Written questions by Dhesi.

What her planned timeline is for making a decision on the minimum income requirement once the Migration Advisory Committee review has completed.

On 10th September, the Home Secretary commissioned the Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) to review the financial requirements in the Family Immigration Rules. Conducting a review of the financial requirements across the family routes will ensure we have a clear and consistent system.The MAC have already completed a call for evidence, which closed on 11 December, to gather views of stakeholders and those affected by changes to the family rules. More than 2000 people responded – a record for a MAC consultation.It is expected the MAC will issue their report in the Summer. We will carefully consider the MAC’s recommendations before making any further changes and will set out a timetable for responding to the review in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Pakistani counterpart on inheritance rights for the Ahmadiyya community.

We work to protect and promote human rights in Pakistan through our diplomatic engagement and programme funding. I underlined the importance of promoting religious tolerance and harmony when I met with Pakistan's Human Rights Minister in November, though inheritance rights were not raised specifically. The British High Commission also regularly raises the issue of Ahmadi Muslim rights at the highest levels. The UK will continue to urge the Government of Pakistan to guarantee the rights of all people in accordance with international standards.

What recent steps he has taken to ensure (a) unsafe and (b) non-compliant children's toys are not being sold.

Government is committed to ensuring that only safe products can be sold in the UK. Under the Toys (Safety) Regulations 2011, all toys placed on the market must meet essential safety requirements.Where products are identified that do not meet these requirements, the Office for Product Safety and Standards works with local Trading Standards to bring these into compliance with the regulation, or to remove them from sale.The growth in e-commerce has brought significant challenges to the product safety legal framework. The Product Regulation and Metrology Bill will enable regulations to be updated to better reflect modern online supply chains.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of appointments for sperm testing for fertility investigations in (a) Slough constituency and (b) Berkshire.

Funding decisions for health services in England are made by integrated care boards (ICBs) and are based on the clinical needs of their local population. ICBs are expected to commission fertility services in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) guidelines. We are aware that compliance with these guidelines is variable.NICE is currently reviewing the fertility guideline and will consider whether the current recommendations for access to National Health Service-funded treatment are still appropriate. We expect this review to be published later in 2025.The Department is working with NHS England to consider future policy options to support ICBs to provide more equitable in vitro fertilisation services.No assessment has been made of the availability of appointments for sperm testing for fertility investigations or of the availability of fertility treatment appointments in the Slough constituency or Berkshire. This data is not collected centrally.

Whether he is taking steps to ensure equitable access to (a) IVF and (b) other NHS fertility treatment.

Funding decisions for health services in England are made by integrated care boards (ICBs) and are based on the clinical needs of their local population. ICBs are expected to commission fertility services in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) guidelines. We are aware that compliance with these guidelines is variable.NICE is currently reviewing the fertility guideline and will consider whether the current recommendations for access to National Health Service-funded treatment are still appropriate. We expect this review to be published later in 2025.The Department is working with NHS England to consider future policy options to support ICBs to provide more equitable in vitro fertilisation services.No assessment has been made of the availability of appointments for sperm testing for fertility investigations or of the availability of fertility treatment appointments in the Slough constituency or Berkshire. This data is not collected centrally.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of fertility treatment appointments in (a) Slough constituency and (b) Berkshire.

Funding decisions for health services in England are made by integrated care boards (ICBs) and are based on the clinical needs of their local population. ICBs are expected to commission fertility services in line with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s (NICE) guidelines. We are aware that compliance with these guidelines is variable.NICE is currently reviewing the fertility guideline and will consider whether the current recommendations for access to National Health Service-funded treatment are still appropriate. We expect this review to be published later in 2025.The Department is working with NHS England to consider future policy options to support ICBs to provide more equitable in vitro fertilisation services.No assessment has been made of the availability of appointments for sperm testing for fertility investigations or of the availability of fertility treatment appointments in the Slough constituency or Berkshire. This data is not collected centrally.

What steps he is taking to help ensure that (a) people and (b) university students with ADHD do not experience gaps in their medical treatment when moving to different NHS trust areas.

Prescribers should follow the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence’s guidelines, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management, when prescribing medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These guidelines are available at the following link:https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng87Additional information on shared care can be found in the General Medical Council’s best practice guidance, which is available at the following link:https://www.gmc-uk.org/professional-standards/the-professional-standards/good-practice-in-prescribing-and-managing-medicines-and-devices/shared-care.We are supporting a taskforce that NHS England has established to look at ADHD service provision and support across sectors, and their impact on patient experience. The taskforce is bringing together expertise from across a broad range of sectors, including the National Health Service, education, and justice, to better understand the challenges affecting people with ADHD, including timely access to services and support.The NHS England ADHD programme is also working to capture examples from integrated care boards, which are trialling innovative ways of delivering ADHD services, to ensure best practice is captured and shared across the system.

What assessment he has made of the availability of fertility testing in (a) Slough constituency and (b) Berkshire.

No assessment has been made of fertility testing in the Slough and Berkshire constituencies. Data is not collected centrally.

What steps his Department is taking to help reduce the number of deaths that are directly attributable to alcohol.

In 2023, there were 8,274 alcohol-specific deaths, deaths wholly due to alcohol, in England, which was an increase of 63.8% from the 5,050 deaths in 2006, and a 4.6% increase since 2022. The majority of these deaths are caused by alcohol-related liver disease. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) has an action plan to reduce drug and alcohol-related deaths. In light of the recent data, this plan is being revised to ensure that it is grounded in the latest understanding of the drivers of drug and alcohol related deaths and is responding to these. Last year the Department published guidance for local authorities and their partnerships on how to review adult drug and alcohol-related deaths to prevent future deaths. Additionally, the OHID has published Commissioning Quality Standard: alcohol and drug services, providing guidance for local authorities to support them in commissioning effective alcohol and drug treatment and recovery services. In addition to the Public Health Grant, the Department allocated local authorities £267 million in 2024/25 to improve the quality and capacity of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. An additional £105 million from the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Work and Pensions, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is improving treatment pathways and recovery, housing, and employment outcomes for people affected by drug and alcohol use. Future targeted funding for drug and alcohol treatment services beyond 2025 will be announced very shortly. The Department will soon publish the United Kingdom’s clinical guidelines on alcohol treatment, which will include recommendations on arranging access for appropriate testing for liver disease, providing health assessments, and facilitating access to the appropriate treatment for people with co-occurring alcohol problems and physical or mental health conditions, as well as health promotion and harm reduction interventions. The Department continues to work with all local areas to address unmet need and drug and alcohol related deaths, and to drive improvements in the continuity of care. This includes the Unmet Need Toolkit which can be used by local areas to assess local need and plan to meet it. Data from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System for 2023/24 shows 261 adults received structured treatment for alcohol dependence in Slough, and 270 in West Berkshire. The latest available prevalence estimates for alcohol dependence, for 2019/20, with the rate per thousand people, shows a rate of 13.07 for Slough and 9.55 for West Berkshire. This compares to a rate of 13.75 for England. Between 2021/22 and 2023/24 the number of adults in treatment for alcohol increased by 26% in Slough and 43% in West Berkshire. Combining the treatment and prevalence data can show the percentage of adults with an unmet treatment need. Nationally, in 2023/24, the rate of adults with a treatment need who were not receiving treatment was 77.6%, with Slough showing an unmet need of 81.2%, and West Berkshire of 77%. Further information is available at the following link: https://www.ndtms.net/ViewIt/Adult

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to promote the protection of religious freedom in (a) Brunei, (b) Laos, (c) the Maldives, (d) Malaysia, (e) Myanmar and (f) Indonesia.

The UK champions, and remains strongly committed to, Freedom of Religious Belief (FoRB) for all abroad. It is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. We are championing the right to FoRB and promoting tolerance and mutual respect through our engagement in multilateral organisations, our bilateral work, and our programme funding. The UK continues to hold countries to account on their FoRB commitments and obligations, including Southeast Asian nations, through our engagement with the UN's Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and at the UN Human Rights Council. This work is mutually reinforcing of our wider human rights efforts, underpinning our belief that human rights are universal.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of treatment for people who are alcohol dependent in (a) Slough constituency and (b) Berkshire.

In 2023, there were 8,274 alcohol-specific deaths, deaths wholly due to alcohol, in England, which was an increase of 63.8% from the 5,050 deaths in 2006, and a 4.6% increase since 2022. The majority of these deaths are caused by alcohol-related liver disease. The Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID) has an action plan to reduce drug and alcohol-related deaths. In light of the recent data, this plan is being revised to ensure that it is grounded in the latest understanding of the drivers of drug and alcohol related deaths and is responding to these. Last year the Department published guidance for local authorities and their partnerships on how to review adult drug and alcohol-related deaths to prevent future deaths. Additionally, the OHID has published Commissioning Quality Standard: alcohol and drug services, providing guidance for local authorities to support them in commissioning effective alcohol and drug treatment and recovery services. In addition to the Public Health Grant, the Department allocated local authorities £267 million in 2024/25 to improve the quality and capacity of drug and alcohol treatment and recovery. An additional £105 million from the Department of Health and Social Care, the Department for Work and Pensions, and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government is improving treatment pathways and recovery, housing, and employment outcomes for people affected by drug and alcohol use. Future targeted funding for drug and alcohol treatment services beyond 2025 will be announced very shortly. The Department will soon publish the United Kingdom’s clinical guidelines on alcohol treatment, which will include recommendations on arranging access for appropriate testing for liver disease, providing health assessments, and facilitating access to the appropriate treatment for people with co-occurring alcohol problems and physical or mental health conditions, as well as health promotion and harm reduction interventions. The Department continues to work with all local areas to address unmet need and drug and alcohol related deaths, and to drive improvements in the continuity of care. This includes the Unmet Need Toolkit which can be used by local areas to assess local need and plan to meet it. Data from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System for 2023/24 shows 261 adults received structured treatment for alcohol dependence in Slough, and 270 in West Berkshire. The latest available prevalence estimates for alcohol dependence, for 2019/20, with the rate per thousand people, shows a rate of 13.07 for Slough and 9.55 for West Berkshire. This compares to a rate of 13.75 for England. Between 2021/22 and 2023/24 the number of adults in treatment for alcohol increased by 26% in Slough and 43% in West Berkshire. Combining the treatment and prevalence data can show the percentage of adults with an unmet treatment need. Nationally, in 2023/24, the rate of adults with a treatment need who were not receiving treatment was 77.6%, with Slough showing an unmet need of 81.2%, and West Berkshire of 77%. Further information is available at the following link: https://www.ndtms.net/ViewIt/Adult

Whether he plans to introduce an alcohol strategy.

Under our Health Mission, the Government is committed to prioritising preventative public health measures to support people to live longer, healthier lives. The Department will continue to work across Government to better understand how we can best reduce alcohol-related harms.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of the reported persecution of Christians in Southeast Asia, particularly in (a) Brunei, (b) Laos, (c) the Maldives, (d) Malaysia, (e) Myanmar, and (f) Indonesia.

The UK champions and remains strongly committed to freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) for all abroad. It is our firm opinion that no one should live in fear because of what they do or do not believe in. We continue to highlight FoRB violations and abuses globally including in Southeast Asia.We also use our skilled global diplomatic network to engage directly with governments. Ministers and FCDO officials regularly raise specific cases of concern, such as limitations on freedom of expression and other human rights issues, including freedom of religion or belief, both publicly and in private.

What recent steps he has taken with international partners to dispose of legacy marine mines.

The Secretary of State for Defence has no direct responsibility for munitions in the marine environment, except for those associated with Ministry of Defence (MOD) wrecks. Environmental stewardship is important to the MOD and we continue to work closely with our international partners and allies to ensure the safety of personnel and the marine environment. Most legacy naval mines remain in situ in the marine environment, due to non-recovery following deployment during World Wars I and II. In the UK the current position for naval mines is that they are to be left undisturbed unless they become a hazard to public safety and shipping. If they remain undisturbed, they do not pose significant harm to human health or the marine environment. Where mines are identified as a hazard around the UK the MOD provides support to civil authorities to assist with disposal, should they request it. We work actively within NATO’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal Working Group and other allied partnerships on opportunities to improve understanding, methods, and techniques for the management and disposal of naval mines. In April 2024 the MOD supported maritime historic disposal operations through Operation Open Spirit in the Baltic Sea. The purpose of this annual operation is to reduce the risk of mines to civilians through the detection and disposal of World War I and II historic ordnance, much of which is naval mines.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the allowances permitted for those undertaking jury duty for (a) loss of earnings, (b) cost of any care or childcare, (c) food and drink and (d) travel and parking costs.

Jury service is an important civic duty, and we want to help jurors feel supported as they undertake this important job. The support provided to jurors includes measures to assist those who may suffer financial hardship. People who are not paid by their employer whilst they are on jury service can claim a loss of earnings allowance from the court, and jurors can apply for a deferral or excusal based upon financial hardship. The Government will keep under review all support provided to jurors throughout their service.

What assessment he has made of the potential dangers posed by explosive ordnance on international exports and imports.

The export of explosive ordnance would require a UK export licence. The Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU) in the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) are the UK's strategic licensing authority for such goods.Imports of civil explosives are administered by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Authorisations are required to import, store, manufacture and transport explosives that are imported from outside the UK.Imports and exports of such material handled by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) are subject to MOD Commercial policy which assures compliance with key UK and foreign customs legislation.

Food and Rural Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to ensure legally compliant labelling on imported food and drink.

The UK maintains high standards on the information that is provided on food labels so that consumers can have confidence in the food that they buy. The fundamental principle of food labelling rules is that information provided to the consumer must not mislead and must enable the safe use of food.  The rules also specify what particular information must be provided and how it must be presented. All food sold on the UK market, including that which is imported, must comply with food labelling rules. Food labelling rules are enforced by local authorities. Concerns that a specific food does not comply or is otherwise misleading, should be raised with a local trading standards officer who will be able to investigate and take necessary action.

What recent steps she has taken to increase awareness of financial support available to students.

Information on the student support package for the 2024/25 academic year, is available on GOV.UK at: https://studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk/currently-a-student/.The higher education (HE) sector needs a secure financial footing to face the challenges of the next decade, and to ensure that all students have confidence that they will receive the world-class HE experience they deserve.In line with this approach, on 4 November 2024, this government announced that from 1 August 2025 it will be increasing both the maximum cap for tuition fees, and maintenance loans for students, in line with inflation.There is much more to do to expand access and improve outcomes for disadvantaged students. That is why we have announced that we expect the HE sector to do more to support students by working with the government and the Office for Students, and by making the most of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. We will be setting out longer-term plans for the sector next year.Further information for prospective students is provided on the Student Finance England website, available here: https://studentfinance.campaign.gov.uk/student-toolkit/.The government will announce further details of the student finance package for the 2025/26 academic year soon.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken with (a) international counterparts and (b) the Secretary of State for Defence to remove explosive ordnance from areas that have previously been conflict zones.

The FCDO-funded Global Mine Action Programme (GMAP) is the Government's main programme for removing mines, cluster munitions and other explosive ordinance from previous conflict zones. GMAP currently funds clearance in Afghanistan, Angola, Cambodia, Laos, Somalia, South Sudan, Ukraine, and Zimbabwe. The Integrated Security Fund also funds clearance in Sri Lanka and Tajikistan. In October 2024, the UK participated in a Ukraine mine action conference, that re-affirmed donor commitment to supporting Ukraine's national mine action strategy. In November 2024, the UK participated in the 5th Review Conference of the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention. Clearing legacy contamination is outside the remit of Ministry of Defence.

What her planned timetable is for implementing alternative student finance following the introduction of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement in the 2025-26 academic year.

The department is committed to introducing an alternative student finance (ASF) product, compatible with Islamic finance principles, as quickly as we can. To support this, the department has reconvened an expert working group made up of representatives from the Islamic community and the finance sector. The department has also appointed a secretariat to take forward the certification of the product as compatible with Islamic finance principles.The delivery of the ASF product will need to follow the introduction of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), which will replace the existing student finance system when introduced. The first LLE-funded courses and modules will begin in January 2027 and the department intends to introduce ASF as soon as possible after this.