Written questions by Blake.

Food and Rural Affairs, what progress she has made on implementing the new pet passports scheme.

Awaiting answer.

What consideration her Department has made of the potential merits of increasing the number of modern foreign languages offered at GCSE level.

Decisions about which languages to offer at GCSE in England are taken by four independent awarding organisations: AQA, OCR, Pearson Edexcel and WJEC. These organisations have the freedom to create GCSEs based on subject content set by the department.

Communities and Local Government, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of building regulations in ensuring the quality, efficiency, and resilience of installed heat network systems.

The Building Regulations set performance requirements for buildings, including buildings connected to heat networks, but they are not responsible for regulating the detailed design or operation of heat network systems themselves. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is also consulting on mandatory technical standards for heat networks, that include proposals to ensure new and existing heat networks are designed, built, and operated to a standard, that will deliver good outcomes for consumers.

What steps she is taking to ensure that appropriate oversight is given to the decision by the Serious Fraud Office to not open an investigation into the Vashi diamonds case.

The SFO is a relatively small, highly specialised government department that is permitted by law to investigate only the most serious and complex cases of fraud, bribery and corruption affecting the UK. Decisions on which cases to investigate are taken independently by the SFO, with the Director determining whether to authorise an investigation in accordance with the criteria set out in the Director’s Statement of Principle.To assist with my oversight of the Serious Fraud Office, I hold regular superintendence meetings with the SFO’s executive team to keep me appraised of relevant SFO casework matters.

What steps he is taking to ensure that leaseholders and tenants in buildings served by heat networks are protected from excessive service charges and poor service delivery.

Ofgem was introduced as the heat network regulator in January 2026. While many leaseholders can benefit from the new consumer protections, including protection against poor service standards, we are aware that there are still some challenges where heat charges are ‘bundled’ with service charges and subject to the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Ofgem have issued guidance on how suppliers should consider interactions between housing legislation and heat network regulation and we will continue to work with MHCLG to explore options to address these challenges.

Whether his Department holds data on the frequency and duration of outages affecting heat network customers.

Historically, heat network performance, including outage duration and frequency has been unregulated in Great Britain, and as such the Department does not hold this data. As the newly appointed market regulator for heat networks, Ofgem now have powers to collect performance data, and they will be consulting on introducing Guaranteed Standards of Performance. The Heat Trust operate a voluntary scheme for heat networks, and participating heat networks are required to submit data to demonstrate their compliance with the scheme’s service standards. The most recent report is available on their website.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the performance and reliability of heat networks operating in residential developments in England; and what steps he is taking to ensure consistent service standards for consumers.

We are aware that some existing heat networks are not delivering to the standard they should be. We have and will continue to take steps to protect consumers: We have already taken action by introducing Ofgem as the market regulator who have the powers to tackle poor service standards. In the first year of regulation, they will be collecting performance data and consulting on Guaranteed Standards of Performance. Heat network consumers who suffer a service outage can also seek redress through the Energy Ombudsman. DESNZ is also consulting on mandatory technical standards for heat networks, that include proposals to ensure new and existing heat networks are designed, built, and operated to a standard, that will deliver good outcomes for consumers.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that operators of heat networks provide transparent billing and fair pricing to consumers.

In January, we introduced Ofgem as the market regulator for heat networks. Heat network operators and suppliers are now required to demonstrate compliance with Ofgem’s Authorisation Conditions, including those on billing transparency and fair pricing.Ofgem will be collecting data in the first year of regulation which will then be used to inform pricing benchmarks in 2027. We are currently consulting on mandating minimum technical standards, including proposals to extend heat network metering to enable accurate and transparent billing to more consumers.

What assessment his Department has made of the impact of the Vashi diamonds case on investor confidence in the UK.

The Government has not made a formal assessment of this case; however, the UK continues to be regarded internationally as a strong and attractive destination for investment, underpinned by a robust rule of law, transparent insolvency processes, and a longstanding pro business environment. These fundamentals provide investors with confidence that commercial disputes are handled fairly and predictably.

What conversations she has had with representatives from the Metropolitan Police about the Vashi diamonds case.

The Home Office does not have any record of the Home Secretary having any conversations with representatives from the Metropolitan Police about the Vashi diamonds case. Operational decisions on case investigations are matters for operationally independent police forces. It would be inappropriate for the Home Office to intervene or direct police forces on whether individual cases should or should not be investigated.This Government is committed to tackling fraud and we have published a new Fraud Strategy which sets out a comprehensive plan to stop fraud at its source, protect the public, and deliver justice for victims. Over the next three years, we will invest £250 million to strengthen our fight against fraud.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to respond formally to the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion on Israel's occupation of the Occupied Palestinian Territories, published in July 2024.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided for question 83315 on 29 October 2025.

Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on incorporating (a) evidence on the maternal and neonatal risks from extreme heat and (b) measures to protect pregnant people and infants during heatwaves into the UK’s National Adaptation Programme.

Defra is working across Government to reset the climate adaptation framework and safeguard people, livelihoods, and the natural environment. Defra is setting stronger objectives and improving governance and monitoring, to help the Government turn evidence into action. The Department of Health and Social Care and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)recognise there are risks to pregnant women caused by exposure to extreme high temperatures, set out in the Adverse Weather and Health Plan Equity Review and Impact Assessment 2024. This includes an assessment on stillbirth, pre-term birth and maternal health complications. UKHSA provides a weather-health alerting system for England, which alerts the public (including specific vulnerable groups such as pregnant women) and public sector organisations to prepare for impacts of adverse weather, including high temperatures. Risks to health are communicated via heat-health alerts.

What assessment (a) his Department and (b) UK Health Security Agency has made of the risks of exposure to high ambient temperatures during pregnancy including (i) stillbirth, (ii) preterm birth and (iii) maternal health complications.

The Department and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recognise that there are risks to pregnant women caused by exposure to extreme high temperatures which are set out in the Adverse Weather and Health Plan Equity Review and Impact Assessment 2024. This includes an assessment on stillbirth, pre-term birth, and maternal health complications.UKHSA provides a weather-health alerting system for England, which alerts the public, including specific vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, and public sector organisations to prepare for impacts of adverse weather, including high temperatures. Risks to health are communicated via heat-health alerts.There are no plans at this time to update National Health Service antenatal and maternity guidance or to publish specific guidance for healthcare professionals and the public regarding this topic.

Whether his Department plans to update NHS antenatal and maternity guidance on the risks of extreme heat exposure for pregnant people and unborn children.

The Department and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recognise that there are risks to pregnant women caused by exposure to extreme high temperatures which are set out in the Adverse Weather and Health Plan Equity Review and Impact Assessment 2024. This includes an assessment on stillbirth, pre-term birth, and maternal health complications.UKHSA provides a weather-health alerting system for England, which alerts the public, including specific vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, and public sector organisations to prepare for impacts of adverse weather, including high temperatures. Risks to health are communicated via heat-health alerts.There are no plans at this time to update National Health Service antenatal and maternity guidance or to publish specific guidance for healthcare professionals and the public regarding this topic.

If he will make it his policy to work with UKHSA to issue specific guidance for (a) health professionals and (b) the public regarding the health risks to pregnant people during periods of extreme heat.

The Department and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) recognise that there are risks to pregnant women caused by exposure to extreme high temperatures which are set out in the Adverse Weather and Health Plan Equity Review and Impact Assessment 2024. This includes an assessment on stillbirth, pre-term birth, and maternal health complications.UKHSA provides a weather-health alerting system for England, which alerts the public, including specific vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, and public sector organisations to prepare for impacts of adverse weather, including high temperatures. Risks to health are communicated via heat-health alerts.There are no plans at this time to update National Health Service antenatal and maternity guidance or to publish specific guidance for healthcare professionals and the public regarding this topic.

Food and Rural Affairs, what consideration is being given to animal welfare in the Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement being negotiated between the UK and the European Union.

The Government is currently negotiating a Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) Agreement to make agrifood trade with our biggest market cheaper and easier, cutting costs and regulatory barriers for British producers and retailers. The details of this are subject to negotiation, but the Government has been clear about the importance of being able to set high animal welfare standards. While those negotiations are ongoing, Defra cannot comment further however parliament will be informed when they are concluded.

What transitional measures her Department is considering to mitigate the impact of new rules that British citizens with dual nationality must enter the UK with their British passport.

We recognise the potential impact of changing travel requirements on dual British nationals who are seeking to travel to the UK without a valid British passport. We have therefore issued temporary operational guidance to carriers, who may at their own discretion accept some expired British passports as alternative documentation. Individuals who have previously had a British passport can apply for an emergency travel document if they urgently need to enter the UK.Beneficiaries of the EU Withdrawal Agreement may enter the UK on production of a valid EU passport or (in the case of EEA and Swiss nationals) a national identity card and their valid EUSS status.

Communities and Local Government, whether the Government plans to review the statutory height threshold for a higher-risk building under the Building Safety Act 2022.

On 17 December 2025, the Department published the results of the Buildings Safety Regulator’s initial review of the definition of higher-risk buildings and its plans for an ongoing review. The initial review found that, at the time of publication, the current definition (including the height-threshold) appropriately reflects the available evidence on risks to individuals from the spread of fire and structural failure. Going forward, we have agreed that the Building Safety Regulator will, at least once a year, consider whether the definition of higher-risk buildings remains appropriate. The next review will take place in, or before, summer 2026.

What plans his Department has to respond to the Law Commission’s consultation on New Funerary Methods.

It is anticipated that the Law Commission will publish a final report and draft Bill in relation to the New Funerary Methods project in Spring 2026.We await the Commission’s findings and recommendations with interest and will respond in due course.

Communities and Local Government, what consideration his Department has made of the potential impact of the Restoration and Renewal of Parliament on the proposed Holocaust Memorial Learning Centre.

The Memorial site is at the southern end of the Gardens and is compatible with the use of the gardens by the Restoration and Renewal Programme. The Holocaust Memorial project team and the Restoration and Renewal programme team meet regularly to share information, and co-ordinate plans to reduce potential impacts.