Written questions by Braverman.

What steps he is taking to ensure that regulators correctly investigate whistleblowing disclosures.

Workers in Great Britain – including those in the public sector – are protected from detriment (adverse treatment) and, if they are employees, dismissal under the Employment Rights Act 1996 if they ‘blow the whistle’ on wrongdoing and certain conditions are met. This is known as making a protected disclosure.For a worker to receive protection they must reasonably believe that the disclosure is in the public interest and relates to one or more types of wrongdoing listed in the Act. A worker must also make the disclosure through the proper channels, one of which is to a ‘prescribed person’ listed in the Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) Order 2014. Many prescribed persons are regulators, which can investigate and take enforcement action in relation to wrongdoing.The Government has acknowledged concerns expressed by some parliamentarians and stakeholders that the whistleblowing framework may not be operating as effectively as it should be. That is why it recently committed in the Anti-Corruption Strategy 2025 to explore opportunities for reform.

Whether she plans to strengthen whistleblowing protections for teachers who raise concerns about safeguarding, political indoctrination or unlawful gender‑related practices in schools.

School and trust leaders are responsible for making decisions about staff in school and should follow employment law when carrying out their duties.The laws protecting whistleblowers also apply to teachers. Details of who can be a whistleblower, and what complaints fall under whistleblowing laws can be found in the ’Whistle blowing for employees’ guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/whistleblowing.Personal grievances, for example bullying, harassment and discrimination, are not covered by whistleblowing law, unless the particular case is in the public interest, and should instead be raised through a school’s grievance process.The government has introduced a new measure, through the Employment Rights Act 2025, that will address the misuse of non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) by employers. The government will consult on the conditions under which NDAs can still be validly.

What steps she is taking to support university (a) staff and (b) students who raise concerns about breaches of the Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023.

This government is absolutely committed to freedom of speech and academic freedom. ​We commenced provisions from the Higher Education (HE) (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023 on 1 August 2025 including strengthened provider duties to secure and promote the importance of free speech and academic freedom, and a requirement to put in place effective free speech codes of practice. The Office for Students’ Director for Freedom of Speech and Academic Freedom continues to work with the HE sector to offer advice and share best practice, so providers themselves are more effectively protecting free speech and academic freedom.Our commitment to the complaints scheme was clearly set out last year: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-future-of-the-higher-education-freedom-of-speech-act-2023. Students can continue to report their free speech complaints to the Office of the Independent Adjudicator.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of internal whistleblowing channels within the Civil Service; and whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of introducing an independent external reporting mechanism.

There are well established whistleblowing processes in place across government. Individual government departments are responsible for determining and setting their whistleblowing arrangements and procedures. In addition, the Civil Service Commission is an independent body that can hear and determine concerns by civil servants that relate to the Civil Service Code, where it has already been raised formally under the Code with the relevant Department. To ensure external reporting remains accessible, the Government regularly reviews the Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) Order 2014, which lists designated individuals and bodies, such as the National Audit Office, to whom a worker can make a whistleblowing disclosure. The National Audit Office made four recommendations in the report following its investigation into whistleblowing in the Civil Service and the Public Accounts Committee made five recommendations in its subsequent report. The Cabinet Office has addressed these points and the recommendations have been completed. Neither report recommended setting up an independent external reporting mechanism. It is the Government’s position that an independent external reporting mechanism would be duplicative. The full text of the reports are available online. https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/investigation-whistleblowing-civil-service.pdfhttps://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5804/cmselect/cmpubacc/457/report.html

What steps he is taking to ensure that civil servants who raise concerns about (a) misconduct, (b) political bias and (c) breaches of impartiality are protected from retaliation.

There are well established whistleblowing processes in place across government. Individual government departments are responsible for determining and setting their whistleblowing arrangements and procedures. In addition, the Civil Service Commission is an independent body that can hear and determine concerns by civil servants that relate to the Civil Service Code, where it has already been raised formally under the Code with the relevant Department. To ensure external reporting remains accessible, the Government regularly reviews the Public Interest Disclosure (Prescribed Persons) Order 2014, which lists designated individuals and bodies, such as the National Audit Office, to whom a worker can make a whistleblowing disclosure. The National Audit Office made four recommendations in the report following its investigation into whistleblowing in the Civil Service and the Public Accounts Committee made five recommendations in its subsequent report. The Cabinet Office has addressed these points and the recommendations have been completed. Neither report recommended setting up an independent external reporting mechanism. It is the Government’s position that an independent external reporting mechanism would be duplicative. The full text of the reports are available online. https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/investigation-whistleblowing-civil-service.pdfhttps://publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm5804/cmselect/cmpubacc/457/report.html

How many whistleblowing complaints relating to (a) free speech, (b) academic freedom and (c) political discrimination have been reported to her Department since 2020.

This government is absolutely committed to freedom of speech and academic freedom. Under the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998, the department is not the prescribed person for whistleblowing concerns in higher education (HE) and does not receive whistleblowing complaints related to HE.

How many whistleblowing complaints were submitted by civil servants in each of the last five years.

The table below provides the total number of Whistleblowing cases raised to Civil Service organisations who responded to annual Whistleblowing (Raising a Concern) data commission. Commission yearTotal number of cases2024 - 20254432023 - 20244462022 - 20233882021 - 20223112020 - 2021245

Whether she has assessed the potential impact of courier networks using sub‑accounts within courier networks on trends in the level of people working illegally.

The Home Office has assessed the potential impact of courier networks using sub-accounts and the links to illegal working. We do not disclose operational detail as it would compromise our operational activity.

How many illegal working investigations have been opened into parcel delivery firms in each of the last five years; and how many resulted in (a) civil penalties and (b) prosecutions.

The Home Office does not hold data on illegal working investigations at the level of detail requested. For civil penalties, illegal working enforcement activity is recorded by employment sector, not by specific sub sectors such as parcel delivery firms. For prosecution, criminal investigations relating to illegal working will be recorded in line with the primary offence under investigation, such as possession of a counterfeit identity document, or assisting unlawful immigration. As a result, we are unable to provide figures on the number of investigations opened into parcel delivery firms or the outcomes in terms of civil penalties or prosecutions.Any relevant activity would be captured under the broader business sectors of Warehousing, Distribution and Delivery or the primary offence under investigation.A breakdown of activity by sector is available in the Home Office publication which can be accessed at: Illegal working and enforcement activity to the end of December 2025: by illegal working sector - GOV.UK

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of working conditions for self‑employed couriers in the parcel delivery sector, including training standards, pay rates, and safeguarding obligations.

All businesses must comply with relevant laws and employers must comply with their legal obligations to ensure that their workforce receive the rights and protections to which they are entitled. Ofcom, the independent regulator for postal services, does not regulate the employment models of parcel delivery companies. Many employment rights, including the National Minimum and Living Wage do not apply to self-employed individuals. While the government recognises self-employed arrangements can provide valued flexibility, we also recognise concerns regarding exploitation of the current employment status framework and will consult on addressing these.

Whether her Department has received reports of (a) under‑18s, (b) individuals without a driving licence and (c) individuals without valid immigration status being engaged as couriers by (i) Evri and (ii) its subcontractors.

All employers are required to undertake right to work checks on any prospective employee to confirm their legal status. Clamping down on illegal working is a critical part of this government’s work to restore fairness, order and control within the immigration and asylum system. This includes measures in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act to ensure companies who utilise flexible worker models, as seen in the warehouse and delivery sector, are required to conduct right to work checks to prevent illegal working when they contract workers to provide services under their company name. This will include agency workers or self-employed individuals working in the gig economy. These new legislative measures will restrict the ability of employers to take advantage of illegal workers and encourage businesses to provide work opportunities to only those permitted to work in the UK. It will provide parity across industries and will set a level playing field for businesses to uphold their responsibilities to prevent illegal working in the UK. A consultation on how to implement these measures has been conducted, the response to which will be published in due course. In addition to the extended right to work scheme, and as already announced, digital right to work checks will be mandatory by the end of Parliament, making them easier and cheaper for businesses to do.

Whether she has made an assessment of compliance by Evri and its subcontractors with statutory right‑to‑work checks.

All employers are required to undertake right to work checks on any prospective employee to confirm their legal status. Clamping down on illegal working is a critical part of this government’s work to restore fairness, order and control within the immigration and asylum system. This includes measures in the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Act to ensure companies who utilise flexible worker models, as seen in the warehouse and delivery sector, are required to conduct right to work checks to prevent illegal working when they contract workers to provide services under their company name. This will include agency workers or self-employed individuals working in the gig economy. These new legislative measures will restrict the ability of employers to take advantage of illegal workers and encourage businesses to provide work opportunities to only those permitted to work in the UK. It will provide parity across industries and will set a level playing field for businesses to uphold their responsibilities to prevent illegal working in the UK. A consultation on how to implement these measures has been conducted, the response to which will be published in due course. In addition to the extended right to work scheme, and as already announced, digital right to work checks will be mandatory by the end of Parliament, making them easier and cheaper for businesses to do.

What assessment he has made of the effect on employment in the home‑insulation and retrofit sector of the decision to end the Energy Company Obligation scheme before publishing details of its replacement.

The government recognises that ending ECO presents challenges for the supply chain. We will support the transition to opportunities provided by the Warm Homes Plan, in particular the additional £1.5 billion for upgrading low-income households. For this additional funding, we will use the procurement regime for all new funding to support the retrofit workforce affected by the closure of ECO, working closely with the retrofit supply chain, housing associations and local authorities. Officials are also working with the Department for Business and Trade on support that can be provided to employees and companies in the construction sector during this time.

What the £1.5 billion transition fund announced for the period between ECO and its successor scheme will cover; and when guidance for businesses on accessing this funding will be published.

The £1.5 billion extra funding allocated to the Warm Homes Plan at the Budget will be spent on low-income households. This takes the total capital investment in the Warm Homes Plan to £15 billion – the largest ever public investment in home upgrades. This comes on top of the measures announced at the Budget, which took an average of £150 of costs off energy bills from April 2026. From 2025-28, funding for low-income home upgrades will be delivered through the Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund and the Warm Homes: Local Grant as previously announced, to help millions of households benefit from solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and insulation that can save a typical household £550 a year compared to a gas boiler – reducing our exposure to the volatile international fossil fuel markets which have driven the cost-of-living crisis.

What steps he is taking to ensure continuity of work for companies delivering insulation, heating upgrades, and other energy‑efficiency measures during the transition from the Energy Company Obligation to the Warm Homes Plan.

The government recognises that ending ECO presents challenges for the supply chain. We will support the transition to opportunities provided by the Warm Homes Plan, in particular the additional £1.5 billion for upgrading low-income households. For this additional funding, we will use the procurement regime for all new funding to support the retrofit workforce affected by the closure of ECO, working closely with the retrofit supply chain, housing associations and local authorities. Officials are also working with the Department for Business and Trade on support that can be provided to employees and companies in the construction sector during this time.

Whether his Department has conducted an economic impact assessment of the transition period between the Energy Company Obligation and the Warm Homes Plan on small and medium‑sized enterprises in the home‑retrofit industry.

The government recognises that ending ECO presents challenges for the supply chain. We will support the transition to opportunities provided by the Warm Homes Plan, in particular the additional £1.5 billion for upgrading low-income households. For this additional funding, we will use the procurement regime for all new funding to support the retrofit workforce affected by the closure of ECO, working closely with the retrofit supply chain, housing associations and local authorities. Officials are also working with the Department for Business and Trade on support that can be provided to employees and companies in the construction sector during this time.

If he will make an estimate of the number of jobs potentially at risk in the Energy Company Obligation supply chain as a result of the gap between the closure of ECO and the implementation of its successor scheme.

The government recognises that ending ECO presents challenges for the supply chain. We will support the transition to opportunities provided by the Warm Homes Plan, in particular the additional £1.5 billion for upgrading low-income households. For this additional funding, we will use the procurement regime for all new funding to support the retrofit workforce affected by the closure of ECO, working closely with the retrofit supply chain, housing associations and local authorities. Officials are also working with the Department for Business and Trade on support that can be provided to employees and companies in the construction sector during this time.

Whether his Department has met with representatives of the eco‑homes and retrofit sector to discuss the risk of redundancies arising from the time period between Energy Company Obligation and its successor scheme.

The government recognises that ending ECO presents challenges for the supply chain. We will support the transition to opportunities provided by the Warm Homes Plan, in particular the additional £1.5 billion for upgrading low-income households. For this additional funding, we will use the procurement regime for all new funding to support the retrofit workforce affected by the closure of ECO, working closely with the retrofit supply chain, housing associations and local authorities. Officials are also working with the Department for Business and Trade on support that can be provided to employees and companies in the construction sector during this time.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact on the Government’s net‑zero and home‑energy‑efficiency targets of delays in implementing the Warm Homes Plan.

Our landmark £15 billion Warm Homes Plan is already delivering on our commitment to lower energy bills and upgrade up to 5 million homes by 2030, as evidenced by BUS-supported heat pump installations rising 40% in the year to November 2025 compared with the previous year. We have also committed to other home upgrade targets such as raising minimum energy efficiency standards in the private rented sector and deploying solar panels on the rooftops of up to 3 million more homes by 2030. The government is committed to its net zero targets, tackling fuel poverty, and strengthening our energy security.

When he plans to publish full details of the Warm Homes Plan; and whether he has made an assessment of the effect of the delay on businesses operating in the energy‑efficiency and eco‑homes sector.

The Government published the Warm Homes Plan on 21 January 2026. The Warm Homes Plan will invest £15 billion, making it the biggest ever public investment to upgrade British homes and cut bills.We will help millions of households benefit from solar panels, batteries, heat pumps and insulation that can save a typical household £550 a year compared to a gas boiler – reducing our exposure to the volatile international fossil fuel markets which have driven the cost-of-living crisis. This comes on top of the measures announced at the Budget, which took an average of £150 of costs off energy bills from April 2026. We will reach up to 5 million homes by 2030, tackle fuel poverty and create good jobs across the country. Our plan will unlock £38 billion in total investment across this Parliament, and with additional funding for skills, innovation and UK manufacturing, we will ensure that British workers and businesses reap the benefits.