Written questions by Gethins.

Whether her Department has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of re-joining the EU single market on the UK economy, in the context of the UK-EU summit on 19 May 2025.

The OBR has estimated that productivity will be 4% lower in the long run than it would have been had the UK not withdrawn from the EU, and that imports and exports will eventually both be 15 per cent lower than had we stayed in the EU. As of the Spring Budget 2025, these assumptions are unchanged from its previous assessment. The OBR estimated in their March 2021 Economic and Fiscal Outlook that two-fifths of this impact to productivity had already materialised before the Trade and Cooperation Agreement came into force in January 2021. The Government is working with the EU to identify areas where we can strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit, such as the economy, energy, security and resilience. There will be no return to the Customs Union or the single market. But we are committed to finding constructive ways to work together and deliver for the British people.

Whether her Department has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of re-joining the EU Customs Union on the UK economy, in the context of the UK-EU summit on 19 May 2025.

The OBR has estimated that productivity will be 4% lower in the long run than it would have been had the UK not withdrawn from the EU, and that imports and exports will eventually both be 15 per cent lower than had we stayed in the EU. As of the Spring Budget 2025, these assumptions are unchanged from its previous assessment. The OBR estimated in their March 2021 Economic and Fiscal Outlook that two-fifths of this impact to productivity had already materialised before the Trade and Cooperation Agreement came into force in January 2021. The Government is working with the EU to identify areas where we can strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit, such as the economy, energy, security and resilience. There will be no return to the Customs Union or the single market. But we are committed to finding constructive ways to work together and deliver for the British people.

With reference to paragraph 2.28 of the Office of Budget Responsibility's publication entitled Economic and fiscal outlook, published in October 2024, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the change in overall trade intensity on Scotland.

In its latest economic outlook, the OBR expects the level of overall exports to recover in 2025 and return to growth over the period 2026 to 2029. The European Union is an important trade partner for the UK, with total trade in goods and services of £813 billion in 2024. A closer, more co-operative relationship with the EU is in the UK’s national interests and the Prime Minister and President of the European Commission have agreed to strengthen the relationship between the UK and EU. The UK-EU Summit on 19 May will provide an opportunity to make further progress on areas which will deliver tangible benefits working with the EU to identify areas where we can strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit, such as trade and the economy.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for her policies of the Office for Budget Responsibility's analysis of the change in the volume of UK imports and exports compared to if the UK had remained in the EU.

HM Treasury does not prepare forecasts for the UK economy and public finances, including assessments of potential impacts of policy changes. These are the responsibility of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) which confirmed its assessment of EU exit’s economic impacts in its March 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook.HM Treasury continues to consider a range of data sources, including trade import and export figures, as part of the department’s ongoing monitoring of the UK economy.The Government is working with the EU to identify areas where we can strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit, and as part of this we will welcome EU leaders to the UK for the first UK-EU Leaders’ Summit on 19 May.

With reference to paragraph 2.28 of the Office of Budget Responsibility's publication entitled Economic and fiscal outlook, published in October 2024, if she will make an estimate of the macro economic cost of the change in overall trade intensity.

HM Treasury does not prepare forecasts for the UK economy and public finances, including assessments of potential impacts of policy changes. These are the responsibility of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) which confirmed its assessment of EU exit’s economic impacts in its March 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook.HM Treasury continues to consider a range of data sources, including trade import and export figures, as part of the department’s ongoing monitoring of the UK economy.The Government is working with the EU to identify areas where we can strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit, and as part of this we will welcome EU leaders to the UK for the first UK-EU Leaders’ Summit on 19 May.

With reference to paragraph 2.28 of the Office of Budget Responsibility's publication entitled Economic and fiscal outlook, published in October 2024, which sectors will be impacted by the change in overall trade intensity.

HM Treasury does not prepare forecasts for the UK economy and public finances, including assessments of potential impacts of policy changes. These are the responsibility of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) which confirmed its assessment of EU exit’s economic impacts in its March 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook.HM Treasury continues to consider a range of data sources, including trade import and export figures, as part of the department’s ongoing monitoring of the UK economy.The Government is working with the EU to identify areas where we can strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit, and as part of this we will welcome EU leaders to the UK for the first UK-EU Leaders’ Summit on 19 May.

With reference to paragraph 2.28 of the Office of Budget Responsibility's publication entitled Economic and fiscal outlook, published in October 2024, what estimate she has made of the cost to the public purse of the change in overall trade intensity.

HM Treasury does not prepare forecasts for the UK economy and public finances, including assessments of potential impacts of policy changes. These are the responsibility of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) which confirmed its assessment of EU exit’s economic impacts in its March 2024 Economic and Fiscal Outlook.HM Treasury continues to consider a range of data sources, including trade import and export figures, as part of the department’s ongoing monitoring of the UK economy.The Government is working with the EU to identify areas where we can strengthen cooperation for mutual benefit, and as part of this we will welcome EU leaders to the UK for the first UK-EU Leaders’ Summit on 19 May.

What steps her Department is taking to increase the availability of practical driving tests at (a) Arbroath Test Centre and (b) Dundee Test Centre.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency’s (DVSA) main priority is upholding road safety standards while it works hard to reduce car practical driving test waiting times.On the 18 December 2024, DVSA set out further plans to reduce driving test waiting times across the country. These steps include recruiting 450 driving examiners (DEs). Full details of these steps can be found on GOV.UK.DVSA continues to recruit DEs at Arbroath and Dundee driving test centres (DTC) and is currently working through the recruitment process from recent campaigns. As part of this, DVSA has two potential new DEs, one is booked on a training course and one is undergoing pre-employment checks. Additionally, one DE successfully passed training and is now conducting driving tests at Dundee and Arbroath.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps through the UN Security Council to (a) protect Sudanese (i) women and children and (ii) other civilians and (b) hold people responsible for (A) violence and (B) displacement to account.

The conflict in Sudan is having a devastating impact on children. An estimated 17 million children are out of school. More than 50 per cent of Sudan's caseload of 8.8 million internally displaced persons are children. The UK is playing an active role at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to help protect Sudanese civilians. For example, through public interventions, senior engagements, Council products and sanctions, we continue to push the warring parties to take every precaution to safeguard Sudanese civilians, including children. In November 2024, the Minister for Africa chaired a meeting of the UNSC to address the plight of Sudanese civilians, including women and children. The UK also tabled a UNSC resolution on protection of civilians in Sudan which shamefully Russia vetoed. Last month, the Minister for Africa chaired a UNSC Briefing on conflict related sexual violence in Sudan, emphasising the need for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The UK has also led efforts at the Human Rights Council to establish and renew the mandate for the UN Fact-Finding Mission which is crucial for supporting future accountability efforts in Sudan.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department is taking steps to increase funding for international humanitarian organisations that provide aid in Sudan.

The UK has been a longstanding and major humanitarian donor to Sudan with £226.5 million allocated in financial year 2024/25 towards the crisis. In his statement to Parliament in February about defence and Official Development Assistance spend, the Prime Minister made clear that Sudan would remain a humanitarian priority for the UK. The Prime Minister is committed to returning to 0.7 per cent spending when fiscal conditions allow. The ongoing obfuscation of relief operations by Sudan's warring parties is imperilling millions of people. More funding is required from across the international community. However, without a step change in access the already dire situation will drastically deteriorate. The UK will however continue to support international humanitarian organisations, including the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Food Programme, who are providing life-saving food commodities and nutritional programmes to those most in need.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help improve primary health care in hard-to-reach areas of Sudan.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is the largest and most severe globally. Tens of millions of people require life-saving aid with almost 640,000 people projected to be experiencing catastrophic famine conditions. In the financial year ending 31 March 2025, the UK provided more than £226 million in life-saving aid towards the crisis. As part of this, we supported the United Nations Children's Fund who provided lifesaving nutrition and health programmes to some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people in Sudan. This includes integrated nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and health programming. We also supported the International Committee of the Red Cross who provided health and WASH programmes.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to help ensure the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases in hard-to-reach areas of Sudan.

The conflict in Sudan and the widespread destruction of sanitation and health services has caused devastating disease outbreaks across the country. Two-thirds of states in Sudan are now experiencing more than three different disease outbreaks, which are exacerbated by the impacts of climate change. In response, the UK is supporting the United Nations Children's Fund and others who are delivering lifesaving emergency health interventions including cholera vaccines, treatment, and prevention. Specifically, we are also contributing to an ongoing cholera vaccination campaign in Kosti and Rabak, targeting one million people. UK aid is also addressing related needs across the region given the cross-border risks of Sudan's cholera outbreak. We continue to urge all parties in Sudan to facilitate humanitarian access so that aid reaches those most in need.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to ensure access to nutritional treatment in areas (a) experiencing and (b) at risk of famine in Sudan.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is the largest and most severe globally. Tens of millions of people require life-saving aid with almost 640,000 people projected to be experiencing catastrophic famine conditions. In the financial year ending 31 March 2025, the UK provided more than £226 million in life-saving aid towards the crisis. As part of this, we supported the United Nations Children's Fund who provided lifesaving nutrition and health programmes to some of the most vulnerable and hard-to-reach people in Sudan. This includes integrated nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and health programming. We also supported the International Committee of the Red Cross who provided health and WASH programmes.

When she plans to reply to correspondence from the hon. Member for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry of 31 January and 25 February 2025, reference SG00234.

The correspondence from the hon. Member for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry was transferred to the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government. This transfer was confirmed by email on 03 March 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his counterpart in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last two weeks.

The UK is committed to maintaining peace and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), and condemns the recent and ongoing unconstitutional actions of the Republika Srpska leadership. Ireaffirmed these messages when he spoke to BiH's Foreign Minister on 10 March. Senior Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials have engaged intensively in BiH and with regional and international partners to stress our commitment to BiH's constitutional framework and the Dayton Peace Agreement. The Foreign Secretary plans to engage other Western Balkans leaders.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what his Department’s policy priorities will be when the UK chairs the Berlin Process 2025.

We will use the Berlin Process to advance security and growth through strengthened partnerships with our Western Balkan and other European partners, including on tackling irregular migration. This will support the Prime Minister's domestic missions of national security, secure borders, safer streets and kickstarting growth. It will strengthen Euro-Atlantic integration and regional co-operation between the six Western Balkan countries. The Berlin Process consists of a Leaders' Summit, ministerial meetings and other forums and we are keen for voices to be heard in a constructive and inclusive atmosphere. Dame Karen Pierce, the Prime Minister's Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, will drive forward preparations for the Summit.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

As a witness to the Dayton Peace Agreement (DPA) and member of the Peace Implementation Council (PIC)'s Steering Board, the UK condemns the unconstitutional and secessionist actions of the Republika Srpska leadership, which threatens Bosnia and Herzegovina's (BiH's) peace and stability. The UK has publicly reaffirmed its support for the DPA and the existing constitutional framework of BiH, and will continue to engage with our international partners, and leaders across the region, to facilitate a positive outcome. I spoke to my counterpart on 10 March, and reaffirmed our commitment to BiH's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the DPA.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans his Department has to work with European partners to support post-conflict stabilisation work in Syria.

The situation is Syria remains fluid and fragile. We want to see a more stable Syria and are working closely with international partners, including European partners, to this end. Following the Foreign Secretary's public statement on 9 March, I made clear in my Statement to the House on 10 March that the interim authorities have a responsibility to ensure the protection of all Syrian civilians and to make progress towards an inclusive political transition.Our priorities are to support an inclusive, Syrian-led political transition that leads to a representative and non-sectarian government, tackle security threats, including from Daesh, and support economic recovery. On 6 March, we announced the relaxation of sanctions on some Syrian entities in the transport, energy and finance sectors, as part of our efforts to help the people of Syria to rebuild their country and economy.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 17 December to Question 18869 on Palestinians: Fire and Rescue Services, what progress he has made on discussions with Israeli counterparts to ensure the successful delivery of this donation.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development (FCDO) Officials have raised the matter of this donation directly with the Israeli authorities and are working with colleagues in the Scottish Government to resolve the matter.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans his Department has to support post-conflict stabilisation work in Syria.

The situation is Syria remains fluid and fragile. We want to see a more stable Syria and are working closely with international partners, including European partners, to this end. Following the Foreign Secretary's public statement on 9 March, I made clear in my Statement to the House on 10 March that the interim authorities have a responsibility to ensure the protection of all Syrian civilians and to make progress towards an inclusive political transition.Our priorities are to support an inclusive, Syrian-led political transition that leads to a representative and non-sectarian government, tackle security threats, including from Daesh, and support economic recovery. On 6 March, we announced the relaxation of sanctions on some Syrian entities in the transport, energy and finance sectors, as part of our efforts to help the people of Syria to rebuild their country and economy.