Written questions by Duncan-Jordan.

What steps her Department has taken to ensure that future increases in shotgun and firearms license fees will fund improvements in local police force administration.

Awaiting answer.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of allowing those awaiting their asylum applications to be concluded to take paid employment.

Awaiting answer.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of passing responsibility for the commissioning of Sexual Assault Referral Centres to Local Authorities when Police and Crime Commissioners are abolished.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of restricting or banning lawful demonstrations on community relations and levels of antisemitism; and what steps she is taking to distinguish between antisemitic conduct and legitimate political protest.

Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our society, which is why this Government is taking strong action to tackle it in all its forms, wherever it happens.This Government is committed to protecting the right to peaceful protest, while ensuring public order legislation balances freedom of expression with protecting the public from serious disruption or harm. Under the Public Order Act 1986 the police have powers to place conditions on protests, and it is for individual forces to determine the most appropriate approach based on the specific context. Under section 13 of the Public Order Act 1986, if a chief officer of police assesses that conditions alone will not be sufficient to prevent serious public disorder, they can seek the Home Secretary's consent to ban a march. However, the request must come from a chief officer and the Home Secretary cannot initiate a ban. There is no power to ban static assemblies.The new Crime and Policing Act 2026 introduces measures such as Cumulative Disruption and Places of Worship provisions, designed to strengthen police powers to address intimidation and harm directed at communities, including the Jewish community, while safeguarding the right to peaceful protest. The police have our full support to take appropriate action when protests cross the line from peaceful demonstration to serious disruption.Lord Macdonald of River Glaven is undertaking a review that will address whether the existing legislation is effective and proportionate, whether it adequately protects communities from intimidation and hate, and whether it strikes a fair and sustainable balance between the right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest, and the need to prevent disorder and keep communities safe. The review is underway and will report its findings to the Home Secretary by the end of May 2026.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of clearer pathways to settlement for Ukrainians, in addition to working visas.

The Ukraine schemes are temporary humanitarian routes and do not provide a route to settlement. However, Ukrainians in the UK under any of the Ukraine Schemes may apply to switch into other immigration routes for which they meet the eligibility and suitability requirements, including work, study, family and private life routes.The Government keeps the Ukraine schemes and the evolving situation in Ukraine under review and is actively considering the future position. I intend to make a further statement later this year to support Ukrainians in planning effectively for their futures.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of using AI to process asylum applications.

To date, Asylum & Human Rights Operations have piloted the use of two AI tools to assist with the process of deciding asylum claims. Evaluation of both AI tools has been published on GOV.UK.The Asylum Case Summarisation (ACS) tool uses artificial intelligence (AI) to summarise asylum interview transcripts. On average, the test group reviewed transcripts 23 minutes quicker than the comparison group (a 32% time saving). The Asylum Policy Search (APS) tool is an AI search assistant that finds and summarises country policy information. Those in the test group saved on average 37 minutes per case, researching country policy information compared to the comparison group. This is broken down into time savings of approximately 12 minutes at pre-interview stage and approximately 25 minutes at decision-writing stage.The tools were designed as an aid for decision-makers to improve efficiency but do not, and cannot, replace any part of the decision-making process. APS has been rolled out and is accessible to all Asylum decision makers and ACS is awaiting operationalisation. Further tooling is being worked on including an asylum letter writing assistant for caseworkers.

Whether her Department holds information that shows introducing an earned settlement model would lead to an increase in people departing the UK.

Proposals for introducing an earned settlement model, as set out in the Command Paper “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement” (CP1448), were subject to a public consultation, which opened on 20 November 2025 and closed on 12 February 2026.In addition to the consultation, the Department has undertaken research with existing visa holders to understand the potential behavioural impacts of an earned settlement approach.We are carefully considering the responses to the consultation and any behavioural evidence.Implementation of the earned settlement arrangements will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

Whether receiving statutory maternity leave will be considered receipt of public funds and impact a mother’s length of settlement route under the earned settlement model.

Proposals for introducing an earned settlement model, as set out in the Command Paper “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement” (CP1448), were subject to a public consultation, which opened on 20 November 2025 and closed on 12 February 2026.Contributory benefits and statutory payments are not classed as public funds for immigration purposes. As such, individuals subject to a no recourse to public funds condition but who have paid the necessary National Insurance contributions or have relevant periods of employment or self-employment can access these benefits.As part of this consultation, we also sought views on the potential impact of the proposed changes, including whether those on maternity leave should be exempt from certain requirements.Implementation of the earned settlement arrangements will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

Pursuant to the answer of 11 March 2026 to question 116099, when the evaluation of the 56-day pilot will be published; and for what reason the move-on period is set at 42 days.

The 56-day pilot evaluation report will be published on GOV.UK as part of the Home Office Research Series. Publication is expected in Spring 2026.In reaching the decision to set the notice period to 42 days, we have considered a range of evidence, including key findings from the evaluation of the 56-day pilot, operational data, and forecasted impacts on the asylum accommodation estate. We will continue to work closely with our partners to reduce barriers and support effective transitions from asylum accommodation.The Home Office and the Department for Work and Pensions work together to ensure universal credit can be accessed as early as possible following a positive decision being issued. The standard timeframe for an individual to receive their first Universal Credit (UC) payment is 35 days from application.The 42 days’ notice period best enables the Home Office to fulfil our statutory obligations whilst looking to minimise impact on Local Authorities and individuals granted leave. This further supports our commitment to deliver reductions to the cost of asylum accommodation and end the use of asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament.

If she will introduce age restrictions of 18 plus for the purchasing of catapults and slingshots.

The Government shares concerns over the misuse of catapults, whether against people, property or wildlife.There is existing legislation relating to the carrying and use of offensive weapons, Anti-Social Behaviour and wildlife crime; however, the Government is aware of continuing concerns about the problems caused by catapults.We have noted the proposals for new restrictions, including age restrictions, and we are actively considering all proposals as part of wider considerations of what more might be done around enforcement.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the extension of settlement routes for those on family visas from 6 to 10 years in 2012 on the number of people leaving (a) voluntarily and (b) through enforced removals.

Proposals for introducing an earned settlement model, as set out in the Command Paper “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement” (CP1448), were subject to a public consultation, which opened on 20 November 2025 and closed on 12 February 2026.The responses to the consultation are being reviewed and analysed. Implementation of the final earned settlement arrangements will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the extension of settlement routes for those on family visas from 6 to 10 years in 2012 on the number of illegal migrants arriving in the UK.

Proposals for introducing an earned settlement model, as set out in the Command Paper “A Fairer Pathway to Settlement” (CP1448), were subject to a public consultation, which opened on 20 November 2025 and closed on 12 February 2026.The responses to the consultation are being reviewed and analysed. Implementation of the final earned settlement arrangements will be subject to economic and equality impact assessments, which we have committed to publish in due course.

Whether she has had recent discussions with Dorset Police on trends in the number of volunteer groups that patrol local streets.

The Government is delivering our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, putting 13,000 additional police personnel into neighbourhood roles, ensuring everyone has a named and contactable officer, enquiries are responded to within 72 hours and officers are conducting visible patrols.The Government’s Police Reform White Paper announced the most significant reforms to policing in 200 years. We have committed to increasing the number of volunteers in neighbourhood policing, including special constables. We will do this by working with policing to attract new special constables, improving and streamlining the recruitment process and better integrating special constables into wider policing. We would encourage anyone who wishes to give back to their community and support local policing to consider formally volunteering with the police.

Whether she has issued guidance to Dorset Police on volunteer groups that patrol local streets.

The Government is delivering our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, putting 13,000 additional police personnel into neighbourhood roles, ensuring everyone has a named and contactable officer, enquiries are responded to within 72 hours and officers are conducting visible patrols.The Government’s Police Reform White Paper announced the most significant reforms to policing in 200 years. We have committed to increasing the number of volunteers in neighbourhood policing, including special constables. We will do this by working with policing to attract new special constables, improving and streamlining the recruitment process and better integrating special constables into wider policing. We would encourage anyone who wishes to give back to their community and support local policing to consider formally volunteering with the police.

If she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of trends in the number of volunteer groups that patrol local streets.

The Government is delivering our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, putting 13,000 additional police personnel into neighbourhood roles, ensuring everyone has a named and contactable officer, enquiries are responded to within 72 hours and officers are conducting visible patrols.The Government’s Police Reform White Paper announced the most significant reforms to policing in 200 years. We have committed to increasing the number of volunteers in neighbourhood policing, including special constables. We will do this by working with policing to attract new special constables, improving and streamlining the recruitment process and better integrating special constables into wider policing. We would encourage anyone who wishes to give back to their community and support local policing to consider formally volunteering with the police.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of licensing volunteer groups that patrol local streets.

The Government is delivering our Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, putting 13,000 additional police personnel into neighbourhood roles, ensuring everyone has a named and contactable officer, enquiries are responded to within 72 hours and officers are conducting visible patrols.The Government’s Police Reform White Paper announced the most significant reforms to policing in 200 years. We have committed to increasing the number of volunteers in neighbourhood policing, including special constables. We will do this by working with policing to attract new special constables, improving and streamlining the recruitment process and better integrating special constables into wider policing. We would encourage anyone who wishes to give back to their community and support local policing to consider formally volunteering with the police.

When she plans to make a decision on the future of the 56-day asylum move on pilot.

A decision has now been taken to set the notice period for all individuals granted leave exiting the asylum accommodation estate at 42 days, from the point they are notified of a positive asylum decision. Individuals will continue to receive a minimum of 28 days to move on from when they are notified that their asylum support is being discontinued in their asylum support discontinuation letter. This policy will apply to individuals granted leave on or after 9 March 2026. The policy will not apply to individuals who are already within the notice period and those for whom support has already been discontinued. The 56‑day pilot concluded on 8 March 2026.

If she will set out what the asylum accommodation move-on period will be for all groups after 28 February 2026.

A decision has now been taken to set the notice period for all individuals granted leave exiting the asylum accommodation estate at 42 days, from the point they are notified of a positive asylum decision. Individuals will continue to receive a minimum of 28 days to move on from when they are notified that their asylum support is being discontinued in their asylum support discontinuation letter. This policy will apply to individuals granted leave on or after 9 March 2026. The policy will not apply to individuals who are already within the notice period and those for whom support has already been discontinued. The 56‑day pilot concluded on 8 March 2026.

What assessment her Department has made of the impact of requiring the non-UK children of UK citizens to have a UK passport in order to enter the country on trends in the number of people entering the UK.

British citizens, including those who hold dual nationality must travel with a valid British passport or another passport endorsed with a certificate of entitlement to the right of abode (CoE) when travelling to the UK. There is guidance on GOV.UK to help people determine whether they or their children qualify for British citizenship at: https://www.gov.uk/check-british-citizenship.

If she will have discussions with the Met Police on the potential merits of publishing the terms of reference for Operation Corn Poppy into alleged abuse at Harrods and other workplaces connected to the Al-Fayeds.

We expect every report of a sexual offence and trafficking to be treated seriously from the point of disclosure, every victim to be treated with dignity and every investigation and prosecution to be conducted thoroughly and professionally.However, the Home Office is unable to intervene in, or comment on, the progress of these individual cases. This is not because of a lack of concern, but because it is a fundamental principle of our criminal justice system that the police and courts are operationally independent of Government.We are aware that the Metropolitan Police Service is continuing to conduct a multi-strand investigation into allegations involving Mohamed Al Fayed, known as Operation Cornpoppy and they are best placed to assess the potential merits of releasing further information on progress.