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To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information her Department holds on the involvement of the United Front in the purchase of independent schools by Chinese investors since 2014.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what information her Department holds on the involvement of the United Front in the purchase of independent schools by Chinese investors since 2014.
Any information the department holds on schools is accessible via the Get information about schools website here: https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans she has to discuss the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law with her Chinese counterpart.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans she has to discuss the Ethnic Unity and Progress Law with her Chinese counterpart.
This is a concerning development in China. We note the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights' concern that this law may entrench restrictions on the rights and freedoms of ethnic minorities in a country where the environment for freedom of religion or belief is already restrictive.
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has discussed this law with Chinese officials, stressing the importance that the law does not harm the rights of members of minority groups and that it is not applied extraterritorially. We will never tolerate attempts by foreign governments to coerce, intimidate, harass, or harm their critics overseas, and anyone caught assisting a foreign state to undermine our security will be brought to justice.
The Prime Minister agreed that he would use all his might to tackle the shadow fleet tankers that were coming through British territorial waters. Since then, one has been taken, and just under 200 shadow fleet tankers have passed through our waters with nothing happening. Are the Government serious about stopping these tankers? Are they so serious about it that they will revisit the United Nations convention on the law of the sea, which they seem to think prevents them from boarding the tankers?
The Prime Minister agreed that he would use all his might to tackle the shadow fleet tankers that were coming through British territorial waters. Since then, one has been taken, and just under 200 shadow fleet tankers have passed through our waters with nothing happening. Are the Government serious about stopping these tankers? Are they so serious about it that they will revisit the United Nations convention on the law of the sea, which they seem to think prevents them from boarding the tankers?
Yes, I can give the right hon. Gentleman the assurance he seeks. We are serious, absolutely. That is why, in my first couple of days as the Defence Secretary, we interdicted the Russian shadow vessel, and we will not hesitate to take further action in the future.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, to what degree has the Government been committed to offer support regarding the sovereignty of the British Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, prior to the European Council statement on 19 March 2026.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, to what degree has the Government been committed to offer support regarding the sovereignty of the British Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia, prior to the European Council statement on 19 March 2026.
The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (SBAs) are fully sovereign UK territory, and remained so under the 1960 Treaty Concerning the Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. The UK remains committed to the SBAs, which make a major contribution to the security of Europe and the wider region. Senior officials have engaged their EU counterparts following the European Council statement, restating the above and noting the important contribution of the SBAs to Euro-Atlantic security.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the statement by the European Council on 19 March 2026, whether she has made representations to the European Council on its intention to provide assistance to the Republic of Cyprus in discussions relating to the...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the statement by the European Council on 19 March 2026, whether she has made representations to the European Council on its intention to provide assistance to the Republic of Cyprus in discussions relating to the...
The Sovereign Base Areas of Akrotiri and Dhekelia (SBAs) are fully sovereign UK territory, and remained so under the 1960 Treaty Concerning the Establishment of the Republic of Cyprus. The UK remains committed to the SBAs, which make a major contribution to the security of Europe and the wider region. Senior officials have engaged their EU counterparts following the European Council statement, restating the above and noting the important contribution of the SBAs to Euro-Atlantic security.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what comparative assessment she has made of dedicated transnational repression reporting mechanisms operated in other jurisdictions, including the FBI's dedicated reporting line in the United States; and what lessons have been drawn for the UK.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what comparative assessment she has made of dedicated transnational repression reporting mechanisms operated in other jurisdictions, including the FBI's dedicated reporting line in the United States; and what lessons have been drawn for the UK.
The Government, in consultation with CTP, has assessed that existing reporting channels, including 101 and 999, are the most widely known and easily accessible means of contacting the police, allowing for effective triage by trained professionals with onward referral to specialist teams. Language support, including translation services, is embedded within these mechanisms, and work is ongoing to ensure interpreters can support the accurate identification of TNR cases. CTP has rolled out training and guidance across all forces, including for call handlers, to support the identification and escalation of potential TNR cases. CTP is also embedding a national reporting model to ensure cases indicating potential foreign state involvement are identified and escalated to specialist teams. Given the targeted and specific nature of TNR in the UK, expected demand for a dedicated hotline was assessed to be low, and a separate reporting route could risk duplication and confusion. The Government recognises that some individuals may be reluctant to report incidents and is therefore focused on strengthening confidence through improved guidance, training, and engagement with victims and civil society. The UK continues to engage closely with international partners, including the United States, to exchange insights and strengthen cooperation on TNR and wider state threats, sharing best practice on detection, reporting, and response mechanisms. |
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the evidential basis was for the Government's assessment that expected call volumes to a dedicated transnational repression hotline would be low; and whether that assessment accounted for evidence of significant under-reporting through existing channels including 101.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what the evidential basis was for the Government's assessment that expected call volumes to a dedicated transnational repression hotline would be low; and whether that assessment accounted for evidence of significant under-reporting through existing channels including 101.
The Government, in consultation with CTP, has assessed that existing reporting channels, including 101 and 999, are the most widely known and easily accessible means of contacting the police, allowing for effective triage by trained professionals with onward referral to specialist teams. Language support, including translation services, is embedded within these mechanisms, and work is ongoing to ensure interpreters can support the accurate identification of TNR cases. CTP has rolled out training and guidance across all forces, including for call handlers, to support the identification and escalation of potential TNR cases. CTP is also embedding a national reporting model to ensure cases indicating potential foreign state involvement are identified and escalated to specialist teams. Given the targeted and specific nature of TNR in the UK, expected demand for a dedicated hotline was assessed to be low, and a separate reporting route could risk duplication and confusion. The Government recognises that some individuals may be reluctant to report incidents and is therefore focused on strengthening confidence through improved guidance, training, and engagement with victims and civil society. The UK continues to engage closely with international partners, including the United States, to exchange insights and strengthen cooperation on TNR and wider state threats, sharing best practice on detection, reporting, and response mechanisms. |
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will reconsider the Government's rejection of the Joint Committee on Human Rights' recommendation for a dedicated national reporting mechanism for victims of transnational repression.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will reconsider the Government's rejection of the Joint Committee on Human Rights' recommendation for a dedicated national reporting mechanism for victims of transnational repression.
The Government, in consultation with CTP, has assessed that existing reporting channels, including 101 and 999, are the most widely known and easily accessible means of contacting the police, allowing for effective triage by trained professionals with onward referral to specialist teams. Language support, including translation services, is embedded within these mechanisms, and work is ongoing to ensure interpreters can support the accurate identification of TNR cases. CTP has rolled out training and guidance across all forces, including for call handlers, to support the identification and escalation of potential TNR cases. CTP is also embedding a national reporting model to ensure cases indicating potential foreign state involvement are identified and escalated to specialist teams. Given the targeted and specific nature of TNR in the UK, expected demand for a dedicated hotline was assessed to be low, and a separate reporting route could risk duplication and confusion. The Government recognises that some individuals may be reluctant to report incidents and is therefore focused on strengthening confidence through improved guidance, training, and engagement with victims and civil society. The UK continues to engage closely with international partners, including the United States, to exchange insights and strengthen cooperation on TNR and wider state threats, sharing best practice on detection, reporting, and response mechanisms. |
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many reports of transnational repression made via the 101 service by members of the Hong Kong diaspora have been recorded in each of the last three years; and how many of those reports resulted in (a) a recorded crime,...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many reports of transnational repression made via the 101 service by members of the Hong Kong diaspora have been recorded in each of the last three years; and how many of those reports resulted in (a) a recorded crime,...
The Government, in consultation with CTP, has assessed that existing reporting channels, including 101 and 999, are the most widely known and easily accessible means of contacting the police, allowing for effective triage by trained professionals with onward referral to specialist teams. Language support, including translation services, is embedded within these mechanisms, and work is ongoing to ensure interpreters can support the accurate identification of TNR cases. CTP has rolled out training and guidance across all forces, including for call handlers, to support the identification and escalation of potential TNR cases. CTP is also embedding a national reporting model to ensure cases indicating potential foreign state involvement are identified and escalated to specialist teams. Given the targeted and specific nature of TNR in the UK, expected demand for a dedicated hotline was assessed to be low, and a separate reporting route could risk duplication and confusion. The Government recognises that some individuals may be reluctant to report incidents and is therefore focused on strengthening confidence through improved guidance, training, and engagement with victims and civil society. The UK continues to engage closely with international partners, including the United States, to exchange insights and strengthen cooperation on TNR and wider state threats, sharing best practice on detection, reporting, and response mechanisms. |
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what training 101 call handlers receive in (a) identifying and (b) recording reports of transnational repression.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what training 101 call handlers receive in (a) identifying and (b) recording reports of transnational repression.
The Government, in consultation with CTP, has assessed that existing reporting channels, including 101 and 999, are the most widely known and easily accessible means of contacting the police, allowing for effective triage by trained professionals with onward referral to specialist teams. Language support, including translation services, is embedded within these mechanisms, and work is ongoing to ensure interpreters can support the accurate identification of TNR cases. CTP has rolled out training and guidance across all forces, including for call handlers, to support the identification and escalation of potential TNR cases. CTP is also embedding a national reporting model to ensure cases indicating potential foreign state involvement are identified and escalated to specialist teams. Given the targeted and specific nature of TNR in the UK, expected demand for a dedicated hotline was assessed to be low, and a separate reporting route could risk duplication and confusion. The Government recognises that some individuals may be reluctant to report incidents and is therefore focused on strengthening confidence through improved guidance, training, and engagement with victims and civil society. The UK continues to engage closely with international partners, including the United States, to exchange insights and strengthen cooperation on TNR and wider state threats, sharing best practice on detection, reporting, and response mechanisms. |
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the 101 non-emergency police line as the primary route for Hong Kongers in the UK to report incidents of transnational repression.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of the 101 non-emergency police line as the primary route for Hong Kongers in the UK to report incidents of transnational repression.
The Government, in consultation with CTP, has assessed that existing reporting channels, including 101 and 999, are the most widely known and easily accessible means of contacting the police, allowing for effective triage by trained professionals with onward referral to specialist teams. Language support, including translation services, is embedded within these mechanisms, and work is ongoing to ensure interpreters can support the accurate identification of TNR cases. CTP has rolled out training and guidance across all forces, including for call handlers, to support the identification and escalation of potential TNR cases. CTP is also embedding a national reporting model to ensure cases indicating potential foreign state involvement are identified and escalated to specialist teams. Given the targeted and specific nature of TNR in the UK, expected demand for a dedicated hotline was assessed to be low, and a separate reporting route could risk duplication and confusion. The Government recognises that some individuals may be reluctant to report incidents and is therefore focused on strengthening confidence through improved guidance, training, and engagement with victims and civil society. The UK continues to engage closely with international partners, including the United States, to exchange insights and strengthen cooperation on TNR and wider state threats, sharing best practice on detection, reporting, and response mechanisms. |
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with the Government of China on reports that released religious prisoners of conscience in China face exit bans and other post-release restrictions; and whether she has raised the removal of those restrictions.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with the Government of China on reports that released religious prisoners of conscience in China face exit bans and other post-release restrictions; and whether she has raised the removal of those restrictions.
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 17 March in response to question 118999.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her counterpart in Ireland on the (a) restricting and (b) ceasing of sales of aluminium to Russia.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether she has had discussions with her counterpart in Ireland on the (a) restricting and (b) ceasing of sales of aluminium to Russia.
The UK and Irish governments regularly discuss our staunch support for countering Russia's aggression in Ukraine, including international efforts to maximise pressure on the Russian war economy. We conduct similar conversations with the EU on a regular basis. We keep all options to put pressure on the Russian war economy under regular review.
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether Great British Energy is making purchases of clean energy products that (a) have and (b) are suspected of containing elements made using (i) slave and (ii) forced labour; and if he will ensure that slavery and human...
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether Great British Energy is making purchases of clean energy products that (a) have and (b) are suspected of containing elements made using (i) slave and (ii) forced labour; and if he will ensure that slavery and human...
UK Government is committed to rooting out human rights abuses and forced labour practices from its supply chains.
There is no place for forced labour or unethical practices in the UK’s energy transition and GBE is expected to be a leading example of adherence to the UK’s legislation and longstanding position.
Clean energy supply chains are very complex, and it is extremely difficult to confirm the exact origins of their multiple components and materials. That is why, where Government has directly procured products under GBE contracts, sourcing was conducted with support from Crown Commercial Services in line with UK procurement legislation and Modern Slavery Act 2015.
GBE continues to go further and is currently formalising its independent requirements of partners and will set out further detail over the coming months. GBE is also exploring other measures, including ways to proactively reward companies that demonstrate robust performance in this area.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans do they have to tackle geographical disparities when it comes to the treatment of glioblastoma.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans do they have to tackle geographical disparities when it comes to the treatment of glioblastoma.
The Government recognises that there are currently limited treatment options available for people who have been diagnosed with cancerous brain tumours, such as glioblastoma, and recognises the significant impact that this rare cancer can have on outcomes and experiences of care.
Several steps are being taken to improve outcomes for glioblastoma patients.
In January 2026, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) announced increased investment of over £25 million in the NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium. The world-leading consortium aims to transform outcomes for adults and children and their families who are living with brain tumours, ultimately reducing lives lost to cancer. In addition to speeding up diagnosis and treatment, the work being undertaken by the consortium aims to ensure that patients have access to the latest treatments and technology and to clinical trials. This will make a significant contribution to bringing the United Kingdom’s cancer survival rates back up to the standards of the best in the world.
In February 2026, the Department published the National Cancer Plan for England which sets out how patients with rare cancers, including glioblastoma, will benefit from a move to specialist multi-disciplinary teams which cover multiple healthcare providers. This will allow them to benefit from the input of specialist centres and access to the best evidence-based care. To accelerate breakthroughs, the Government will explore innovative procurement methods, such as advance market commitments, to stimulate the development of new diagnostic tests, targeted therapies, and more effective treatments for rare cancers, such as brain tumours.
The Department recognises that cancer outcomes remain poorest in some deprived, rural, and coastal areas. To support improvement, the Government has provided £200 million of ring‑fenced funding for Cancer Alliances in 2026/27 to improve cancer pathway performance and reduce delays. The Department monitors progress through regular oversight with NHS England, tracking improvements in early diagnosis and treatment standards across regions. These measures underpin our commitment to reducing geographic disparities so that a patient’s chances of survival do not depend on where they live.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment have they made of the number of British glioblastoma patients who have sought alternative treatment overseas in each of the last 5 years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment have they made of the number of British glioblastoma patients who have sought alternative treatment overseas in each of the last 5 years.
The Government recognises that there are currently limited treatment options available for people who have been diagnosed with cancerous brain tumours, such as glioblastoma, and recognises the significant impact that this rare cancer can have on outcomes and experiences of care.
Several steps are being taken to improve outcomes for glioblastoma patients.
In January 2026, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) announced increased investment of over £25 million in the NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium. The world-leading consortium aims to transform outcomes for adults and children and their families who are living with brain tumours, ultimately reducing lives lost to cancer. In addition to speeding up diagnosis and treatment, the work being undertaken by the consortium aims to ensure that patients have access to the latest treatments and technology and to clinical trials. This will make a significant contribution to bringing the United Kingdom’s cancer survival rates back up to the standards of the best in the world.
In February 2026, the Department published the National Cancer Plan for England which sets out how patients with rare cancers, including glioblastoma, will benefit from a move to specialist multi-disciplinary teams which cover multiple healthcare providers. This will allow them to benefit from the input of specialist centres and access to the best evidence-based care. To accelerate breakthroughs, the Government will explore innovative procurement methods, such as advance market commitments, to stimulate the development of new diagnostic tests, targeted therapies, and more effective treatments for rare cancers, such as brain tumours.
The Department recognises that cancer outcomes remain poorest in some deprived, rural, and coastal areas. To support improvement, the Government has provided £200 million of ring‑fenced funding for Cancer Alliances in 2026/27 to improve cancer pathway performance and reduce delays. The Department monitors progress through regular oversight with NHS England, tracking improvements in early diagnosis and treatment standards across regions. These measures underpin our commitment to reducing geographic disparities so that a patient’s chances of survival do not depend on where they live.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment have they made of the proportion of newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients who receive the full standard of care on the NHS.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment have they made of the proportion of newly diagnosed glioblastoma patients who receive the full standard of care on the NHS.
The Government recognises that there are currently limited treatment options available for people who have been diagnosed with cancerous brain tumours, such as glioblastoma, and recognises the significant impact that this rare cancer can have on outcomes and experiences of care.
Several steps are being taken to improve outcomes for glioblastoma patients.
In January 2026, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) announced increased investment of over £25 million in the NIHR Brain Tumour Research Consortium. The world-leading consortium aims to transform outcomes for adults and children and their families who are living with brain tumours, ultimately reducing lives lost to cancer. In addition to speeding up diagnosis and treatment, the work being undertaken by the consortium aims to ensure that patients have access to the latest treatments and technology and to clinical trials. This will make a significant contribution to bringing the United Kingdom’s cancer survival rates back up to the standards of the best in the world.
In February 2026, the Department published the National Cancer Plan for England which sets out how patients with rare cancers, including glioblastoma, will benefit from a move to specialist multi-disciplinary teams which cover multiple healthcare providers. This will allow them to benefit from the input of specialist centres and access to the best evidence-based care. To accelerate breakthroughs, the Government will explore innovative procurement methods, such as advance market commitments, to stimulate the development of new diagnostic tests, targeted therapies, and more effective treatments for rare cancers, such as brain tumours.
The Department recognises that cancer outcomes remain poorest in some deprived, rural, and coastal areas. To support improvement, the Government has provided £200 million of ring‑fenced funding for Cancer Alliances in 2026/27 to improve cancer pathway performance and reduce delays. The Department monitors progress through regular oversight with NHS England, tracking improvements in early diagnosis and treatment standards across regions. These measures underpin our commitment to reducing geographic disparities so that a patient’s chances of survival do not depend on where they live.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress on freedom of religion and belief for (a) Tibetans, (b) Uyghurs, (c) Hui and (d) Mongols; and what discussions she...
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress on freedom of religion and belief for (a) Tibetans, (b) Uyghurs, (c) Hui and (d) Mongols; and what discussions she...
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided in the House of Lords on 17 March in response to Question HL15305.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Jonathan Powell has held meetings with Grandview Institution since November 2024.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether Jonathan Powell has held meetings with Grandview Institution since November 2024.
The National Security Adviser meets with a range of individuals and organisations as part of his role providing advice to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet on national security matters. Such meetings are often sensitive in nature, and the Government does not routinely comment on them or their content.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, that the sector is appropriately reflected within wider emergency planning and resilience frameworks, including consideration within Civil Contingencies structures, to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical care.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, that the sector is appropriately reflected within wider emergency planning and resilience frameworks, including consideration within Civil Contingencies structures, to ensure uninterrupted delivery of critical care.
We recognise the vital work of air ambulance organisations in communities across the country. The Department is already engaging with air ambulance organisations on resilience issues and will continue to do so as part of our regular resilience planning.