Written questions by Lamb.

What steps her Department is taking to (a) combat spiking offences and (b) support victims.

Spiking is an abhorrent crime and illegal in any form, whether through food or drink, vape, or needle. It can affect anyone, at any time and in any setting, regardless of gender, sexuality or age.We are taking a range of action to tackle spiking and provide better support for victims:In line with our manifesto commitment, the Government has introduced new legislation on spiking, as part of the Crime and Policing Bill, to strengthen the response to these appalling incidents.We continue to provide free training for staff in the hospitality sector to understand and tackle spiking, provide better support for victims, and assist police with evidence collection. This is being delivered by our partner Red Snapper Learning.We are funding two weeks of increased policing activity on spiking with the aims of raising awareness, encouraging reporting, and gathering more evidence to support spiking prosecutions. The first week was on the week commencing 15 September to align with University Freshers weeks. The second week will be in December.From April 2026, we will be enhancing how the police record and report spiking crimes with the aim of improving both the quality and quantity of data.The Home Office is continuing to fund research into the efficacy of rapid urine testing kits.We are also exploring options to enhance and make more convenient the process for collecting and processing urine samples from spiking victims.

What steps her Department is taking to tackle violence against women and girls.

Tackling violence against women and girls is a top priority for this Government with a manifesto mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade.We will deliver a cross-government transformative approach, underpinned by a new strategy which we will publish as soon as possible.In advance of the strategy, we have already introduced measures designed to strengthen the police response to VAWG, protect victims and hold perpetrators to account.These include: funding to rollout Drive Project, a proven intervention for high-risk and high-harm domestic abuse perpetrators across England and Wales; embedding the first domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms in five police forces; measures to tackle spiking to strengthen the law and improve the response victims receive, including committing to introducing a new criminal offence for spiking and piloting new spiking training for bar staff; measures focusing on preventing and tackling ‘honour’-based abuse (HBA), developing a statutory definition for HBA, community engagement campaigns, enhanced training and funding for support services; six measures to tackle stalking including statutory guidance to empower the police to release the identities of online stalkers to protect victims, and a review of the stalking legislation to ensure it is fit for purpose; and launching the new Domestic Abuse Protection Orders in selected police forces and courts which go further than any existing orders.

Communities and Local Government, what his expected timetable is for publication of the Government’s response to the consultation on strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England.

The Government response to the Strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities in England consultation was published on 11 November.

Communities and Local Government, when the independent review into civil unrest in Leicester in 2022 is due to report.

The government is reviewing the panel’s findings and recommendations and will respond in due course.

Communities and Local Government, if he will take steps to consider the potential merits of a statutory code of conduct for local government councillors.

I refer the hon Member to the answer given to Question UIN 78274 on 20 October 2025. The government consulted on reforms to the local government standards regime earlier this year and the response will be issued in due course.

Whether he has taken steps to implement the suggested initial priorities outlined in the Memorandum to the Modernisation Committee, published on 12 February 2025.

The Memorandum to the Modernisation Committee, published on 13 February 2025, set out the Committee’s next steps, following the consultation exercise it held between October and December 2024. The Memorandum stated that the Committee intended to pursue three broad packages of work. These were: improving accessibility for MPs, staff and the public; effective use of the Commons; and creating more certainty about the timing and nature of parliamentary business.So far, the Committee has prioritised work on the first of these three themes. It launched an inquiry into Access to the House of Commons and its Procedures on 20 March 2025. Between April and July, it held seven oral evidence sessions, hearing from disabled MPs and former MPs, staff, and peers, and from academics and senior House of Commons staff, including the Clerk of the House and the Director General. Transcripts of all the sessions are available on the Committee’s website. The inquiry has also drawn on submissions to the consultation exercise, questionnaire responses, written evidence, and one-to-one interviews.A report with recommendations to the House authorities and others is currently in preparation. A letter from the Director General to the then Chair of the Modernisation Committee, dated 28 May 2025, outlines some of the measures that have already been taken as a result of the Committee’s inquiry. This letter is also available on the Committee’s website.The other two themes mentioned in the Memorandum remain areas of interest and ongoing work for the Committee, but have not yet been the subject of an inquiry. The Modernisation Committee made it clear in its Memorandum that it wants to work with other committees and it awaits with interest the outcome of the Procedure Committee’s inquiries into call lists, and electronic voting, the Standards Committee’s inquiry into outside employment and interests, and the Administration Committee’s inquiry into health and wellbeing.

What assessment she has made of the potential merits of using the full value of frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine.

Addressing Ukraine’s financing needs is vital for ensuring Ukraine can continue to defend itself against Russian aggression. On 1 October, the Chancellor alongside her G7 Finance Minister counterparts committed to developing options for using the full value of Russian sovereign assets immobilised in G7 jurisdictions. On 10 October the Prime Minister confirmed that the UK, France and Germany were ready to progress towards using immobilised Russian sovereign assets to support Ukraine’s armed forces and thus bring Russia to the negotiation table. The UK is determined to make progress on this issue at pace and will continue to work with G7 partners to develop options that are in line with international law.

Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support grassroots boxing.

The Government believes that too many sports, whether that is boxing or rugby league, have been overlooked for far too long, and we are determined to bring them back into focus. Boxing brings joy to millions of people, and it ought to be celebrated. The Government will continue to champion grassroots boxing. I have met with the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Boxing, and recently met with both Southend Amateur Boxing and recently opened the South Cheshire Amateur Boxing Club.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a common sanitary and phytosanitary area with the EU on rules on the processing of waste from flights to the UK originating within the EU.

We will agree a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement to make agrifood trade with our biggest market cheaper and easier, cutting costs and red tape for British producers and retailers. Details of the agreement remain subject to negotiation. However, we expect that under the Agreement, catering waste from flights originating within the EU will no longer be classified as ‘international catering waste’, and therefore will be subject to a lesser degree of regulation in the future under the SPS Agreement.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the age profile of CT and MRI scanners in use across NHS trusts; what steps he has taken to develop guidelines on optimal scanner replacement cycles; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of modernising the imaging fleet with newer technologies on (a) scanner capacity, (b) diagnostic throughput and (c) patient outcomes.

We are committed to ensuring that imaging services are supported to be as resilient and effective as possible, including reviewing the standards of computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners.In recognising the risks that outdated scanners present to service delivery, resilience, quality of care, and equity of access, NHS England has published guidance referencing the optimal cycle for CT and MRI scanner replacement as 10 years. The Diagnostic Imaging Network Capital Equipment Planning Guide (2021) was developed alongside the Royal College of Radiologists, Society of Radiographers, and Institute of Physics and Engineering, and outlines the expectation for timely and planned equipment replacement.NHS England monitors the number, age, and distribution of imaging assets across England via its annual, retrospective National Imaging Data Collection. The latest publication from March 2024 focuses on the assets reported within the collection, and is available at the following link:https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/diagnostics-waiting-times-and-activity/national-imaging-data-collection/Whilst National Health Service providers maintain their own capital budgets for replacing imaging equipment that has reached its expected end of life, over the last five years approximately £260 million of national capital investment has been deployed to support replacement of failing and antiquated CT and MRI systems. This supported a reduction in the proportion of CT and MRI scanners over 10 years old in recent years to 17%, as of March 2024. NHS England has also developed national recommendations for equipment specification which are regularly reviewed. The standardisation of scanner specifications for imaging departments and the inclusion of new technologies ensures appropriate standards for purchase. An example of this is the addition of MRI acceleration software to national specifications ensuring that replacement MRI scanners can deliver a 30% reduction in some scan times, increasing throughput, environmental efficiency, and service resilience simultaneously.

If he will consider transferring Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles awaiting disposal to Ukraine.

Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) are key platforms for the British Army to meet Defence Commitments. Although small numbers are scheduled for disposal, these will have been selected in line with serviceability and suitability for role. As such, without substantial investment, they are not likely to offer significant capability to Ukraine. Providing such small numbers would only increase the diversity of Ukraine’s armoured vehicle fleet, increasing their logistic and training burdens. The UK will continue to work with Ukraine to identify how best to help them to resist Russian aggression.

If he will consider facilitating the supply of (a) medical equipment and (b) drugs due to expire to Ukraine.

As a world leader in military rehabilitation, the UK is contributing to the NATO funded Project RENOVATOR, which includes the provision of medical equipment to help deal with the thousands of injured Armed Forces of Ukraine personnel. Since July 2024 Project RENOVATOR has procured and delivered over 5,000 individual items to a value of £1.244 million, with £4.8 million of further deliveries planned. Items include specialist rehabilitation equipment, gym equipment to aid rehabilitation and medical equipment. Project RENOVATOR is only one aspect of the UK military medical support to Ukraine. The medical equipment the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has provided to Ukrainian personnel includes over 110,000 individual medical first aid kits, with an additional 114,000 tourniquets, 57,000 first field dressings, 9,000 chest seals and 8,000 chest decompression devices On the supply of medication, the MOD follow the World Health Organisation guidance. Thus, medicines are not to be gifted unless they can be used before expiry and are already licenced or available as a treatment option in that country. The MOD does not gift expired products; if the medication is not suitable for use in the UK, it is not suitable for use by others.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of releasing withheld historic documents relating to (a) Mark Thatcher and the Omanis, (b) Request by Electronic Data Systems to employ Mark Thatcher, (c) proceedings of the Profumo inquiry and (d) the Peter Wright Spycatcher case.

No. These records are subject to regular review in line with the requirements of the Public Records Act 1958.

Media and Sport, what information her Department holds on the reasons for which the National Archives has amended its policies on the disclosure of public records.

The National Archives has not amended its policies regarding either the disclosure or reclosure of public records.

Whether he plans to produce an implementation plan to support (a) employers and (b) the wider enforcement system with the implementation of Employment Rights Bill provisions.

The Government will consult extensively on the implementation of the legislation to ensure it works for workers and employers alike, and anticipates this meaning the majority of reforms will take effect no earlier than 2026. Our forthcoming Employment Rights Bill Implementation Roadmap will set out further detail on our plans. The Roadmap will support businesses and other stakeholders to adapt to changes ahead of their commencement.

For what reason the Housing Benefit subsidy for temporary housing has not increased since 2011.

DWP pays local authorities a Housing Benefit subsidy for temporary accommodation cases. There are restrictions on the amount paid, including a subsidy cap which is £500 per week in certain areas of London or £375 elsewhere. We recognise the financial pressures which local authorities are experiencing. MHCLG are increasing funding for homelessness services this year by an extra £233 million compared to last year (2024/25).We continue to keep the rates used for Housing Benefit subsidy under review and are working closely with MHCLG and the Inter-Ministerial Group on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping to explore the impacts of subsidy rates on local authorities.Any future decisions on subsidy rates will be taken in the context of the Government’s missions, goals on housing and the current challenging financial environment at the appropriate fiscal event.

Whether her Department holds information on the daily ticket sales from stations on Southern duty railway lines to London terminals.

The Department does not hold this information. The Rail Delivery Group and individual TOCs hold the data.

Innovation and Technology, if he will have discussions with Meta on removing monkey abuse content from its platforms.

Government ministers and officials regularly discuss online safety matters with stakeholders including online platforms such as Meta.Under the Online Safety Act’s ‘illegal content duties’, social media platforms including Meta have duties to implement measures to tackle animal abuse content and remove it from their services. Ofcom is the UK’s independent regulator for online safety responsible for regulating services and taking enforcement action as appropriate. It has published recommendations for how providers should fulfil their illegal content duties in codes of practice and documentation. These include specific provisions about animal abuse content. These duties took effect on 17 March.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of developing thorium-based molten salt reactors in the UK.

Nuclear is a key part of the government's national mission to be a clean energy superpower. The government believes that Advanced Nuclear Technologies (ANTs) could play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs. DESNZ is aware of and monitors the progress of a wide range of advanced reactors in design development by companies around the world, including Thorium Molten Salt reactors.

What plans the Government has for introducing a women’s workplace health strategy.

This Government is committed to prioritising women’s health as we build an NHS fit for the future. Our focus is on turning the commitments in the Women's Health Strategy into tangible action, such as providing emergency hormonal contraception free of charge at pharmacies on the NHS from October 2025; taking urgent action to tackle gynaecology waiting lists through the Elective Reform Plan; and setting out how we will eliminate cervical cancer by 2040 through the new cervical cancer plan. More widely, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has appointed a Menopause Employment Ambassador who will work closely with employers across the country to improve workplace support for women experiencing menopause. The Office for Equality and Opportunity are taking the first steps towards legally requiring large employers to publish action plans alongside their gender pay gap figures; detailing the steps they are taking to narrow their gap and support employees during the menopause.