Written questions by Murray.

What steps she is taking with the Secretary of State for the Home Department is taking to tackle covert filming in public spaces.

Everyone deserves to feel safe both in public and online. In addition to existing offences for the sharing of intimate images, we have introduced offences to the Crime and Policing Bill of taking an intimate image and installing equipment with the intent to take intimate images, without consent or reasonable belief of consent. These offences cover images which show the victim in an intimate state, and would capture some content on a public street, such as photographs taken up clothing that show underwear or nudity.We have also provided funding to intensify Project Vigilant across police forces to keep women safe in public spaces. Project Vigilant involves specially trained plain clothed officers observing individuals in public, mostly in the night-time economy, to identify those exhibiting predatory behaviours. Uniformed officers are then called in to disrupt their behaviour, which could include filming women without their consent.From 1 April, measures under the Protection from Sex-Based Harassment in Public Act 2023 will come into force. Depending on the facts of the case, this could include where the intent of covert filming is to cause harassment, alarm or distress because of the victim’s sex.To go further, in Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls we committed to launching a call for evidence on online misogynistic image-based abuse, and the extent to which there are new behaviours which may not be captured by existing criminal offences. This will allow us to consider whether any further change is needed to future proof the law.

What discussions she has had with (a) Police Scotland and (b) Scottish trading standards bodies on compliance and enforcement activity relating to the sale in Scotland of non-convertible imitation firearms sold as costume, prop and fancy dress items and indistinguishable from real firearms.

The Home Office has not had recent discussions with Police Scotland or Scottish trading standards bodies in relation to realistic imitation firearms that are not readily convertible to fire live ammunition. Chief Constables have operational responsibility for enforcing the legislation which applies to realistic imitation firearms.Section 36 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 makes it an offence for a person to manufacture, sell, import or cause a realistic imitation firearm to be brought into Great Britain and it also makes it an offence to modify an imitation firearm so that it becomes a realistic imitation firearm. Section 37 of that Act provides for specified defences to this offence which include making the realistic imitation firearm available for theatrical performances, the production of films or television programmes, and the organisation and holding of certain historical re-enactments or skirmishing activities.In addition, it is an offence under section 19 of the Firearms Act 1968 for a person to have an imitation firearm in their possession in public without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.

What discussions she has had with (a) Police Scotland and (b) relevant Scottish trading standards bodies on compliance and enforcement activity relating to the sale of realistic imitation firearms and imitation firearms.

There has been action taken by the National Crime Agency and police forces in England and Wales against certain types of imitation firearms that have been found to be readily convertible into lethal firing firearms. Such imitation firearms, depending on their features, are subject to firearms legislation and are illegal. An amnesty was held in February this year to allow owners of the certain types of imitation firearms of concern to hand them into police stations so they can be disposed of safely.Discussions were held with the authorities in Scotland about the imitation firearms of concern, including Police Scotland, the Scottish Police Authority, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), and the Scottish Government, and I also wrote to the Lord Advocate about whether a similar scheme could be introduced in Scotland. We were advised that the operational and legal context in Scotland were different, and a public awareness campaign would be considered to support public safety in respect of these imitation firearms.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of proposals to merge Section 1 and Section 2 firearms licensing on (a) employment and (b) economic activity in rural communities, including impacts on shooting-related businesses and supply chains; and whether her Department has produced an impact assessment or cost-benefit analysis of those proposals.

The Government response to the 2023 firearms licensing consultation, published on 13 February 2025, included a commitment to having a public consultation on strengthening the licensing controls on shotguns to bring them more into line with the controls on other firearms in the interests of public safety. We intend to publish this consultation shortly.No decisions have yet been made on whether and what changes might be necessary. Our approach will be informed by the public consultation, and we will consider the views put forward before deciding on what further action to take. We will then provide an assessment of the impact of any changes that the Government intends to bring forward.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposals in the consultation paper entitled A Fairer Pathway to Settlement: statement and accompanying consultation on earned settlement, published on 28 November 2025, on (a) the number of Hong Kong British National (Overseas) visa holders eligible for indefinite leave to remain and (b) the time taken to qualify for settlement; and whether she plans to publish an impact assessment on the proposed English language level B2 requirement and a contribution to the Exchequer criteria.

The Government remains steadfast in its support for members of the Hong Kong community in the UK.BN(O) visa holders will attract a 5-year reduction in the qualifying period for settlement, meaning they will continue to be able to settle in the UK after 5 years’ residence, subject to meeting the mandatory requirements.We are seeking views on earned settlement through the public consultation A Fairer Pathway to Settlement and will continue to listen to the views of Hong Kongers. Details of the earned settlement model will be finalised following that consultation. An impact assessment will be developed alongside the finalised policy and published in due course.In the meantime, the current rules for settlement under the BN(O) route will continue to apply.

What estimate she has made of the additional (a) visa fees and (b) immigration health surcharge costs that (i) applicants and (ii) their families will be required to pay following the extension of the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain from five years to ten years.

Fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review. Relevant impact assessments will be carried out in relation to the earned settlement proposals, which were set out in the Immigration White Paper.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of extending the qualifying period for Indefinite Leave to Remain to ten years on the finances of families with children; and what steps she is taking to ensure that this change does not affect (a) integration and (b) long-term stability for families with children.

Fees for immigration and nationality applications are kept under review. Relevant impact assessments will be carried out in relation to the earned settlement proposals, which were set out in the Immigration White Paper.

What steps her Department is taking to support Palestinian students in Gaza who have been offered places at UK universities to (a) complete visa biometric enrolment requirements, (b) travel safely to a visa application centre in a third country and (c) take up those university places in the 2025-26 academic year.

The Home Office has put in place systems to issue expedited visas, with biometric checks conducted prior to arrival for all Chevening Scholars from Gaza.We are in the process of doing the same for a group of students who have been awarded fully funded scholarships covering course fees and living costs at UK universities so they can start their studies in Autumn 2025.The Government is doing everything it can to support their safe exit and onward travel to the UK. The situation on the ground in Gaza makes this extremely challenging.

What criteria and evidential thresholds her Department applied in reaching the decision to proscribe Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000; and whether a formal assessment was undertaken to evaluate whether the group meets the legal definition of being concerned in terrorism.

I refer the Hon Member to my statement in the House on 2 July when moving the relevant proscription order.

What discussions her Department has had with (a) the Scottish Government (b) Police Scotland on the findings of the Casey Review.

Whilst child protection is fully devolved in the UK and policing devolved except for Wales, all parts of the UK must work together to protect children and bring perpetrators to justice. We regularly engage with devolved administrations on a full range of issues, including on the matters covered in Baroness Casey’s National Audit on Group-based Child Sexual Exploitation in England and Wales and the recommendations it made.We expect any relevant activity and findings from the National Inquiry and Police Investigation to be shared with devolved administrations and agencies, including the Scottish Government and Police Scotland, to support a comprehensive approach across the UK.

What steps her Department has taken in response to Recommendation MR8 of the Manchester Arena Inquiry on business licensing in the private security sector.

The Government is committed to reviewing the recommendations of the Manchester Arena Inquiry with a view to delivering better uniformity of standards in the private security industry, enhanced provision of security services, and effective counter-terrorism measures. Home Office officials are working with the SIA to ensure criminality continues to be driven out of the industry, and this includes a review of the SIA’s investigation and enforcement remit, powers and tools.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the private security licencing regime.

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has been brought under the Security Minister’s portfolio in a move that will ensure that the SIA is provided clear, strategic direction from the Home Office on both regulation of the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Bill and also the Private Security Industry Act moving forward. The Home Office and the SIA are overseeing a substantial programme of work to ensure that the SIA can deliver for the public. This will include:tightening existing safeguards, to ensure that those who present a risk to the public cannot access an SIA licence.work to ensure criminality is driven out of the industry, including a review of the SIA’s investigation and enforcement remit, powers and tools for its current role.

How her Department assesses references from British nationals during the visitor visa application process.

The Visit caseworker guidance provides guidance to decision makers when assessing Visitor applications. It sets out that all information provided by the applicant must be assessed which may include supporting statements or references provided by British nationals to support the application - Visit caseworker guidance (accessible) - GOV.UKVisitor visa applications are assessed on their individual merits, considering all aspects of the case. This may include supporting documents provided by a sponsor, which are then evaluated, along with the rest of the application, against the balance of probabilities to determine if the application meets the requirements of the Visitor Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules - Immigration Rules Appendix V: Visitor - Guidance - GOV.UK.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of allowing asylum seekers to undertake paid work.

At present, asylum seekers who have had their claim outstanding for 12 months or more, through no fault of their own, can apply for permission to work. Those permitted to work are restricted to jobs on the Immigration Salary List. This list is based on expert advice from the independent Migration Advisory Committee.

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of launching a review of the antisocial use of fireworks in residential areas.

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provides the police and local authorities with a range of flexible tools and powers that they can use to respond quickly and effectively to anti-social behaviour, including the misuse of fireworks.To inform any future decisions on the legislative framework the Government will continue to engage with stakeholders to gather evidence on the issues raised by the antisocial use of fireworks, and consider any further steps that need to be taken to tackle the problem.

What discussions she has had with West Midlands Police on the protection of Sikh separatist activists.

The Government is firmly committed to promoting and protecting the right to freedom of religion, or belief, and being a strong voice internationally in defence of this fundamental right.Any attempt to intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK will not be tolerated. Wherever we identify such threats, we will use all measures, including through our world-class intelligence services, to mitigate risk to individuals.Police forces are operationally independent of Government. Therefore, the Home Office does not comment on operational decisions taken by the Police, including, any decisions taken by the police to issue protective security advice.The Blue Book of Protective Security is available to anyone who would like to improve their personal security, for whatever reason, and is freely available on the Protect UK website.Anyone who is concerned for their safety should contact the police in the first instance.