 2025, we confirmed that 100 CDCs were delivering these extended services.There are already two CDCs located within the NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board. These are Broad Marsh CDC in Nottingham and Mansfield CDC in Mansfield, which offer patients across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire key diagnostic tests, including MRI and ultrasound.More generally, to support gynaecological services, we are prioritising gynaecology pathways as part of the launch of NHS online. This will give people on certain pathways, such as those with severe menopause symptoms and menstrual problems, the choice of getting specialist case from their home and provide additional capacity to cut waiting times.

Media and Sport, if she will make it her policy to increase funding for women and girls in sports.

The Government is committed to supporting every aspect of women’s sport and ensuring all women and girls, no matter their background, are able to participate in sport and physical activity. The This Girl Can campaign, run by our Arm’s Length Body Sport England, has inspired millions of women and girls to get active. 1.6 million women are expected to be active as a result of the campaign by 2028. We are committed to delivering best in class facilities, with the significant investment of £98 million in 2025/26 and a further £400 million over the next four years in new and upgraded grassroots sport facilities. We are expecting to more than double the share of primetime slots dedicated to women’s and girls’ teams at Government-funded facilities across England over the next five years, with a clear long-term target of reaching equal access as demand grows. We are working to drive a Decade of Change in women’s sport, kicked off by the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, and we are using the Women's Football Taskforce and Women’s Sport Taskforce to drive progress across the sector.Further to this, we are increasing visibility of women’s sport, including delivering a drumbeat of UK hosted major events, including this year’s Women's T20 Cricket World Cup 2026 and the Tour de France/Tour de France Femmes Grand Depart 2027, while also supporting the bid for the 2035 FIFA Women's World Cup.We want to support women and girls at every stage of their lives to get involved in sport.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of introducing mandatory nutrition and practical cooking education in all schools.

Mandatory nutrition and practical cooking education is already included within the national curriculum. Additional elements of nutrition education can also be covered within science and relationships, sex and health education. The national curriculum aims to teach children how to cook and how to apply the principles of healthy eating and nutrition. Schools also have flexibility within the broad framework of the national curriculum to tailor curriculum subjects to meet the needs of their pupils.In response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review, the department has set out that we will enhance the identity of food education by clearly distinguishing cooking and nutrition, which will be renamed food and nutrition, as a distinct strand within design and technology. We are also legislating through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill to require academies to follow the national curriculum, to ensure that pupils in academy schools also benefit from these changes alongside those in maintained schools.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of extending the ability of schools and academies to reclaim VAT under Section 33 of the VAT Act 1994 to further education colleges.

Further Education (FE) funding is vital to ensure people are being trained in the skills they need to thrive in the modern labour market. The 2025 Spending Review provided an additional £1.2 billion per year by 2028-29 for skills and £1.7 billion of capital funding to help colleges maintain the condition of their estate. In addition, the Government is providing £375 million of capital investment to support the FE system to accommodate increasing student numbers.For their non-business activity, FE colleges are unable to reclaim VAT incurred. We operate several VAT refund schemes for schools and academies which are designed variously to ensure that VAT is not a burden on local taxation, and that academies are not disincentivised to leave LA control. FE colleges do not meet the criteria for either scheme.In relation to business activity, FE colleges enjoy an exemption from VAT which means that they do not have to charge VAT to students, but cannot recover it either.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 on independent students who require accommodation between June and September.

My Department has made no such assessment. The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a new mandatory ground which will allow landlords renting HMOs to full-time students who occupy on either joint or individual tenancy agreements to seek possession ahead of each new academic year, facilitating the ongoing yearly cycle of short-term student tenancies. Students living in one or two bed (non-HMO) properties will have the same security of tenure as tenants in the wider private rented sector. As is the case now, we would encourage students who wish to remain in their accommodation over summer to discuss with their landlords.