Written questions by Opher.

What steps he is taking to help increase the production of domestic clean power.

Awaiting answer.

What proportion of GPs have left each ICB in the last 12 months.

Thanks to actions taken by this Government, we have the highest number of fully qualified general practitioners (GPs) since 2015, and steps are being taken to grow the GP workforce further. The national leaver rate was 7.8% in the period covering March 2025 to March 2026. The table below shows the proportion of fully qualified GPs who have left each integrated care board, and the total change in full-time equivalent (FTE) fully qualified GPs employed by practices from March 2025 to March 2026. ICB NameHeadcount leaver rateChange in FTE fully qualified GPs employed by practicesNHS Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire ICB7.6%12NHS Surrey Heartlands ICB6.8%20NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin ICB9.5%1NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB10.3%47NHS North West London ICB7.3%1NHS South West London ICB7.5%22NHS Devon ICB6.6%25NHS Gloucestershire ICB7.4%2NHS Dorset ICB7.5%-2NHS Sussex ICB6.3%25NHS Hampshire and Isle Of Wight ICB7.5%47NHS Birmingham and Solihull ICB7.7%71NHS Lincolnshire ICB14.1%-7NHS Black Country ICB7.1%12NHS Coventry and Warwickshire ICB7.7%12NHS Cambridgeshire and Peterborough ICB8.8%12NHS Greater Manchester ICB6.8%62NHS North East and North Cumbria ICB8.2%12NHS Humber and North Yorkshire ICB10.2%-5NHS West Yorkshire ICB5.0%26NHS South East London ICB9.2%14NHS North Central London ICB7.1%25NHS Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire ICB7.0%10NHS Somerset ICB11.0%1NHS Kent and Medway ICB8.2%53NHS Frimley ICB9.5%22NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West ICB7.7%69NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB9.1%-5NHS Northamptonshire ICB8.2%6NHS Suffolk and North East Essex ICB7.2%0NHS Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB7.1%-6NHS Cheshire and Merseyside ICB8.1%26NHS North East London ICB7.7%1NHS Cornwall and The Isles Of Scilly ICB8.4%-5NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICB4.6%8NHS Derby and Derbyshire ICB9.7%-3NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB6.7%0NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB9.6%1NHS Mid and South Essex ICB7.9%-13NHS Norfolk and Waveney ICB8.8%-7NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria ICB6.7%26NHS South Yorkshire ICB8.4%6 Notes:data does not include estimates for practices that did not provide fully valid staff records;data does not include GPs employed in primary care networks;data does not include GPs who moved from one ICB to another during the reporting period;the headcount percentage of GPs leaving is calculated based on the period in which the GP last appeared. It indicates the percentage of the cohort workforce that left the cohort prior to the next data extract; andleavers are GPs whose identifying information was present in the relevant dataset at the beginning but not at the end of the specified time period.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps is she taking to improve food security.

The UK has a resilient food supply chain and is equipped to deal with situations with the potential to cause disruption. Defra works with industry and across Government to monitor risks that may arise. This includes extensive, regular and ongoing engagement in preparedness for, and response to, issues with the potential to cause disruption to food supply chains. Food security is a core national priority. Resilience is strengthened by strong domestic production - producing 65% of the food we eat, and diverse import sources through stable trade routes. The Government is supporting the food sector by investing £11.8bn this Parliament to support sustainable farming and domestic food production.

Media and Sport, with reference to Written Statement HCWS1273, made on 27 January 2026, whether she plans to allocate some of the £400m grassroots sports funding to lidos.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring public access to swimming facilities, including lidos, which are great spaces for people of all ages to stay fit and healthy, and play an important role within communities. I was pleased to respond to the recent Westminster Hall debate on this issue. In June last year, we committed £400 million to transform sports facilities, including public leisure, over the next four years. We are working closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what communities need, before setting out further plans on how future funding will be allocated.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of making a formal public response to the petition dated September 2025 on the United Kingdom’s historical role in Palestine.

The Cabinet Office manages its departmental records in accordance with the provisions of the Public Records Act 1958. Section 3 of the Act sets out the provisions for selecting and preserving public records. The government does not routinely comment on petitions.

What steps his Department is taking to identify, review and publish departmental records relevant to Government policy in Palestine.

The Cabinet Office manages its departmental records in accordance with the provisions of the Public Records Act 1958. Section 3 of the Act sets out the provisions for selecting and preserving public records. The government does not routinely comment on petitions.

Communities and Local Government, whether she has issued guidance to local authorities undergoing Local Government Reorganisation on the transfer or sale of assets to community groups.

During the local government reorganisation process, councils are expected to continue to operate on a business-as-usual basis. Assets and liabilities remain locally managed by councils until reorganisation is complete. Decisions about the disposal or transfer of assets, including to community or voluntary groups, are matters for individual local authorities to determine. The Government has issued explanatory guidance to councils undergoing local government reorganisation on financial and asset‑related decision making and has been clear that councils should take a responsible approach to such decisions and avoid actions that could jeopardise the financial sustainability of successor authorities.

Whether she plans to make comedy venues eligible for the 15% business rates relief.

The Government has defined in guidance which properties will be eligible for the relief announced on 27th January 2026 based on definitions used previously in the business rates system. Individual Local Authorities will need to determine which properties meet these definitions. Some comedy clubs may be eligible for the relief, depending on their specific circumstances. Properties that are not eligible for this support will still benefit from the wider business rate support package announced at the Budget, worth £4.3 billion over the next three years. The Government is also introducing new permanently lower multipliers for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties, which includes comedy venues, gyms and leisure businesses open to the public and with rateable values below £500,000. As a result, over half of ratepayers will see no bill increases, including 23% seeing their bills go down next year. This also means most properties seeing increases will see them capped at 15% or less next year, or £800 for the smallest.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help support climate adaptation by Government.

Defra is the lead department for domestic climate adaptation and works across Government, including with the Cabinet Office, in delivering this function. Defra is responsible for coordinating requirements set out in the UK Climate Change Act 2008. This includes preparing a UK Climate Change Risk Assessment every five years, followed by a National Adaptation Programme. While Defra coordinates this work, Government departments have responsibility for managing climate impacts to their policy areas. Defra is also working with Government departments to develop stronger adaptation objectives and delivery plans for those ahead of the fourth National Adaptation Programme (NAP4) in 2028.

How he plans to (a) embed climate adaptation and (b) integrate steps to mitigate and adapt within the seventh carbon budget.

The Climate Change Act (2008) sets out how government must consider both adaptation and mitigation when designing the pathway to net zero by 2050, through Climate Change Risk Assessments, National Adaptation Programmes and when setting Carbon Budgets. As set out in the Government's response to the CCC's 2025 adaptation response, where relevant the Government is ensuring climate adaptation and net zero are integrated into research and policy, ensuring we are cutting emissions while building climate resilience. This will include during the process of driving policy action to meet the seventh carbon budget.

What steps he is taking to improve Endometriosis care.

We are committed to improving the diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for gynaecological conditions including endometriosis, and we are taking action to address this, including delivering 5.2 million extra appointments between July 2024 and June 2025 across all specialities including gynaecology.In September 2025, we announced an “online hospital”, via NHS Online, which will give people the choice of getting the specialist care they need from their home. NHS Online will help to reduce patient waiting times, delivering the equivalent of up to 8.5 million appointments and assessments in its first three years, four times more than an average trust, while enhancing patient choice and control over their care. Menstrual problems which may be a sign of endometriosis will be among the first conditions available for referral to NHS Online from 2027.In November 2024, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) updated its guideline on endometriosis. This makes firmer recommendations for healthcare professionals on referral and investigations for women with suspected diagnosis and will help the estimated one in 10 women with endometriosis receive a diagnosis faster.Additionally, research has led to new treatments being made available, including the NICE approval of two pills to treat endometriosis this year, Relugolix and Linzagolix. Both are estimated to help approximately 1,000 women with severe endometriosis for whom other treatment options haven’t been effective. NICE is working with National Health Service systems to ensure adoption of this best practice of endometriosis care, including access to approved medicines.NHS England is updating the service specification for severe endometriosis which will be published in due course. This will improve the standards of care for women with severe endometriosis by ensuring specialist services have access to the most up-to-date evidence and advice.The Department, through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), has commissioned a number of studies focused on endometriosis diagnosis, treatment and patient experience. At present, the NIHR is funding seven active research awards totalling an investment of approximately £7.8 million. This includes a new £2.3 million award on the effectiveness of pain management for endometriosis starting in March 2026.

What estimate his Department has made of the potential impact of the December 2025 medicines agreement with the US on costs to the NHS in England.

Tens of thousands of National Health Service patients will benefit from this deal, which will secure and expand access to vital drugs, and safeguard our medicines supply chain.Costs will start smaller but will increase over time as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approves more life improving and lifesaving medicines. Total costs over the Spending Review period are expected to be approximately £1 billion. The final costs will depend on which medicines NICE recommends and the actual uptake of these.This deal is a vital investment that builds on the strength of our NHS and world leading life sciences without taking essential funding from our frontline NHS services.

What steps she is taking to support young people with the cost of living.

At the Autumn Budget in 2025, the government took action to bear down on prices and target everyday expenses, including taking an average of £150 off household energy bills from this April. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 will strengthen protections for private renters and help tenants challenge unreasonable rent increases. Alongside this, from this April, the government is increasing the 18-20 National Minimum Wage by 8.5% and the 21+ National Living Wage by 4.1% – equivalent to a £1,500 and £900 annual pay boost respectively for a full-time worker.

Communities and Local Government, if he plans to extend the Brownfield Land Release Fund.

The third round of the Brownfield Land Release Fund will launch this year. Design options are currently being explored by officials.

Communities and Local Government, pursuant to the Answer of 11 June 2025 to Question 58971 on Historic Environment Records, how he plans to commence section 230 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023; and if he will publish a timetable for implementing it.

The government continues to consider the implementation of section 230 of the Levelling-up and Regeneration Act 2023. Any announcements will be made to Parliament in the usual way.

What steps he is taking to support networks of (a) clinicians and (b) health professionals who wish to share best practice on responding to domestic abuse.

A network of Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (DASV) Leads are embedded in almost every National Health Service trust, integrated care board, and region across England. These Leads act as advocates both within the NHS and in partnership with external agencies to improve services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The national network of DASV Leads hold quarterly webinars to share good practice. They also use a secure NHS online workspace to share learning, resources, and training.

How many Plan 2 student loan borrowers there are resident in Stroud.

As of 30 April 2025, there were approximately 19,000 (to the nearest 1000) Plan 2 student loan borrowers with a positive loan balance registered with the Student Loans Company (SLC) to postcodes which fall wholly or partly within the local authority area of Stroud District Local Authority.This will include borrowers who were resident in Stroud, including at parental addresses, when they applied for the loan and have not informed the SLC of a subsequent change of address.

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

The Government is proud to champion our world-class orchestras and musicians, and help them to thrive. Through Arts Council England’s (ACE) 2023–26 National Portfolio Investment Programme, more money is going to more orchestral organisations in more parts of the country than ever before.The National Portfolio is supporting 139 organisations classed as ‘music’ by investing around £65 million of public funding per annum. ACE investment in classical music remains high, in particular in orchestral music organisations, with 23 such organisations being funded to the tune of around £21 million per annum. We are also supporting orchestras through the tax system, confirming from April 2025 that Orchestra Tax Relief on production costs would be set at the generous rate of 45 per cent. Over the course of this Parliament, we will also make a £1.5 billion capital investment into fulfilling our Arts Everywhere ambitions. This funding package includes £425 million for the Creative Foundations Fund, revitalising and renewing performing arts buildings across England, including resident venues and key stops on orchestral tours. We will also, for the first time, provide £80 million of capital funding to the National Portfolio Investment Programme over the next four years. This means that Arts Council England will be able to give around 1,000 cultural organisations a 5% uplift in their regular funding; the single biggest uplift to an existing Portfolio in decades.

What discussions he has had with The Pensions Regulator on what estimate it has made of how many and what proportion of UK pension scheme assets invested in (a) thermal coal-fired and (b) any other fossil fuel-fired power generation capacity; what assessment it has made of the potential impact of using UK pensions funds for expanding the use of fossil fuel on the markets of (i) the UK, (ii) Europe and (iii) any other country; and what estimate it has made of the value of UK pension funds invested in fossil fuels that are at risk of becoming stranded.

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has not produced such estimates. As part of its supervision and to assist in understanding the link between performance and asset allocation, TPR now gets access to investment data from workplace pension schemes – including increased transparency on scheme decision-making, as well as probing investment governance standards.Occupational pension schemes are required to set out how they consider financially material environmental, social and governance factors in their Statements of Investment Principles and to report annually on implementation. Larger schemes must also disclose their climate related risks and opportunities in line with the Task Force on Climate related Financial Disclosures framework. A 2024 TPR review found that more than 60% of sampled schemes had set a net zero goal for 2050 or earlier. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is currently undertaking a Post Implementation Review of the TCFD regime. We will report our findings this year.In parallel, Government is working on the adoption of UK Sustainability Reporting Standards aligned with international standards and on mandating climate transition plans. TPR’s Transition Plan Working Group, which includes representatives from across the pensions industry, will report to the DWP in the spring. These initiatives will continue to strengthen transparency around scheme exposures to climate related risks and support the UK’s net-zero goals and broader green agenda.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she plans to keep the Gaza medical evacuation scheme operating.

We have supported a number of sick and injured children to leave Gaza and receive treatment in the UK. We continue to seek the most effective ways to deploy the UK's resources to meet healthcare needs in Gaza and the region and will update on this in due course.