Written questions by Dhesi.

How many officials were investigated under his Department's disciplinary processes in each of the last 5 years.

On 1st July 2023 due to a Machinery of Government Change, the Department of International Trade (DIT) became the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), alongside parts of the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). We therefore only hold information from DBT from 1st July 2023, and information from DIT before this date, and all information shared will be within these parameters. YearNo. of officials investigated202519202492023112022112021<5 Here are the figures for UK Export Finance: YearNo. of officials investigated2025<52024<52023<52022<52021<5

What steps he is taking to decouple gas and electricity prices.

The Government is determined to increase the share of renewables on the system so that the electricity price is set by cheaper clean power sources rather than gas. Every wind turbine we switch on and solar panel we deploy helps push gas off as the price setter. Government support, such as the Contracts for Difference scheme has been highly successful in driving investment in renewable electricity and our Clean Power 2030 Mission is focused on accelerating this transition to a renewable power system. This will help reduce reliance on gas and protect consumers from volatile fossil fuel prices.

Innovation and Technology, whether she has (a) made contingency plans and (b) undertaken cross-government exercises to respond to potential (i) significant deterioration in and (ii) complete loss of (A) satellite capability and (B) the operational use of space.

The Department for Science Innovation and Technology recently launched its Crisis Response Team to enable transition of responsibilities from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero following the Machinery of Government change that led to the formation of these Departments. The Department and the UK Space Agency has established an Emergency Response Framework (ERF) that sets out cross-Government responsibilities in the event of the whole range of potential catastrophic incidents that could be encountered in space. This Framework connects to the Departmental Crisis Response capability through an escalation process, dependent on the scale, depth and duration of an event. The ERF has been exercised and updated regularly, following several real-time incidents experienced this year including Space Weather events. The plans and processes will continue to be tested and reviewed in response to evolving threats and hazards in the sector.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what information her Department holds on whether the United Arab Emirates has exported military equipment for use by the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan.

We are deeply concerned by the terrible violence across Sudan. We are aware of reports alleging different states' involvement in supplying weapons to the warring parties in Sudan, including those detailed in the UN Panel of Experts report. External provision of support to both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) only furthers the suffering of the people of Sudan. In our engagement with international partners, the UK continues to emphasise the need to prevent external actors from providing financial and / or military support to both the SAF and RSF and the importance of refraining from actions that prolong the conflict. Those who have influence with the parties must use it to bring them to the negotiating table, to seek a political resolution to the conflict in Sudan.

Innovation and Technology, what recent steps her Department has taken to help support businesses to (a) identify and (b) rectify cybersecurity issues.

The government has written to Chairs and CEOs of the largest UK companies and asked them to better identify and protect themselves from cyber threats by making cyber a board-level priority by using the Cyber Governance Code, signing up to the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) Early Warning service, and requiring Cyber Essentials in supply chains. These actions are relevant to all businesses, who can also help protect themselves by using the wide range of free advice, training and tools available on the NCSC website, including the check your cyber security tool and the Cyber Action Toolkit for small businesses.

What estimate her Department has made of the (a) number and (b) monetary value of fines issued for non-compliance with obligatory lighting and reflectors for bicycles in the Thames Valley area in 2024.

Rule 60 of The Highway Code makes clear that cyclists must have their front and rear lights lit when riding at night, and reflectors must also be fitted to their cycle. The Department does not collect any information from the police with regards to fines issued for non-compliance with these rules.

How many officials were investigated under their Department's disciplinary processes in each of the last five years.

Over the past 5 years (between 1st October 2020 and 30th September 2025) there have been 38 occasions when Department for Transport central department’s employees have been investigated for alleged disciplinary offences. Please see the attached table.

How many officials were investigated under their Department's disciplinary processes in each of the last five years.

Desnz does not hold a centralised record of the number of officials who were investigated under the Department’s disciplinary processes.

Innovation and Technology, how many officials were investigated under their Department's disciplinary processes in each of the last five years.

DSIT was formed following machinery of government changes in 2023 which saw staff join the department from BEIS, DCMS and Cabinet Office. Consequently, data is only available from 2024 onwards. HR Casework data indicates the following number of disciplinary investigations in 2024 and 2025 respectively: 2024 – 42025 – 9 The data provided only relates to occasions where HR Casework Services (HRCW) were engaged for support. Investigations conducted where the investigations manager did not require support from HRCW will not be reflected in this data, and there is no central repository of these investigations. This data reflects core DSIT employees and not those employed by partner organisations including UKSA or BDUK.

What steps her Department plans to take to prepare the rail network for adverse weather in winter 2025.

Department officials hold regular discussions with Network Rail and the industry to ensure severe weather preparedness plans are in place with clear mitigations to reduce the impacts of weather on the rail network. The industry’s winter preparedness regime begins in September each year. Special trains and equipment are fully checked and any repairs carried out, while contingency plans are reviewed and agreed with train operators to keep passengers moving during adverse weather. Network Rail use detailed forecasts from weather experts, MetDesk, to formulate local action plans during adverse weather to minimise disruption to journeys. These forecasts cover not just the weather but how the conditions will impact on specific railway infrastructure such as the tracks, conductor rails, and overhead power lines. A network of hundreds of monitoring stations also provides real-time weather data, enabling Network Rail to respond to conditions as they develop in real time. In extreme weather conditions, Network Rail and train operators prioritise getting passengers home safely over running the normal timetable. It also prioritises vital rail freight to ensure the supply of essential goods across the country and fuel to power stations.

If she will make an estimate of the average cost to the public purse of processing an application to renew a shotgun licence.

On 5 February 2025, increased fees came into effect for firearms licensing applications processed by police forces. This gave effect to a commitment in the Government’s manifesto.A full impact assessment was published alongside the Firearms (Variation of Fees) Order 2025, the Statutory Instrument that brought the new fees into effect.The impact assessment provides details of the costs associated with both initial grant and renewal of firearms licensing certificates. Any future changes to firearms licensing will be subject to further impact assessments in the normal way. The link to the impact assessment is available here Changes to firearms licensing fees - GOV.UK.

What steps her Department has taken to protect consumers against fraudulent investment opportunities presented online through the use of deepfakes.

Under the Online Safety Act, online platforms are required to take proactive measures to stop fraudulent content appearing on their platforms. This includes fraudulent investments using deepfakes.The government’s ‘Stop! Think Fraud’ campaign provides practical information on how to spot fake online adverts, including deepfake celebrity investment endorsements, and advice on how to report these scams if individuals fall victim.The Government will shortly publish a new Fraud Strategy, as set out in our manifesto, which will set out how we will work with law enforcement, industry and others to go further in protecting the public from all fraud, including AI enabled fraud.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with his counterpart in Iraq on the rights of (a) women and (b) children in that country.

Countering rollback and promoting the rights of women and girls is a key focus of UK diplomatic and policy engagement and our programming in Iraq. The UK/ Iraq Joint Statement in January 2025 affirmed commitment to deepening cooperation on the Women, Peace and Security agenda and agreed the importance of supporting women's rights organisations. This statement further recognised the need for on-going support for all survivors of Daesh-perpetrated sexual violence, including mothers and their children born of conflict-related sexual violence. The Foreign Secretary will be raising these and other priority issues with her Iraqi counterpart.

How many officials were investigated under their Department's disciplinary processes in each of the last five years.

The number of employees who were subject to an investigation as part of the department’s disciplinary process is shown in table below.Year (calendar)Number of cases2025*18202437202334202234202130 *1 January - 30 September 2025

Food and Rural Affairs, how many officials were investigated under their Department's disciplinary processes in each of the last five years.

Defra’s casework data is held for three years from the date of case closure. Over the last three years, 139 officials were investigated under Defra’s disciplinary process. The 139 cases are broken down into the following: 2022 = 7 disciplinary cases were raised2023 = 33 disciplinary cases were raised2024 = 60 disciplinary cases were raised2025 to date = 39 disciplinary cases have been raised The information requested for 2020 and 2021 is not held centrally and to obtain it would incur disproportionate costs.

When she next plans to update her guidance entitled Guide on firearms licensing law, last updated in November 2022.

The Home Office publishes data on the number of firearms held, including shotguns, by the type of firearms certificate held. This data does not provide a specific breakdown on the type of shotgun. The latest data can be found in the table 13 via the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684aa6f1a3c112ee2996ff1e/firearm-shotgun-certificates-2024-2025-tables.odsThe Firearms Act 1968 enables a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) to purchase and sell firearms provided that accurate records are maintained, and all firearms are properly accounted for, including those which have been transferred to the dealer by certificate holders. Private sales can also be arranged through an RFD by the owner if he or she wishes. However, the issue of private sales is an important one. The Government keeps all controls on firearms under constant review to safeguard the public against the misuse of licensed firearms.The non-statutory Guide on Firearms Licensing Law, last issued in November 2022, is currently in the process of being updated and a revised version will be issued in due course. However, a new version of the Statutory Guidance on firearms licensing to Chief Officers of Police was issued on 5 August 2025, and this sets out the criteria that must be applied when police forces are considering firearms applications and is intended to strengthen the assessment of those who hold, or who apply for, both shotgun and firearms licences. The Statutory Guidance is helping to ensure consistency in decision making across all police forces.The Home Office has regular discussions with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland on firearms licensing matters through the Firearms Licensing Enforcement Board (FLEB) which is chaired by the Home Office. Sharing of firearms licensing data for operational reasons, and where there is a lawful basis for doing so, can already take place between forces in England and Wales and Police Scotland.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of requiring the involvement of registered firearms dealers in all (a) sales and (b) purchases of private firearms.

The Home Office publishes data on the number of firearms held, including shotguns, by the type of firearms certificate held. This data does not provide a specific breakdown on the type of shotgun. The latest data can be found in the table 13 via the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684aa6f1a3c112ee2996ff1e/firearm-shotgun-certificates-2024-2025-tables.odsThe Firearms Act 1968 enables a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) to purchase and sell firearms provided that accurate records are maintained, and all firearms are properly accounted for, including those which have been transferred to the dealer by certificate holders. Private sales can also be arranged through an RFD by the owner if he or she wishes. However, the issue of private sales is an important one. The Government keeps all controls on firearms under constant review to safeguard the public against the misuse of licensed firearms.The non-statutory Guide on Firearms Licensing Law, last issued in November 2022, is currently in the process of being updated and a revised version will be issued in due course. However, a new version of the Statutory Guidance on firearms licensing to Chief Officers of Police was issued on 5 August 2025, and this sets out the criteria that must be applied when police forces are considering firearms applications and is intended to strengthen the assessment of those who hold, or who apply for, both shotgun and firearms licences. The Statutory Guidance is helping to ensure consistency in decision making across all police forces.The Home Office has regular discussions with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland on firearms licensing matters through the Firearms Licensing Enforcement Board (FLEB) which is chaired by the Home Office. Sharing of firearms licensing data for operational reasons, and where there is a lawful basis for doing so, can already take place between forces in England and Wales and Police Scotland.

How many people are in possession of a (a) double barrel, (b) pump action and (c) multi-shot shotgun in England.

The Home Office publishes data on the number of firearms held, including shotguns, by the type of firearms certificate held. This data does not provide a specific breakdown on the type of shotgun. The latest data can be found in the table 13 via the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684aa6f1a3c112ee2996ff1e/firearm-shotgun-certificates-2024-2025-tables.odsThe Firearms Act 1968 enables a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) to purchase and sell firearms provided that accurate records are maintained, and all firearms are properly accounted for, including those which have been transferred to the dealer by certificate holders. Private sales can also be arranged through an RFD by the owner if he or she wishes. However, the issue of private sales is an important one. The Government keeps all controls on firearms under constant review to safeguard the public against the misuse of licensed firearms.The non-statutory Guide on Firearms Licensing Law, last issued in November 2022, is currently in the process of being updated and a revised version will be issued in due course. However, a new version of the Statutory Guidance on firearms licensing to Chief Officers of Police was issued on 5 August 2025, and this sets out the criteria that must be applied when police forces are considering firearms applications and is intended to strengthen the assessment of those who hold, or who apply for, both shotgun and firearms licences. The Statutory Guidance is helping to ensure consistency in decision making across all police forces.The Home Office has regular discussions with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland on firearms licensing matters through the Firearms Licensing Enforcement Board (FLEB) which is chaired by the Home Office. Sharing of firearms licensing data for operational reasons, and where there is a lawful basis for doing so, can already take place between forces in England and Wales and Police Scotland.

Whether she has had discussions with (a) the Scottish Government and (b) Police Scotland on (i) data sharing of legally held firearms and (ii) the names of the people licenced to own them.

The Home Office publishes data on the number of firearms held, including shotguns, by the type of firearms certificate held. This data does not provide a specific breakdown on the type of shotgun. The latest data can be found in the table 13 via the following link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/684aa6f1a3c112ee2996ff1e/firearm-shotgun-certificates-2024-2025-tables.odsThe Firearms Act 1968 enables a Registered Firearms Dealer (RFD) to purchase and sell firearms provided that accurate records are maintained, and all firearms are properly accounted for, including those which have been transferred to the dealer by certificate holders. Private sales can also be arranged through an RFD by the owner if he or she wishes. However, the issue of private sales is an important one. The Government keeps all controls on firearms under constant review to safeguard the public against the misuse of licensed firearms.The non-statutory Guide on Firearms Licensing Law, last issued in November 2022, is currently in the process of being updated and a revised version will be issued in due course. However, a new version of the Statutory Guidance on firearms licensing to Chief Officers of Police was issued on 5 August 2025, and this sets out the criteria that must be applied when police forces are considering firearms applications and is intended to strengthen the assessment of those who hold, or who apply for, both shotgun and firearms licences. The Statutory Guidance is helping to ensure consistency in decision making across all police forces.The Home Office has regular discussions with the Scottish Government and Police Scotland on firearms licensing matters through the Firearms Licensing Enforcement Board (FLEB) which is chaired by the Home Office. Sharing of firearms licensing data for operational reasons, and where there is a lawful basis for doing so, can already take place between forces in England and Wales and Police Scotland.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of a national multi-cancer case finding programme to identify individuals at high risk of (a) pancreatic cancer and (b) all other cancers.

NHS England is developing case-finding approaches for less survivable cancers where the evidence supports this, including pancreatic cancer.This work includes the development of a public-facing Family History Checker in partnership with Pancreatic Cancer UK, which enables individuals and families affected by pancreatic cancer to assess inherited risk. Those identified as being at risk are referred directly to the European Registry of Hereditary Pancreatic Diseases research trial. Referrals can be made by any healthcare professional or by individuals via self-referral, contributing to a more consistent and centralised approach to case-finding.The National Disease Registration Service has launched the National Inherited Cancer Predisposition Register, which identifies individuals at increased inherited risk of a wide range of cancers, including pancreatic cancer. The register supports targeted screening and surveillance and will act as an electronic referral route into national screening programmes where these exist.