Written questions by Pochin.

Whether she has made an assessment of whether the presence in the UK of Alaa Abd el Fattah is conducive to the public good.

We do not routinely comment on individual cases however the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have made clear that Ministers and officials were previously unaware of the historic posts made by Mr El-Fattah.Further, all British citizens automatically have a Right of Abode (ROA) in the UK which means they are entitled to live in the UK without any immigration restrictions and do not need to obtain the permission of an immigration officer to enter the UK.For those who are not deprived of citizenship but may have acted in a criminal manner, we encourage independent law enforcement to use their full suite of powers.Depriving an individual of British citizenship is one of the most powerful tools in the Home Secretary’s arsenal as it keeps the very worst, high harm offenders out of the UK. Each case is assessed individually on the basis of all available evidence.This government and successive government before it, have been clear that the exercise of this powerful tool will be used sparingly, and against the highest harm and most dangerous individuals.This includes those who pose a threat to the UK, and who are involved in serious organised crime. The government does not propose to change the basis on which the power is used. The Government considers that deprivation on ‘conducive grounds’ is an appropriate response to activities such as those involving:National security, including espionage and acts of terrorism directed at this country or an allied power;Unacceptable behaviour of the kind mentioned in the then Home Secretary’s statement of 24 August 2005 (‘glorification’ of terrorism etc);War crimes; andSerious organised crime.

Whether she has considered use of deprivation of citizenship powers in relation to Alaa Abd el Fattah.

We do not routinely comment on individual cases however the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have made clear that Ministers and officials were previously unaware of the historic posts made by Mr El-Fattah.All British citizens have a Right of Abode (ROA) in the UK which means they are entitled to live in the UK without any immigration restrictions and do not need to obtain the permission of an immigration officer to enter the UK.Deportation from the UK only applies to foreign nationals. British citizens cannot be deported from the UK.Deprivation of British citizenship is assessed individually on the basis of all available evidence.This government and successive governments before it have been clear that the exercise of this tool must be used sparingly, and only against the highest harm and most dangerous individuals.This includes those who pose a threat to the UK, including terrorists, and those who are involved in serious organised crime. The government does not propose to change the basis on which the power is used.For those who are not deprived of citizenship but may have acted in a criminal manner, we encourage independent law enforcement to use their full suite of powers.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the return to the United Kingdom of Alaa Abd el Fattah on national security.

We do not routinely comment on individual cases however the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have made clear that Ministers and officials were previously unaware of the historic posts made by Mr El-Fattah.All British citizens have a Right of Abode (ROA) in the UK which means they are entitled to live in the UK without any immigration restrictions and do not need to obtain the permission of an immigration officer to enter the UK.Deportation from the UK only applies to foreign nationals. British citizens cannot be deported from the UK.Deprivation of British citizenship is assessed individually on the basis of all available evidence.This government and successive governments before it have been clear that the exercise of this tool must be used sparingly, and only against the highest harm and most dangerous individuals.This includes those who pose a threat to the UK, including terrorists, and those who are involved in serious organised crime. The government does not propose to change the basis on which the power is used.For those who are not deprived of citizenship but may have acted in a criminal manner, we encourage independent law enforcement to use their full suite of powers.

Whether she has assessed whether Alaa Abd el Fattah meets the criteria for deportation.

We do not routinely comment on individual cases however the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have made clear that Ministers and officials were previously unaware of the historic posts made by Mr El-Fattah.All British citizens have a Right of Abode (ROA) in the UK which means they are entitled to live in the UK without any immigration restrictions and do not need to obtain the permission of an immigration officer to enter the UK.Deportation from the UK only applies to foreign nationals. British citizens cannot be deported from the UK.Deprivation of British citizenship is assessed individually on the basis of all available evidence.This government and successive governments before it have been clear that the exercise of this tool must be used sparingly, and only against the highest harm and most dangerous individuals.This includes those who pose a threat to the UK, including terrorists, and those who are involved in serious organised crime. The government does not propose to change the basis on which the power is used.For those who are not deprived of citizenship but may have acted in a criminal manner, we encourage independent law enforcement to use their full suite of powers.

Whether (a) she and (b) officials in her Department reviewed social media posts referring to violence against police officers made by Alaa Abd el Fattah prior to his return to the United Kingdom.

We do not routinely comment on individual cases however the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have made clear that Ministers and officials were previously unaware of the historic posts made by Mr El-Fattah.All British citizens have a Right of Abode (ROA) in the UK which means they are entitled to live in the UK without any immigration restrictions and do not need to obtain the permission of an immigration officer to enter the UK.Deportation from the UK only applies to foreign nationals. British citizens cannot be deported from the UK.Deprivation of British citizenship is assessed individually on the basis of all available evidence.This government and successive governments before it have been clear that the exercise of this tool must be used sparingly, and only against the highest harm and most dangerous individuals.This includes those who pose a threat to the UK, including terrorists, and those who are involved in serious organised crime. The government does not propose to change the basis on which the power is used.For those who are not deprived of citizenship but may have acted in a criminal manner, we encourage independent law enforcement to use their full suite of powers.

Whether she has had discussions with the Prime Minister on legal powers to restrict the (a) activities and (b) presence in the United Kingdom of Alaa Abd el Fattah.

We do not routinely comment on individual cases however the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister have made clear that Ministers and officials were previously unaware of the historic posts made by Mr El-Fattah.All British citizens have a Right of Abode (ROA) in the UK which means they are entitled to live in the UK without any immigration restrictions and do not need to obtain the permission of an immigration officer to enter the UK.Deportation from the UK only applies to foreign nationals. British citizens cannot be deported from the UK.Deprivation of British citizenship is assessed individually on the basis of all available evidence.This government and successive governments before it have been clear that the exercise of this tool must be used sparingly, and only against the highest harm and most dangerous individuals.This includes those who pose a threat to the UK, including terrorists, and those who are involved in serious organised crime. The government does not propose to change the basis on which the power is used.For those who are not deprived of citizenship but may have acted in a criminal manner, we encourage independent law enforcement to use their full suite of powers.

What consultation she has undertaken with local residents in areas selected for the construction of council housing for asylum seekers.

New council housing will not be constructed for use by asylum seekers under any circumstances. Asylum seekers are not eligible for social housing.MHCLG and HO are investing millions in a new, more sustainable accommodation model, developed in consultation with local authorities. This funding helps deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers.This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers on a temporary basis. In the longer term, the ambition is that the investment leaves a lasting legacy of housing for local communities and reduces pressure on local housing markets.

Which local authorities are participating in the asylum accommodation pilot involving the construction of new council housing.

New council housing will not be constructed for use by asylum seekers under any circumstances. Asylum seekers are not eligible for social housing.MHCLG and HO are investing millions in a new, more sustainable accommodation model, developed in consultation with local authorities. This funding helps deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers.This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers on a temporary basis. In the longer term, the ambition is that the investment leaves a lasting legacy of housing for local communities and reduces pressure on local housing markets.

What estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of the asylum accommodation pilot involving the construction of new council housing.

New council housing will not be constructed for use by asylum seekers under any circumstances. Asylum seekers are not eligible for social housing.MHCLG and HO are investing millions in a new, more sustainable accommodation model, developed in consultation with local authorities. This funding helps deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers.This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers on a temporary basis. In the longer term, the ambition is that the investment leaves a lasting legacy of housing for local communities and reduces pressure on local housing markets.

Whether she plans to expand the asylum accommodation pilot involving new council housing beyond participating local authorities.

New council housing will not be constructed for use by asylum seekers under any circumstances. Asylum seekers are not eligible for social housing.MHCLG and HO are investing millions in a new, more sustainable accommodation model, developed in consultation with local authorities. This funding helps deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers.This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers on a temporary basis. In the longer term, the ambition is that the investment leaves a lasting legacy of housing for local communities and reduces pressure on local housing markets.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of the asylum accommodation pilot on levels of irregular migration to the United Kingdom.

While we remain committed to supporting those who are destitute, we must also ensure that the offer of accommodation is decent and humane without becoming a pull factor or placing an excessive burden on taxpayers.We are moving at pace to fulfil the Government’s commitment to close every asylum hotel by the end of this parliament. Work to facilitate this exit is ongoing, and we are looking at a range of more appropriate sites including ex-military sites so we can reduce the impact on communities.

What proportion of the asylum accommodation pilot funding will be from (a) the Government and (b) local authorities.

New council housing will not be constructed for use by asylum seekers under any circumstances. Asylum seekers are not eligible for social housing.MHCLG and HO are investing millions in a new, more sustainable accommodation model, developed in consultation with local authorities. This funding helps deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers.This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers on a temporary basis. In the longer term, the ambition is that the investment leaves a lasting legacy of housing for local communities and reduces pressure on local housing markets.

What assessment she has made of the value for money of constructing new council housing for asylum seekers.

New council housing will not be constructed for use by asylum seekers under any circumstances. Asylum seekers are not eligible for social housing.MHCLG and HO are investing millions in a new, more sustainable accommodation model, developed in consultation with local authorities. This funding helps deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers.This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers on a temporary basis. In the longer term, the ambition is that the investment leaves a lasting legacy of housing for local communities and reduces pressure on local housing markets.

What criteria she used to select local authorities to participate in the asylum accommodation pilot involving new council housing.

New council housing will not be constructed for use by asylum seekers under any circumstances. Asylum seekers are not eligible for social housing.MHCLG and HO are investing millions in a new, more sustainable accommodation model, developed in consultation with local authorities. This funding helps deliver better outcomes for communities and taxpayers.This new funding will complement ongoing Home Office reforms to the asylum accommodation estate, including pilot schemes to repurpose derelict buildings and to develop other community-led alternatives to the use of hotels for housing asylum seekers on a temporary basis. In the longer term, the ambition is that the investment leaves a lasting legacy of housing for local communities and reduces pressure on local housing markets.

What steps she is taking to ensure that victims and survivors have confidence in the leadership and conduct of the national inquiry into grooming gangs.

The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is a statutory inquiry, under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers to compel evidence. Its purpose is to uncover systemic failings and ensure accountability at every level. The timetable of the Inquiry is to be determined by the Chair. The draft Terms of Reference make clear that the Inquiry will publish findings and recommendations for each local area reviewed. These local reports will be made publicly available and may be issued ahead of the final report, which will also be published. Local agencies and central government will carefully consider recommendations made by the Inquiry, and act to implement necessary reforms at both local and national levels. On 9 December, Baroness Anne Longfield was appointed as Chair of the Inquiry, supported by Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE as panel members. Together, they bring extensive experience in championing children’s rights, deep knowledge of policing and local government, and, crucially, a proven ability to hold powerful institutions to account. Each was recommended by Baroness Casey following engagement with victims and survivors to understand the qualities they wished to see in a Chair.Baroness Longfield served under multiple governments and was appointed Children’s Commissioner by the previous Government in November 2014. She will relinquish the Labour whip and take a leave of absence from the Lords. More importantly, her record demonstrates an unwavering commitment to challenging authority, regardless of party, whenever children’s interests are at stake. The starting point for selecting a Chair was expertise and experience - particularly in child protection and in holding institutions to account. There are numerous examples of successful inquiries and investigations in this area led by non-judicial figures, including the work of Professor Alexis Jay in Rotherham and Baroness Casey in her National Audit. Baroness Longfield, together with Zoë Billingham and Eleanor Kelly, fully meet these requirements. Their appointment followed a thorough due diligence process. The Chair will establish a robust mechanism enabling victims and survivors to provide evidence safely and confidently. In line with the draft Terms of Reference, the Chair will publish a charter setting out how victims and survivors can participate and how their views, experiences, and testimony will inform and shape the Inquiry’s work. On 9 December 2025, as their first formal act, the Chair and panellists issued an open letter to victims and survivors, acknowledging that trust must be earned and committing to meet with groups of victims and survivors during the initial months of the Inquiry.

How many allegations of group-based child sexual exploitation were (a) not pursued or (b) discontinued by (i) police or (ii) prosecutors over the last ten years.

The Government does not currently hold information on the number of allegations of group-based child sexual exploitation that were not pursued or were discontinued by police or prosecutors in the last decade. We are taking action to review relevant closed cases under the oversight of the new National Police Operation, Operation Beaconport. For the first time, it brings together police forces, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Child Sexual Exploitation Policing Taskforce, the Tackling Organised Exploitation Programme and the National Crime Agency to ensure more perpetrators face justice. Operation Beaconport has already identified over 1,200 cases from police forces across England and Wales that were closed with ‘No Further Action’, and of these, over 200 cases have been prioritised for initial review due to allegations of rape. This was the result of a first tranche of data collected following the Home Secretary’s ask in January. The Operation’s second tranche data request, which is much wider in scope to identify all relevant closed cases, is progressing. On 10 December, the Home Office-funded Child Sexual Exploitation Taskforce published data on cases of group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse cases that are recorded by the police: Group-Based-Child-Sexual-Abuse-and-Exploitation-Data-12-months-of-data-from-January-December-2024-December-2025.pdf

What selection criteria her Department applied for the appointment of Baroness Longfield as Chair of the national inquiry into grooming gangs.

The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is a statutory inquiry, under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers to compel evidence. Its purpose is to uncover systemic failings and ensure accountability at every level. The timetable of the Inquiry is to be determined by the Chair. The draft Terms of Reference make clear that the Inquiry will publish findings and recommendations for each local area reviewed. These local reports will be made publicly available and may be issued ahead of the final report, which will also be published. Local agencies and central government will carefully consider recommendations made by the Inquiry, and act to implement necessary reforms at both local and national levels. On 9 December, Baroness Anne Longfield was appointed as Chair of the Inquiry, supported by Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE as panel members. Together, they bring extensive experience in championing children’s rights, deep knowledge of policing and local government, and, crucially, a proven ability to hold powerful institutions to account. Each was recommended by Baroness Casey following engagement with victims and survivors to understand the qualities they wished to see in a Chair.Baroness Longfield served under multiple governments and was appointed Children’s Commissioner by the previous Government in November 2014. She will relinquish the Labour whip and take a leave of absence from the Lords. More importantly, her record demonstrates an unwavering commitment to challenging authority, regardless of party, whenever children’s interests are at stake. The starting point for selecting a Chair was expertise and experience - particularly in child protection and in holding institutions to account. There are numerous examples of successful inquiries and investigations in this area led by non-judicial figures, including the work of Professor Alexis Jay in Rotherham and Baroness Casey in her National Audit. Baroness Longfield, together with Zoë Billingham and Eleanor Kelly, fully meet these requirements. Their appointment followed a thorough due diligence process. The Chair will establish a robust mechanism enabling victims and survivors to provide evidence safely and confidently. In line with the draft Terms of Reference, the Chair will publish a charter setting out how victims and survivors can participate and how their views, experiences, and testimony will inform and shape the Inquiry’s work. On 9 December 2025, as their first formal act, the Chair and panellists issued an open letter to victims and survivors, acknowledging that trust must be earned and committing to meet with groups of victims and survivors during the initial months of the Inquiry.

What her planned timetable is for the publication of interim and final findings of the national inquiry into grooming gangs; and whether those findings will be presented to Parliament.

The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is a statutory inquiry, under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers to compel evidence. Its purpose is to uncover systemic failings and ensure accountability at every level. The timetable of the Inquiry is to be determined by the Chair. The draft Terms of Reference make clear that the Inquiry will publish findings and recommendations for each local area reviewed. These local reports will be made publicly available and may be issued ahead of the final report, which will also be published. Local agencies and central government will carefully consider recommendations made by the Inquiry, and act to implement necessary reforms at both local and national levels. On 9 December, Baroness Anne Longfield was appointed as Chair of the Inquiry, supported by Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE as panel members. Together, they bring extensive experience in championing children’s rights, deep knowledge of policing and local government, and, crucially, a proven ability to hold powerful institutions to account. Each was recommended by Baroness Casey following engagement with victims and survivors to understand the qualities they wished to see in a Chair.Baroness Longfield served under multiple governments and was appointed Children’s Commissioner by the previous Government in November 2014. She will relinquish the Labour whip and take a leave of absence from the Lords. More importantly, her record demonstrates an unwavering commitment to challenging authority, regardless of party, whenever children’s interests are at stake. The starting point for selecting a Chair was expertise and experience - particularly in child protection and in holding institutions to account. There are numerous examples of successful inquiries and investigations in this area led by non-judicial figures, including the work of Professor Alexis Jay in Rotherham and Baroness Casey in her National Audit. Baroness Longfield, together with Zoë Billingham and Eleanor Kelly, fully meet these requirements. Their appointment followed a thorough due diligence process. The Chair will establish a robust mechanism enabling victims and survivors to provide evidence safely and confidently. In line with the draft Terms of Reference, the Chair will publish a charter setting out how victims and survivors can participate and how their views, experiences, and testimony will inform and shape the Inquiry’s work. On 9 December 2025, as their first formal act, the Chair and panellists issued an open letter to victims and survivors, acknowledging that trust must be earned and committing to meet with groups of victims and survivors during the initial months of the Inquiry.

What steps she is taking to enable victims and survivors of grooming gangs to provide evidence to the national inquiry without (a) fear of intimidation and (b) adverse consequences.

The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is a statutory inquiry, under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers to compel evidence. Its purpose is to uncover systemic failings and ensure accountability at every level. The timetable of the Inquiry is to be determined by the Chair. The draft Terms of Reference make clear that the Inquiry will publish findings and recommendations for each local area reviewed. These local reports will be made publicly available and may be issued ahead of the final report, which will also be published. Local agencies and central government will carefully consider recommendations made by the Inquiry, and act to implement necessary reforms at both local and national levels. On 9 December, Baroness Anne Longfield was appointed as Chair of the Inquiry, supported by Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE as panel members. Together, they bring extensive experience in championing children’s rights, deep knowledge of policing and local government, and, crucially, a proven ability to hold powerful institutions to account. Each was recommended by Baroness Casey following engagement with victims and survivors to understand the qualities they wished to see in a Chair.Baroness Longfield served under multiple governments and was appointed Children’s Commissioner by the previous Government in November 2014. She will relinquish the Labour whip and take a leave of absence from the Lords. More importantly, her record demonstrates an unwavering commitment to challenging authority, regardless of party, whenever children’s interests are at stake. The starting point for selecting a Chair was expertise and experience - particularly in child protection and in holding institutions to account. There are numerous examples of successful inquiries and investigations in this area led by non-judicial figures, including the work of Professor Alexis Jay in Rotherham and Baroness Casey in her National Audit. Baroness Longfield, together with Zoë Billingham and Eleanor Kelly, fully meet these requirements. Their appointment followed a thorough due diligence process. The Chair will establish a robust mechanism enabling victims and survivors to provide evidence safely and confidently. In line with the draft Terms of Reference, the Chair will publish a charter setting out how victims and survivors can participate and how their views, experiences, and testimony will inform and shape the Inquiry’s work. On 9 December 2025, as their first formal act, the Chair and panellists issued an open letter to victims and survivors, acknowledging that trust must be earned and committing to meet with groups of victims and survivors during the initial months of the Inquiry.

Whether her Department considered Baroness Longfield’s previous public statements and policy positions when appointing her as chair of the national inquiry into grooming gangs.

The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is a statutory inquiry, under the Inquiries Act 2005, with full powers to compel evidence. Its purpose is to uncover systemic failings and ensure accountability at every level. The timetable of the Inquiry is to be determined by the Chair. The draft Terms of Reference make clear that the Inquiry will publish findings and recommendations for each local area reviewed. These local reports will be made publicly available and may be issued ahead of the final report, which will also be published. Local agencies and central government will carefully consider recommendations made by the Inquiry, and act to implement necessary reforms at both local and national levels. On 9 December, Baroness Anne Longfield was appointed as Chair of the Inquiry, supported by Zoë Billingham CBE and Eleanor Kelly CBE as panel members. Together, they bring extensive experience in championing children’s rights, deep knowledge of policing and local government, and, crucially, a proven ability to hold powerful institutions to account. Each was recommended by Baroness Casey following engagement with victims and survivors to understand the qualities they wished to see in a Chair.Baroness Longfield served under multiple governments and was appointed Children’s Commissioner by the previous Government in November 2014. She will relinquish the Labour whip and take a leave of absence from the Lords. More importantly, her record demonstrates an unwavering commitment to challenging authority, regardless of party, whenever children’s interests are at stake. The starting point for selecting a Chair was expertise and experience - particularly in child protection and in holding institutions to account. There are numerous examples of successful inquiries and investigations in this area led by non-judicial figures, including the work of Professor Alexis Jay in Rotherham and Baroness Casey in her National Audit. Baroness Longfield, together with Zoë Billingham and Eleanor Kelly, fully meet these requirements. Their appointment followed a thorough due diligence process. The Chair will establish a robust mechanism enabling victims and survivors to provide evidence safely and confidently. In line with the draft Terms of Reference, the Chair will publish a charter setting out how victims and survivors can participate and how their views, experiences, and testimony will inform and shape the Inquiry’s work. On 9 December 2025, as their first formal act, the Chair and panellists issued an open letter to victims and survivors, acknowledging that trust must be earned and committing to meet with groups of victims and survivors during the initial months of the Inquiry.