Written questions by Braverman.

Whether her Department plans to make amendments to existing legislation on the operation of the Independent Custody Visiting Association.

The Independent Custody Visiting Association is a membership organisation which supports local Independent Custody Visiting schemes in England and Wales. ICVA has no direct role in facilitating visits to custody suites. It is independent of Government but receives grant funding from the Home Office, which is managed in accordance with Home Office grant policies.Responsibility for organisation, oversight and delivery of independent custody visiting lies with individual Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) and PCC equivalents, under section 51 of the Police Reform Act 2002. The Home Office Code of Practice for Independent Custody visiting makes clear that PCCs are responsible for the initial and ongoing training of custody visitors. They must also assess how well their independent custody visiting (ICV) arrangements are working with regard to nationally set standards.

What steps her Department has taken to ensure (a) structured training programmes and (b) required materials are provided to new volunteers in the Independent Custody Visiting Association.

The Independent Custody Visiting Association is a membership organisation which supports local Independent Custody Visiting schemes in England and Wales. ICVA has no direct role in facilitating visits to custody suites. It is independent of Government but receives grant funding from the Home Office, which is managed in accordance with Home Office grant policies.Responsibility for organisation, oversight and delivery of independent custody visiting lies with individual Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) and PCC equivalents, under section 51 of the Police Reform Act 2002. The Home Office Code of Practice for Independent Custody visiting makes clear that PCCs are responsible for the initial and ongoing training of custody visitors. They must also assess how well their independent custody visiting (ICV) arrangements are working with regard to nationally set standards.

Whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of undertaking a review into the operations of the Independent Custody Visiting Association (a) in Hampshire and (b) nationally.

The Independent Custody Visiting Association is a membership organisation which supports local Independent Custody Visiting schemes in England and Wales. ICVA has no direct role in facilitating visits to custody suites. It is independent of Government but receives grant funding from the Home Office, which is managed in accordance with Home Office grant policies.Responsibility for organisation, oversight and delivery of independent custody visiting lies with individual Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) and PCC equivalents, under section 51 of the Police Reform Act 2002. The Home Office Code of Practice for Independent Custody visiting makes clear that PCCs are responsible for the initial and ongoing training of custody visitors. They must also assess how well their independent custody visiting (ICV) arrangements are working with regard to nationally set standards.

Whether her Department plans to bring forward legislative proposals on the operations of the Independent Custody Visiting Association.

The Independent Custody Visiting Association is a membership organisation which supports local Independent Custody Visiting schemes in England and Wales. ICVA has no direct role in facilitating visits to custody suites. It is independent of Government but receives grant funding from the Home Office, which is managed in accordance with Home Office grant policies.Responsibility for organisation, oversight and delivery of independent custody visiting lies with individual Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) and PCC equivalents, under section 51 of the Police Reform Act 2002. The Home Office Code of Practice for Independent Custody visiting makes clear that PCCs are responsible for the initial and ongoing training of custody visitors. They must also assess how well their independent custody visiting (ICV) arrangements are working with regard to nationally set standards.

Whether her Department plans to take steps to ensure guidance is followed on the operations of the Independent Custody Visiting Association.

The Independent Custody Visiting Association is a membership organisation which supports local Independent Custody Visiting schemes in England and Wales. ICVA has no direct role in facilitating visits to custody suites. It is independent of Government but receives grant funding from the Home Office, which is managed in accordance with Home Office grant policies.Responsibility for organisation, oversight and delivery of independent custody visiting lies with individual Police and Crime Commissioners (PCC) and PCC equivalents, under section 51 of the Police Reform Act 2002. The Home Office Code of Practice for Independent Custody visiting makes clear that PCCs are responsible for the initial and ongoing training of custody visitors. They must also assess how well their independent custody visiting (ICV) arrangements are working with regard to nationally set standards.

Media and Sport, whether her Department plans to make an assessment of the effectiveness of the BBC’s compliance with media laws following their broadcast of the Glastonbury Music Festival.

The Secretary of State was clear in her statement to Parliament that the scenes from the Bob Vylan performance at Glastonbury were utterly appalling and unacceptable. This Government will not tolerate antisemitism – it has absolutely no place in our society and we will be unrelenting in our work to root it out and it should not be given a platform.The BBC is editorially independent, and decisions on what content to broadcast, and how they broadcast that content, are a matter for the BBC. However, it is right that the BBC has acknowledged that the livestream of the performance should have come off air and that they are reviewing their guidance. There remain very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are implemented.As set out to Parliament, the Secretary of State has spoken to both the BBC Director General and Chair directly and has written to the Chair to ask for an urgent and detailed explanation about what immediate steps they intend to take. We expect answers to these questions without delay and expect lessons to be learned and rapid action to be taken.Ofcom is also in the process of obtaining further information from the BBC as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.Charter Review will consider editorial standards for the BBC. The Government will also build on the Media Act and Ofcom’s Public Service Media review by taking action to support public service media and the wider television ecosystem. As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government will update the policy and regulatory framework to respond to the changing market and promote a more level playing field, while maintaining universal access to distinctive and trusted public service content. This work will complement the BBC Charter Review.

Media and Sport, whether she plans to take steps to enforce media law on the BBC following its recent broadcast of the Glastonbury music festival.

The Secretary of State was clear in her statement to Parliament that the scenes from the Bob Vylan performance at Glastonbury were utterly appalling and unacceptable. This Government will not tolerate antisemitism – it has absolutely no place in our society and we will be unrelenting in our work to root it out and it should not be given a platform.The BBC is editorially independent, and decisions on what content to broadcast, and how they broadcast that content, are a matter for the BBC. However, it is right that the BBC has acknowledged that the livestream of the performance should have come off air and that they are reviewing their guidance. There remain very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are implemented.As set out to Parliament, the Secretary of State has spoken to both the BBC Director General and Chair directly and has written to the Chair to ask for an urgent and detailed explanation about what immediate steps they intend to take. We expect answers to these questions without delay and expect lessons to be learned and rapid action to be taken.Ofcom is also in the process of obtaining further information from the BBC as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.Charter Review will consider editorial standards for the BBC. The Government will also build on the Media Act and Ofcom’s Public Service Media review by taking action to support public service media and the wider television ecosystem. As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government will update the policy and regulatory framework to respond to the changing market and promote a more level playing field, while maintaining universal access to distinctive and trusted public service content. This work will complement the BBC Charter Review.

Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of amending existing legislation on television broadcasting.

The Secretary of State was clear in her statement to Parliament that the scenes from the Bob Vylan performance at Glastonbury were utterly appalling and unacceptable. This Government will not tolerate antisemitism – it has absolutely no place in our society and we will be unrelenting in our work to root it out and it should not be given a platform.The BBC is editorially independent, and decisions on what content to broadcast, and how they broadcast that content, are a matter for the BBC. However, it is right that the BBC has acknowledged that the livestream of the performance should have come off air and that they are reviewing their guidance. There remain very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are implemented.As set out to Parliament, the Secretary of State has spoken to both the BBC Director General and Chair directly and has written to the Chair to ask for an urgent and detailed explanation about what immediate steps they intend to take. We expect answers to these questions without delay and expect lessons to be learned and rapid action to be taken.Ofcom is also in the process of obtaining further information from the BBC as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.Charter Review will consider editorial standards for the BBC. The Government will also build on the Media Act and Ofcom’s Public Service Media review by taking action to support public service media and the wider television ecosystem. As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government will update the policy and regulatory framework to respond to the changing market and promote a more level playing field, while maintaining universal access to distinctive and trusted public service content. This work will complement the BBC Charter Review.

Media and Sport, what recent discussions she has had with the BBC in relation to its coverage of Glastonbury music festival.

The Secretary of State was clear in her statement to Parliament that the scenes from the Bob Vylan performance at Glastonbury were utterly appalling and unacceptable. This Government will not tolerate antisemitism – it has absolutely no place in our society and we will be unrelenting in our work to root it out and it should not be given a platform.The BBC is editorially independent, and decisions on what content to broadcast, and how they broadcast that content, are a matter for the BBC. However, it is right that the BBC has acknowledged that the livestream of the performance should have come off air and that they are reviewing their guidance. There remain very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are implemented.As set out to Parliament, the Secretary of State has spoken to both the BBC Director General and Chair directly and has written to the Chair to ask for an urgent and detailed explanation about what immediate steps they intend to take. We expect answers to these questions without delay and expect lessons to be learned and rapid action to be taken.Ofcom is also in the process of obtaining further information from the BBC as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.Charter Review will consider editorial standards for the BBC. The Government will also build on the Media Act and Ofcom’s Public Service Media review by taking action to support public service media and the wider television ecosystem. As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government will update the policy and regulatory framework to respond to the changing market and promote a more level playing field, while maintaining universal access to distinctive and trusted public service content. This work will complement the BBC Charter Review.

Media and Sport, whether she plans to bring forward new legislation on television broadcasting following the BBC coverage of the Glastonbury music festival.

The Secretary of State was clear in her statement to Parliament that the scenes from the Bob Vylan performance at Glastonbury were utterly appalling and unacceptable. This Government will not tolerate antisemitism – it has absolutely no place in our society and we will be unrelenting in our work to root it out and it should not be given a platform.The BBC is editorially independent, and decisions on what content to broadcast, and how they broadcast that content, are a matter for the BBC. However, it is right that the BBC has acknowledged that the livestream of the performance should have come off air and that they are reviewing their guidance. There remain very serious questions at the highest levels of the BBC about operational oversight and the way in which editorial standards are implemented.As set out to Parliament, the Secretary of State has spoken to both the BBC Director General and Chair directly and has written to the Chair to ask for an urgent and detailed explanation about what immediate steps they intend to take. We expect answers to these questions without delay and expect lessons to be learned and rapid action to be taken.Ofcom is also in the process of obtaining further information from the BBC as a matter of urgency, including what procedures were in place to ensure compliance with its own editorial guidelines.Charter Review will consider editorial standards for the BBC. The Government will also build on the Media Act and Ofcom’s Public Service Media review by taking action to support public service media and the wider television ecosystem. As set out in the Creative Industries Sector Plan, the Government will update the policy and regulatory framework to respond to the changing market and promote a more level playing field, while maintaining universal access to distinctive and trusted public service content. This work will complement the BBC Charter Review.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing a review of police conduct in relation to the treatment of grooming gang survivors.

On Monday 16 June 2025 the Home Secretary set out the Government’s response to Baroness Casey’s audit on grooming gangs, which includes the Government’s commitment to establish a national inquiry, and our support for the police in launching a new national criminal operation in.Any evidence of police wrongdoing identified through the work of the new national operation should be fully investigated and referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as required. The national inquiry will also direct local investigations and hold institutions to account for past failures. Further detail on the new national operation and the inquiry will be announced in due course.

Whether her Department has conducted a review into the listed causes of de-banking by banking corporations.

The government recognises that access to banking services is vital for people and businesses across the UK and is a matter of concern for certain sectors such as cryptoasset firms and their customers. The government continues to engage with the banking sector and affected industries to better understand the existing and emerging issues in this area. The government also welcomes the Financial Conduct Authority’s work to date to better understand why banks might reject or close bank accounts. Where the FCA has found areas where firms need to improve customer outcomes, the government expects firms to consider the FCA’s findings and act accordingly. Separately, the Treasury concluded a call for evidence in April 2023 which found deficiencies in the rules applying to bank account closures. In June 2025, the government therefore legislated to require banks and other providers to give customers a longer notice period of at least 90 days before terminating services and to provide a sufficiently detailed and specific explanation. These changes will give people and businesses the time and information they need to challenge decisions or find an alternative provider.

Whether she has made an estimate of the number of de-banking cases involving cryptocurrency.

The government recognises that access to banking services is vital for people and businesses across the UK and is a matter of concern for certain sectors such as cryptoasset firms and their customers. The government continues to engage with the banking sector and affected industries to better understand the existing and emerging issues in this area. The government also welcomes the Financial Conduct Authority’s work to date to better understand why banks might reject or close bank accounts. Where the FCA has found areas where firms need to improve customer outcomes, the government expects firms to consider the FCA’s findings and act accordingly. Separately, the Treasury concluded a call for evidence in April 2023 which found deficiencies in the rules applying to bank account closures. In June 2025, the government therefore legislated to require banks and other providers to give customers a longer notice period of at least 90 days before terminating services and to provide a sufficiently detailed and specific explanation. These changes will give people and businesses the time and information they need to challenge decisions or find an alternative provider.

Whether her Department has conducted a review into cases of de-banking; and what steps she plans to take to prevent this.

The government recognises that access to banking services is vital for people and businesses across the UK and is a matter of concern for certain sectors such as cryptoasset firms and their customers. The government continues to engage with the banking sector and affected industries to better understand the existing and emerging issues in this area. The government also welcomes the Financial Conduct Authority’s work to date to better understand why banks might reject or close bank accounts. Where the FCA has found areas where firms need to improve customer outcomes, the government expects firms to consider the FCA’s findings and act accordingly. Separately, the Treasury concluded a call for evidence in April 2023 which found deficiencies in the rules applying to bank account closures. In June 2025, the government therefore legislated to require banks and other providers to give customers a longer notice period of at least 90 days before terminating services and to provide a sufficiently detailed and specific explanation. These changes will give people and businesses the time and information they need to challenge decisions or find an alternative provider.

Whether his Department has made an estimate of the issues which have led to the largest number of incidents of reported civil servants being found in breach of strict impartiality conduct.

The collection of any data with regard to breaches of the Civil Service Code would be a matter for individual departments.

Whether his Department plans to make an assessment of how to improve civil service compliance with strict impartiality in (a) recruitment and (b) retention.

The Civil Service Commission’s Recruitment Principles explain the legal requirement that selection for appointment to the Civil Service must be on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. The Civil Service takes adherence to these principles very seriously. The Civil Service Commission publishes data regarding compliance and their most recent annual report for 2023/24 showed a 13% reduction in breaches compared to 2022/23.For the centrally managed Senior Civil Service, departments are able to address flight risk with Pivotal Role Allowances (PRAs) for those delivering critical programmes and those responsible for implementing government priorities. All PRAs require the approval of the Cabinet Office and the Treasury and are assessed against strict eligibility criteria, including the business criticality of the role, the impact should the incumbent leave, the skills required and the level of flight risk. For grades below the SCS, departments have delegated authority to determine their own pay arrangements to reflect their recruitment and retention needs.

Whether his Department has made an estimate of the number of incidents involving civil servants who were found to be in breach of strict impartiality.

The collection of any data with regard to breaches of the Civil Service Code would be a matter for individual departments.

What steps his Department plans to take to support (a) neutrality and (b) impartiality in the civil service.

Impartiality, and in particular political impartiality, is one of the values of the Civil Service Code. It is a contractual obligation for civil servants to abide by the Code. Impartiality means civil servants must serve the Government, whatever its political persuasion, to the best of their ability.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has had discussions with his Chinese counterpart on the detention of Jimmy Lai.

Jimmy Lai's case is a priority for this government. The Prime Minister raised Mr Lai's case with President Xi on 18 November 2024 at the G20 Summit in Brazil. The Foreign Secretary raised it with China's Foreign Minister in April. During my visit to Hong Kong last month, I called for Mr Lai's release during my meeting with Hong Kong's Chief Secretary.The UK continues to call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their politically motivated prosecution and immediately release Mr Lai. Diplomats from our Consulate-General in Hong Kong have attended his court proceedings throughout, and we continue to press for consular access.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the merits of international measures to secure the release of Jimmy Lai.

Jimmy Lai's case is a priority for this government. The Prime Minister raised Mr Lai's case with President Xi on 18 November 2024 at the G20 Summit in Brazil. The Foreign Secretary raised it with China's Foreign Minister in April. During my visit to Hong Kong last month, I called for Mr Lai's release during my meeting with Hong Kong's Chief Secretary.The UK continues to call on the Hong Kong authorities to end their politically motivated prosecution and immediately release Mr Lai. Diplomats from our Consulate-General in Hong Kong have attended his court proceedings throughout, and we continue to press for consular access.