Written questions by Gibson.

How many veterans in Wiltshire accessed support through Op FORTITUDE in the last 12 months, and what assessment he has made of future needs.

Between 21 November 2024 and 21 November 2025, Op FORTITUDE has received 47 referrals in Wiltshire. This Government is fully committed to ensuring that all veterans across the UK have access to the support they need on housing. That is why we have committed an additional £12 million to ensure the continuation of the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme. Op FORTITUDE will also be extended, putting the service that has already supported over 1,000 veterans on a sustainable footing. These programmes will deliver three years of support services across the UK for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

What steps he is taking to ensure that VALOUR field officers are trained to understand the needs of veterans from underrepresented groups including LGBT+ and non-UK veterans.

Across the UK, new dedicated and regionally based VALOUR field officers will oversee the establishment and support the running of a network of place-based partnerships. These partnerships will bring together partners from across local government, public services and the third sector to drive forward delivery of the Veterans' Strategy and Armed Forces Covenant in their area. VALOUR Field Officers will work closely with existing Armed Forces Champions and other similar posts operating at the local level and share insights and learning between local partnerships and a new VALOUR HQ. Field Officers will additionally share best practice across their networks, which may include training materials for front line staff as required. In addition, VALOUR field officers will be supported in understanding the diverse needs of veterans-including LGBT+ and non-UK veterans by Veteran Services (VS), the MOD statutory service. VS have a wealth of experience in assessing and supporting service leavers, veterans, and their families in welfare-based case management. VS will play a pivotal role supporting VALOUR, with their own field teams distributed across the UK. This MOD collaboration will ensure VALOUR field officers will be able to provide expert guidance and practical support to ensure that they are equipped to deliver inclusive and informed services to all veterans.

Whether training on the NHS Accessible Information Standard will be included in the competency framework setting out all nationally mandated training subjects, in the context of NHS’s England’s ongoing review of mandatory training for NHS staff.

NHS England is currently considering the inclusion of the Accessible Information Standard in the Competency Framework as part of their review of mandatory and statutory training for National Health Service staff.In the meantime, NHS England is working to support implementation of the Accessible Information Standard with awareness raising, communication and engagement, and a review of the current e-learning modules on the Accessible Information Standard. The intention is to ensure that staff and organisations in the NHS are aware of the Accessible Information Standard and the importance of meeting the information and communication needs of disabled people using services.

What the timeline is for making the NHS Accessible Information Standard mandatory for health and social care providers, following commencement of regulations made under the Health and Care Act 2022.

Mandatory information standards will be introduced in a staged process. There is no timeline yet for issuing a mandatory NHS Accessible Information Standard.

Whether data collected from the NHS Food Scanner app is shared with third parties.

The primary function of the NHS Food Scanner app is to show how much sugar, saturated fat, and salt is in the everyday food and drink consumed by families in England. The app helps families see what's in their food and drinks and gives choices of products that can help them cut down on sugar, saturated fat, and salt, including alternatives to family favourites such as biscuits, crisps, and fizzy drinks. For a food or drink to be eligible for a Good Choice badge they must comply with robust criteria covering 54 food and drink categories. Each category includes relevant nutrient cut off points based on front of pack labelling criteria for saturated fat, sugar, and salt, and takes account of the total calories and the Government’s food and drink reduction and reformation programme. A copy of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ Good Choice badge guidelines is attached. Diets high in ultra-processed foods are also high in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and salt. The app does not include levels of processing or additives when assessing the eligibility of a food or drink for a Good Choice badge. It is unclear whether ultra-processed foods are unhealthy due to processing or because a large majority of processed foods are high in sugar, calories, saturated fat, and/or salt, and are low in fibre. All additives used in the United Kingdom undergo a rigorous safety assessment before they can be used in food and drink. The app is undergoing further updates to ensure it also contains information for consumers on artificial sweeteners, and links to further advice and support on healthy eating for families is available at the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/ Data collected from the NHS Food Scanner app is not shared with third parties.

If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of awarding Good choice endorsements to (a) artificially sweetened drinks, (b) energy drinks and (c) highly processed snacks on children's health.

The primary function of the NHS Food Scanner app is to show how much sugar, saturated fat, and salt is in the everyday food and drink consumed by families in England. The app helps families see what's in their food and drinks and gives choices of products that can help them cut down on sugar, saturated fat, and salt, including alternatives to family favourites such as biscuits, crisps, and fizzy drinks. For a food or drink to be eligible for a Good Choice badge they must comply with robust criteria covering 54 food and drink categories. Each category includes relevant nutrient cut off points based on front of pack labelling criteria for saturated fat, sugar, and salt, and takes account of the total calories and the Government’s food and drink reduction and reformation programme. A copy of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ Good Choice badge guidelines is attached. Diets high in ultra-processed foods are also high in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and salt. The app does not include levels of processing or additives when assessing the eligibility of a food or drink for a Good Choice badge. It is unclear whether ultra-processed foods are unhealthy due to processing or because a large majority of processed foods are high in sugar, calories, saturated fat, and/or salt, and are low in fibre. All additives used in the United Kingdom undergo a rigorous safety assessment before they can be used in food and drink. The app is undergoing further updates to ensure it also contains information for consumers on artificial sweeteners, and links to further advice and support on healthy eating for families is available at the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/ Data collected from the NHS Food Scanner app is not shared with third parties.

Food and Rural Affairs, if she will review the plastic waste export regime to help increase levels of domestic recycling.

Defra is reviewing the role of plastic waste exports as part of the Government’s wider efforts to improve management of this waste. Our focus is on ensuring a level playing field for domestic recyclers whilst realising our environmental objectives, and any future action will aim to help drive investment in UK reprocessing infrastructure and promote domestic recycling.

What criteria are used to determine what food choices qualify NHS Food Scanner app users for a Good Choice badge.

The primary function of the NHS Food Scanner app is to show how much sugar, saturated fat, and salt is in the everyday food and drink consumed by families in England. The app helps families see what's in their food and drinks and gives choices of products that can help them cut down on sugar, saturated fat, and salt, including alternatives to family favourites such as biscuits, crisps, and fizzy drinks. For a food or drink to be eligible for a Good Choice badge they must comply with robust criteria covering 54 food and drink categories. Each category includes relevant nutrient cut off points based on front of pack labelling criteria for saturated fat, sugar, and salt, and takes account of the total calories and the Government’s food and drink reduction and reformation programme. A copy of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ Good Choice badge guidelines is attached. Diets high in ultra-processed foods are also high in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and salt. The app does not include levels of processing or additives when assessing the eligibility of a food or drink for a Good Choice badge. It is unclear whether ultra-processed foods are unhealthy due to processing or because a large majority of processed foods are high in sugar, calories, saturated fat, and/or salt, and are low in fibre. All additives used in the United Kingdom undergo a rigorous safety assessment before they can be used in food and drink. The app is undergoing further updates to ensure it also contains information for consumers on artificial sweeteners, and links to further advice and support on healthy eating for families is available at the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/ Data collected from the NHS Food Scanner app is not shared with third parties.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent progress she has made on the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme in 2027.

The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for drinks containers will launch in October 2027 across England, Northern Ireland and Scotland. Earlier this year UK DMO were appointed as the deposit management organisation for the schemes in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and they are continuing to progress at pace with delivery of the scheme. We recommend that interested parties email UK DMO at enquiries@dmouk.com if there are specific queries or visit their website to register for news and updates from UK DMO themselves: https://ukdmo.co.uk. UK DMO have monthly newsletters with updates on DRS progress.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of increasing the (a) Plastic Packaging Tax rate and (b) recycled content requirement to promote domestic recycling.

The Plastic Packaging Tax was introduced in April 2022 under the previous government and provides a price incentive for businesses to use recycled plastic in the manufacture of plastic packaging – thereby stimulating the collection and recycling of plastic waste. All tax rates and thresholds are reviewed at fiscal events.

Whether the (a) NHS Food Scanner app and (b) Good choice badge take into account the level of (i) food processing and the (ii) presence of industrial additives when determining which foods are healthy.

The primary function of the NHS Food Scanner app is to show how much sugar, saturated fat, and salt is in the everyday food and drink consumed by families in England. The app helps families see what's in their food and drinks and gives choices of products that can help them cut down on sugar, saturated fat, and salt, including alternatives to family favourites such as biscuits, crisps, and fizzy drinks. For a food or drink to be eligible for a Good Choice badge they must comply with robust criteria covering 54 food and drink categories. Each category includes relevant nutrient cut off points based on front of pack labelling criteria for saturated fat, sugar, and salt, and takes account of the total calories and the Government’s food and drink reduction and reformation programme. A copy of the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities’ Good Choice badge guidelines is attached. Diets high in ultra-processed foods are also high in calories, sugar, saturated fat, and salt. The app does not include levels of processing or additives when assessing the eligibility of a food or drink for a Good Choice badge. It is unclear whether ultra-processed foods are unhealthy due to processing or because a large majority of processed foods are high in sugar, calories, saturated fat, and/or salt, and are low in fibre. All additives used in the United Kingdom undergo a rigorous safety assessment before they can be used in food and drink. The app is undergoing further updates to ensure it also contains information for consumers on artificial sweeteners, and links to further advice and support on healthy eating for families is available at the following link: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/ Data collected from the NHS Food Scanner app is not shared with third parties.

If he has made an assessment of the potential merits of setting a national target to reduce the proportion of ultra-processed foods in the UK diet by 2030.

UK dietary recommendations are based on robust independent risk assessments by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). The SACN considered processed foods and health in 2023 and 2025. The SACN recommended that on balance, most people are likely to benefit from reducing their consumption of processed foods high in energy, saturated fat, salt, and free sugars, and which are low in fibre. Diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPF) are often energy dense, high in saturated fat, salt, or free sugars, high in processed meat and/or low in fruit, vegetables, and fibre. The SACN’s recommendations align with our existing policies for supporting healthier diets and our advice to consumers. Therefore, the Government does not currently have plans to introduce a national target to reduce the proportion of UPF in the diet of the United Kingdom’s population.The Government is taking action to support people to make healthier choices. As set out in our 10-Year Health Plan, we will introduce mandatory healthy food sales reporting for all large companies in the food sector, and will set new targets to increase the healthiness of sales in all communities. This more strategic, outcomes-based approach aims to reduce less healthy food consumption, in line with UK dietary guidelines.

If she will (a) collect and (b) publish data on the proportion of ultra-processed foods in school meals (i) by region, (ii) by local authority and (iii) in Wiltshire.

The department does not collate or publish data on the proportion of ultra-processed foods in school meals. The School Food Standards regulate the food and drink provided at both lunchtime and at other times of the school day, and restrict foods high in fat, salt and sugar, as well as low quality reformed or reconstituted foods.Governing boards have a responsibility to ensure compliance and should appropriately challenge the headteacher and the senior leadership team to ensure the school is meeting its obligations. To support governors, the department, along with the National Governance Association, launched an online training course on school food for governors and trustees. This training is designed to improve understanding of the Standards and give governing boards confidence to hold their school leaders to account on their whole school approach to food.

Whether integrated care boards will be asked to report local baseline (a) data and (b) progress on reducing ultra-processed food consumption; and if he will publish a breakdown for (i) Wiltshire and (ii) other local authority areas.

UK dietary recommendations are based on robust independent risk assessments by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN). The SACN considered processed foods and health in 2023 and 2025. The SACN recommended that on balance, most people are likely to benefit from reducing their consumption of processed foods high in energy, saturated fat, salt, and free sugars, and which are low in fibre. Diets high in ultra-processed foods (UPF) are often energy dense, high in saturated fat, salt, or free sugars, high in processed meat and/or low in fruit, vegetables, and fibre. The SACN’s recommendations align with our existing policies for supporting healthier diets and our advice to consumers. Therefore, the Government does not currently have plans to introduce a national target to reduce the proportion of UPF in the diet of the United Kingdom’s population.The Government is taking action to support people to make healthier choices. As set out in our 10-Year Health Plan, we will introduce mandatory healthy food sales reporting for all large companies in the food sector, and will set new targets to increase the healthiness of sales in all communities. This more strategic, outcomes-based approach aims to reduce less healthy food consumption, in line with UK dietary guidelines.

Whether (a) the healthy schools rating scheme and (b) similar programmes consider the degree of food processing in assessing school performance on healthy eating.

The department is committed to raising the healthiest generation ever. The healthy schools rating scheme celebrates the positive actions that schools are delivering in terms of healthy living, healthy eating and physical activity, and supports schools in identifying further actions that they can take in this area.Healthy eating is covered in science and design and technology in the national curriculum as well as in health education, as part of the relationships, sex and health education curriculum.The School Food Standards restrict foods high in fat, salt and sugar, as well as low quality reformed or reconstituted foods. Governing Boards have a responsibility to ensure compliance with the School Food Standards and should appropriately challenge the headteacher and the senior leadership team to ensure the school is meeting its obligations.

What steps her Department takes through school food (a) standards and (b) guidance to tackle ultra-processed foods; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of bringing forward further proposals to help reduce the proportion of ultra-processed items in school (i) meals and (ii) vending machines.

The Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition (SACN) has considered the impact of processed foods on health in 2023 and 2025, and recommends that on balance, most people are likely to benefit from reducing their consumption of processed foods high in energy, saturated fat, salt and free sugars and low in fibre.The School Food Standards already restrict foods high in fat, salt and sugar, as well as low quality reformed or reconstituted foods, but to ensure quality and nutrition in meals for the future, the department is working with with experts across the sector to revise the School Food Standards, so every school is supported with updated nutrition guidance.The School Food Standards apply to food and drink provided to pupils on school premises up to 6pm and include vending machines.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) ultra-processed foods, (b) palm oil and (c) single-use plastics on the environment impacts associated with supply chains; and if she will publish lifecycle analyses held by her Department.

Defra is funding research into the environmental impacts of agricultural goods including oil seeds such as palm oil and multi-ingredient/complex food products. We are also funding a life-cycle assessment on alternative proteins, which may include products involving varying levels of processing. The findings will be published once complete. UK Research and Innovation is taking forward a public dialogue on ultra-processed foods to ensure public views feed into research and innovation priorities and programmes at an early stage. The oversight group for the dialogue involves multiple stakeholders from academia, Government and policy bodies, NGOs and food industry organisations. The Government is committed to supporting sustainable production, trade and use of palm oil. The Joint Nature Conservation Committee has created the Global Environmental Impacts of Consumption indicator, which includes analysis of the impact of palm oil in global supply chains. The indicator estimates that UK consumption of palm oil drove 2,800 hectares of deforestation in 2022. We recognise the urgency of taking action to ensure that UK consumption of forest risk commodities is not driving deforestation. Oil palm is a very efficient crop, producing more oil per hectare than other vegetable oil crops. Substitution of other oils which typically require significantly more land to produce may lead to greater environmental impacts as more land is converted to agricultural use.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to support access to (a) affordable minimally processed foods and (b) UK-grown fruit, vegetables and legumes in (i) Wiltshire and (ii) other rural areas.

The Good Food Cycle sets out the government’s vision to drive better outcomes from the UK food system around 10 priority outcomes, on healthy and more affordable food, good growth, sustainable and resilient supply, and vibrant food cultures. The food strategy brings together and coordinates action across government towards a healthier, more equitable and resilient food system, including collaboration with: Department for Education on future revision of school food standards. Department for Health and Social Care on delivery of diet-related health elements of the 10 Year Health Plan, including on sales, advertising and promotion of healthy food, review of the nutrient profiling model, and Healthy Start. HM Treasury / Revenue and Customs – on the Soft Drinks Industry Levy. The UK produces some of the world’s highest quality products - a source of national pride and central to access to healthy, affordable food in all areas. The food strategy’s approach to food security includes robust, diverse supply chains and domestic production as well as imports.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the evidence base underpinning the Good Choice badge criteria in the NHS Food Scanner app.

The Department has a series of digital tools to support adults and families to eat better and move more, including the food scanner app and the National Health Service weight loss plan app, email programmes, and websites. These tools are evidence-based and regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with current Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition guidance, including recommendations on non-sugar sweeteners and ultra-processed foods. Updates are ongoing to reflect the latest Government advice.We are always looking to improve the app experience, including extending and personalising messaging, and we welcome feedback from parents as well as organisations to aid us in this process.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that (a) the NHS Food Scanner app and (b) other NHS-endorsed public health tools align with Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition advice on (i) non-sugar sweeteners and (ii) ultra-processed foods.

The Department has a series of digital tools to support adults and families to eat better and move more, including the food scanner app and the National Health Service weight loss plan app, email programmes, and websites. These tools are evidence-based and regularly reviewed to ensure alignment with current Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition guidance, including recommendations on non-sugar sweeteners and ultra-processed foods. Updates are ongoing to reflect the latest Government advice.We are always looking to improve the app experience, including extending and personalising messaging, and we welcome feedback from parents as well as organisations to aid us in this process.