This Government inherited a prison system on the brink of collapse, and we are fixing this crisis. Through the introduction of the landmark Sentencing Act 2026, we are ensuring that courts retain the ability to impose custodial sentences on serious and dangerous offenders. Without these measures, the Prison Estate would have faced the risk of exhausting available capacity and police forces being unable to make arrests.

The Sentencing Act 2026 contains provisions will which change the proportion of a standard determinate sentence which must be served in prison before the offender serving such a sentence is released automatically on licence. More than 18,000 offenders serving more serious sentences are excluded from these changes and will stay in prison for as long as they do now.

The provisions will come into force on 2 September 2026 and may affect the scheduled release dates of those currently serving a standard determinate sentence. Eligible victims who have opted into the Probation Service Victim Contact Scheme, where the offender is serving a standard determinate sentence, have been informed of the commencement of the legislation.

Sentences are now being recalculated, and, at this stage, we cannot provide figures on the number of offenders whose release dates will change and, therefore, the number of victims impacted. This will continue to evolve whilst the calculations take place. Victim Liaison Officers will write to victims again to confirm whether the offender’s release date has changed as a result of the new arrangements.

I extend my sincere sympathy to all victims of these appalling crimes. This Government inherited a prisons system days from collapse. We had no choice but to take decisive action to stop our prisons overflowing and keep the public safe. Our landmark Sentencing Act 2026 will now deliver a more sustainable solution to the prison capacity crisis we inherited, including through the progression model which will help ensure there are always enough places for the courts to be able to send people to custody in order to keep the public safe. The worst thing for victims would be running out of prison space and not being able to lock up dangerous offenders.

The progression model amends release points for offenders on Standard Determinate Sentences.

Over 18,000 offenders serving more serious sentences like extended Determinate Sentences or life sentences will be unaffected by these reforms and will be kept in prison for as long as they are now. Once released, offenders will be managed under strict licence conditions in the community. Offenders released on licence can be recalled if they breach their conditions or if they cannot be safely managed in the community.

It is not possible to estimate sufficiently accurately the number of future releases so far in advance because of the uncertainty of the volume of eligible offenders who will be sentenced to prison in the next 5 years, nor can we estimate any added days for bad behaviour committed which will determine their release point.

The Ministry of Justice routinely publishes Accredited Official Statistics on prisoner releases as part of the Offender Management Statistics Quarterly (OMSQ) publication.

I extend my sincere sympathy to all victims of these appalling crimes. This Government inherited a prisons system days from collapse. We had no choice but to take decisive action to stop our prisons overflowing and keep the public safe. Our landmark Sentencing Act 2026 will now deliver a more sustainable solution to the prison capacity crisis we inherited, including through the progression model which will help ensure there are always enough places for the courts to be able to send people to custody in order to keep the public safe. The worst thing for victims would be running out of prison space and not being able to lock up dangerous offenders.

The progression model amends release points for offenders on Standard Determinate Sentences.

Over 18,000 offenders serving more serious sentences like extended Determinate Sentences or life sentences will be unaffected by these reforms and will be kept in prison for as long as they are now. Once released, offenders will be managed under strict licence conditions in the community. Offenders released on licence can be recalled if they breach their conditions or if they cannot be safely managed in the community.

It is not possible to estimate sufficiently accurately the number of future releases so far in advance because of the uncertainty of the volume of eligible offenders who will be sentenced to prison in the next 5 years, nor can we estimate any added days for bad behaviour committed which will determine their release point.

The Ministry of Justice routinely publishes Accredited Official Statistics on prisoner releases as part of the Offender Management Statistics Quarterly (OMSQ) publication.

In June, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced the implementation of Martha’s Rule in all antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal inpatient maternity and neonatal settings in England, building on 15 successful pilot sites.

This is to ensure that every parent can request a rapid review from an independent medical team if a baby or mother’s condition is deteriorating and they are concerned this is not being responded to.

NHS England is supporting the implementation of Matha’s rule, including in maternity services.

In June, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced the implementation of Martha’s Rule in all antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal inpatient maternity and neonatal settings in England, building on 15 successful pilot sites.

This is to ensure that every parent can request a rapid review from an independent medical team if a baby or mother’s condition is deteriorating and they are concerned this is not being responded to.

NHS England is supporting the implementation of Matha’s rule, including in maternity services.

In June, my Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced the implementation of Martha’s Rule in all antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal inpatient maternity and neonatal settings in England, building on 15 successful pilot sites.

This is to ensure that every parent can request a rapid review from an independent medical team if a baby or mother’s condition is deteriorating and they are concerned this is not being responded to.

NHS England is supporting the implementation of Matha’s rule, including in maternity services.

Parliament has secured the future of freeview, also known as digital terrestrial television (DTT), until at least 2034 and no decision has been made about what happens beyond this. On 23 June the Government published a Green Paper, Watch this Space: A new strategic direction for UK media which consults on both 2034 and 2044 as possible timeframes to switch off DTT.

The Government recognises that millions of households continue to rely on DTT. At the same time audiences are increasingly choosing internet-based television services (IPTV), and maintaining a traditional broadcast infrastructure for a declining audience is becoming increasingly costly for our public service broadcasters.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, industry and consumer groups to understand the practical and affordability challenges audiences may face in the event of a transition to IPTV. A final decision on the future of TV distribution will be informed by this consultation which sets out that we want to ensure people can continue to access television affordably and are adequately protected so that no one is left behind.

Parliament has secured the future of freeview, also known as digital terrestrial television (DTT), until at least 2034 and no decision has been made about what happens beyond this. On 23 June the Government published a Green Paper, Watch this Space: A new strategic direction for UK media which consults on both 2034 and 2044 as possible timeframes to switch off DTT.

The Government recognises that millions of households continue to rely on DTT. At the same time audiences are increasingly choosing internet-based television services (IPTV), and maintaining a traditional broadcast infrastructure for a declining audience is becoming increasingly costly for our public service broadcasters.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, industry and consumer groups to understand the practical and affordability challenges audiences may face in the event of a transition to IPTV. A final decision on the future of TV distribution will be informed by this consultation which sets out that we want to ensure people can continue to access television affordably and are adequately protected so that no one is left behind.

Parliament has secured the future of freeview, also known as digital terrestrial television (DTT), until at least 2034 and no decision has been made about what happens beyond this. On 23 June the Government published a Green Paper, Watch this Space: A new strategic direction for UK media which consults on both 2034 and 2044 as possible timeframes to switch off DTT.

The Government recognises that millions of households continue to rely on DTT. At the same time audiences are increasingly choosing internet-based television services (IPTV), and maintaining a traditional broadcast infrastructure for a declining audience is becoming increasingly costly for our public service broadcasters.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport is working closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, industry and consumer groups to understand the practical and affordability challenges audiences may face in the event of a transition to IPTV. A final decision on the future of TV distribution will be informed by this consultation which sets out that we want to ensure people can continue to access television affordably and are adequately protected so that no one is left behind.

The independent investigation in National Health Service maternity and neonatal care led by Baroness Amos set out in its terms of reference that it will look to understand the potential role of coroners in the investigation of late term stillbirths, 37 weeks or later, and identify mistakes which would help prevent future deaths. The Terms of Reference for the Investigation were agreed by Baroness Amos and ministers and were published on 15 September 2025. The Department is aware that Baroness Amos was also looking at earlier stillbirths and this was also reflected in her interim report. We want to ensure the Government’s position on coronial investigations of stillbirths reflects any potential, relevant recommendations the independent investigation makes, and therefore await its final report and recommendations in June.

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are democratically elected and are ultimately held to account by the public at the ballot box. To ensure transparency of their actions and decisions, PCCs have statutory responsibilities under the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011 to publish certain information, such as decisions they’ve taken, expenditure and force performance. This includes information about conflicts of interest.

PCCs are scrutinised by Police and Crime Panels (PCPs) who are also responsible for investigating non-criminal complaints made about a PCC. Criminal allegations must be referred by the Panel to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The Home Office does not collect data on the number of complaints about PCCs. The Home Office issues guidance and training to support Panels in their scrutiny of PCCs, as well as guidance to aid the recruitment and retention of independent panel members.

The Government’s view is that the PCC model has failed to live up to expectations and has committed to abolishing it at the end of the current term of office in 2028. Successor arrangements for the oversight of policing by Mayors and Policing and Crime Boards will be set out in the forthcoming Police Reform Bill.

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are democratically elected and are ultimately held to account by the public at the ballot box. To ensure transparency of their actions and decisions, PCCs have statutory responsibilities under the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011 to publish certain information, such as decisions they’ve taken, expenditure and force performance. This includes information about conflicts of interest.

PCCs are scrutinised by Police and Crime Panels (PCPs) who are also responsible for investigating non-criminal complaints made about a PCC. Criminal allegations must be referred by the Panel to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The Home Office does not collect data on the number of complaints about PCCs. The Home Office issues guidance and training to support Panels in their scrutiny of PCCs, as well as guidance to aid the recruitment and retention of independent panel members.

The Government’s view is that the PCC model has failed to live up to expectations and has committed to abolishing it at the end of the current term of office in 2028. Successor arrangements for the oversight of policing by Mayors and Policing and Crime Boards will be set out in the forthcoming Police Reform Bill.

Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are democratically elected and are ultimately held to account by the public at the ballot box. To ensure transparency of their actions and decisions, PCCs have statutory responsibilities under the Elected Local Policing Bodies (Specified Information) Order 2011 to publish certain information, such as decisions they’ve taken, expenditure and force performance. This includes information about conflicts of interest.

PCCs are scrutinised by Police and Crime Panels (PCPs) who are also responsible for investigating non-criminal complaints made about a PCC. Criminal allegations must be referred by the Panel to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). The Home Office does not collect data on the number of complaints about PCCs. The Home Office issues guidance and training to support Panels in their scrutiny of PCCs, as well as guidance to aid the recruitment and retention of independent panel members.

The Government’s view is that the PCC model has failed to live up to expectations and has committed to abolishing it at the end of the current term of office in 2028. Successor arrangements for the oversight of policing by Mayors and Policing and Crime Boards will be set out in the forthcoming Police Reform Bill.

The Government recognises the benefits that longer term tenancies can provide in delivering food security and environmental goals. In the recently published Land Use Framework the Government committed to working with landowners, including members of the National Estate for Nature, to test, implement and encourage wide uptake of longer-term tenancy agreements. Industry guidance on long term tenancies was published on 16 March to support landlords, tenants and their advisers think through the main considerations involved in agreeing a long-term farm business tenancy.

The CattleBCG vaccine, when coupled with the new Detect Infected amongst Vaccinated Animals (DIVA) skin test, represents a significant advancement in bovine TB control for cattle herds.

Field trials began in June 2021, with the final planned phase now underway and due to complete by 2027. Data gathered during lab and field trials will support the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s Marketing Authorisation applications to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and achieving international recognition. The Government is looking at all options to accelerate progress.

The Government is continuing to work at pace but will only deploy the vaccine and companion DIVA skin test when we have all the right steps in place. The aim is to deliver an effective cattle TB vaccination strategy within the next few years, helping drive down the disease burden for future generations and advance progress towards achieving Officially TB Free status for England by 2038.

DHSC and NHSE do not hold the information requested. The overall management of people seeking asylum is a matter for the Home Office.

The NHS is a residency-based system; this means that people who do not live here on a lawful, settled basis must contribute to the cost of their care.

When considering moving colleagues and services to an alternative location the Department considers a wide range of factors and evidence. These include the impact on customers, business needs, local labour market conditions, and the ability to maintain a geographical presence and service continuity to customers. Decisions also take into account building quality, lease events, and value for money.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all parents bereaved by baby loss. Bereavement is never easy, but the loss of a child is unimaginable, and we recognise the profound and lifelong impact this has on parents and families.

As I set out in my answer to the Right Honourable Member of 12 March, the wider landscape of maternity investigations has continued to evolve since the publication of the consultation on the coronial investigation of stillbirths in 2019 and the factual summary of responses published in 2023.

Most recently, this Government commissioned the independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal care led by Baroness Amos. As outlined in the investigation’s terms of reference, it will, amongst other issues, look to consider the potential role of coroners in the investigation of late term stillbirths (37 weeks or later). We are aware that Baroness Amos has confirmed she will publish her final report in June 2026.

As I have previously confirmed to the Right Honourable Member, the Department has not made a formal assessment of the delay in publishing a decision in this area. It is important that the Government’s published position on coronial investigations of stillbirths is fully informed by any findings and relevant recommendations the independent investigation makes, and more broadly that it supports the most effective model for maternity investigation, one that strengthens learning, improves accountability and delivers better outcomes for families.

Section 4 of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 provides the statutory framework to enable, by way of regulation, amendments to be made to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 in respect of the investigation of stillbirths and makes provisions about the content of those regulations.

The Government’s 2019 consultation, and the factual summary in 2023 were jointly published by the Department for Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice. The Government intends to communicate its position on this issue after the investigation has published its final report.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all parents bereaved by baby loss. Bereavement is never easy, but the loss of a child is unimaginable, and we recognise the profound and lifelong impact this has on parents and families.

As I set out in my answer to the Right Honourable Member of 12 March, the wider landscape of maternity investigations has continued to evolve since the publication of the consultation on the coronial investigation of stillbirths in 2019 and the factual summary of responses published in 2023.

Most recently, this Government commissioned the independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal care led by Baroness Amos. As outlined in the investigation’s terms of reference, it will, amongst other issues, look to consider the potential role of coroners in the investigation of late term stillbirths (37 weeks or later). We are aware that Baroness Amos has confirmed she will publish her final report in June 2026.

As I have previously confirmed to the Right Honourable Member, the Department has not made a formal assessment of the delay in publishing a decision in this area. It is important that the Government’s published position on coronial investigations of stillbirths is fully informed by any findings and relevant recommendations the independent investigation makes, and more broadly that it supports the most effective model for maternity investigation, one that strengthens learning, improves accountability and delivers better outcomes for families.

Section 4 of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 provides the statutory framework to enable, by way of regulation, amendments to be made to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 in respect of the investigation of stillbirths and makes provisions about the content of those regulations.

The Government’s 2019 consultation, and the factual summary in 2023 were jointly published by the Department for Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice. The Government intends to communicate its position on this issue after the investigation has published its final report.

I would like to extend my deepest sympathies to all parents bereaved by baby loss. Bereavement is never easy, but the loss of a child is unimaginable, and we recognise the profound and lifelong impact this has on parents and families.

As I set out in my answer to the Right Honourable Member of 12 March, the wider landscape of maternity investigations has continued to evolve since the publication of the consultation on the coronial investigation of stillbirths in 2019 and the factual summary of responses published in 2023.

Most recently, this Government commissioned the independent investigation into NHS maternity and neonatal care led by Baroness Amos. As outlined in the investigation’s terms of reference, it will, amongst other issues, look to consider the potential role of coroners in the investigation of late term stillbirths (37 weeks or later). We are aware that Baroness Amos has confirmed she will publish her final report in June 2026.

As I have previously confirmed to the Right Honourable Member, the Department has not made a formal assessment of the delay in publishing a decision in this area. It is important that the Government’s published position on coronial investigations of stillbirths is fully informed by any findings and relevant recommendations the independent investigation makes, and more broadly that it supports the most effective model for maternity investigation, one that strengthens learning, improves accountability and delivers better outcomes for families.

Section 4 of the Civil Partnerships, Marriages and Deaths (Registration etc) Act 2019 provides the statutory framework to enable, by way of regulation, amendments to be made to the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 in respect of the investigation of stillbirths and makes provisions about the content of those regulations.

The Government’s 2019 consultation, and the factual summary in 2023 were jointly published by the Department for Health and Social Care and the Ministry of Justice. The Government intends to communicate its position on this issue after the investigation has published its final report.