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1671512

	registered interest
	date	20/11/2023
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	Cyprus: Turkey
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, whether his Department has made a recent estimate of the number of people that migrated from Turkey to the occupied region of Northern Cyprus since 1983.
	tabling member constituency	Hendon
	tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
	uin	2566
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/11/2023 answer text <p>In accordance with the rest of the international community, with the sole exception of Turkey, the UK does not recognise the self-declared &quot;Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus&quot; as an independent state. The FCDO does not hold any information about the number of people that emigrated from Turkey to <del class="ministerial">the occupied region in the north of</del> Cyprus since 1983.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 27/11/2023 16:48:52 question first ministerially corrected 04/12/2023 13:29:45 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty previous answer version 3458 answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1668872

	registered interest
	date	09/11/2023
	answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
	answering dept id	17
	answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
	answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
	hansard heading	Social Services: Standards
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to take steps to improve standards of social care.
	tabling member constituency	Hendon
	tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
	uin	1104
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/11/2023 answer text <p>The Care Quality Commission (CQC) is the independent regulator for health and social care in England. They monitor, inspect and regulate services to make sure they meet fundamental standards of quality and safety. The vast majority of care services provide high quality care and support, with 83% of all social care settings rated good or outstanding by the CQC in October 2023.</p><p>The Department is taking steps to further improve the standards of adult social care. We have made a landmark shift in how we understand local authorities are delivering adult social care against the Care Act 2014 and holding them to account for the standard of care they provide.</p><p>CQC assessment of local authorities and published ratings will tell us how local authorities are meeting their statutory duties and responsibilities under the Care Act 2014. The assessments focus on four themes linked to part 1 of the Care Act 2014, including; working with people, providing support, ensuring safety and leadership. These assessments will increase transparency and local accountability, meaning people will be able to hold their local authority to account and, ultimately, have access to the consistent, high-quality care and support they deserve – irrespective of where they live. They will help to raise standards of care by making good practice, positive outcomes, and outstanding quality easier to spot and share nationally.</p><p>The CQC will also identify where improvement and additional support is needed, and the Secretary of State has new powers to intervene to secure improvement in serious cases where a local authority has failed or is failing to discharge its Care Act duties to an acceptable standard. As part of this, the Department is working in collaboration with sector partners to deliver an annual programme of support to local authorities to drive performance. For 2023/2024, we are providing £16 million to make support available to local authorities and their partners.</p> answering member constituency Faversham and Mid Kent answering member printed Helen Whately question first answered 27/11/2023 14:18:10 answering member 4527 label Biography information for Helen Whately
	tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1668874

	registered interest
	date	09/11/2023
	answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
	answering dept id	17
	answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
	answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
	hansard heading	Social Services
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to take steps to increase the levels of English language proficiency required to provide social care services.
	tabling member constituency	Hendon
	tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
	uin	1106
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 19/12/2023 answer text <p>Care providers have a responsibility to ensure their chosen candidates have the right skills to work in care. As part of this, they should assess a candidate’s English language proficiency at the interview stage of the recruitment process. This applies to both candidates from overseas who they will be offering sponsorship to, and candidates already in the UK, if English is not their first language.</p><p>For staff who are recruited from overseas, English language proficiency requirements are set by the Home Office, as a condition to qualifying for a Skilled worker visa, including care workers and senior care workers on the Health and Care Worker visa. Individuals from overseas must be able to prove they can speak, read, write and understand English to at least level B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale. The framework can be found at the following link:</p><p><a href="https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale" target="_blank">https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale</a></p> answering member constituency Faversham and Mid Kent answering member printed Helen Whately question first answered 19/12/2023 15:52:51 answering member 4527 label Biography information for Helen Whately
	tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1668875

	registered interest
	date	09/11/2023
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Church of England: Gaza and Israel
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, what steps the Anglican diocese of Jerusalem is taking to help people impacted by the conflict in Israel and Gaza.
	tabling member constituency	Hendon
	tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
	uin	1107
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/11/2023 answer text <p>I am only able to answer on behalf of the National Church Institutions of the Church of England, and cannot on behalf of the Anglican Diocese of Jerusalem.</p><p>One of the significant contributions the Anglican Church makes as a global body is in the provision of healthcare. The Church of England is supporting the Diocese of Jerusalem’s request to launch a financial appeal to support the work of the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. More information is here: <a href="https://j-diocese.org/wordpress/2023/10/24/joint-gaza-appeal-letter-from-the-most-revds-hosam-naoum-and-justin-welby-the-anglican-archbishop-in-jerusalem-and-the-archbishop-of-canterbury/" target="_blank">https://j-diocese.org/wordpress/2023/10/24/joint-gaza-appeal-letter-from-the-most-revds-hosam-naoum-and-justin-welby-the-anglican-archbishop-in-jerusalem-and-the-archbishop-of-canterbury/</a></p><p>Bishops in the House of Lords have committed to continuing to raise issues with His Majesty’s Government around the treatment of the Christian community in Israel, Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.</p><p>The Archbishop of Canterbury paid a pastoral visit to the Diocese of Jerusalem on the 19<sup>th</sup> of October where he met with Christian and Jewish leaders in both Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. He also met with families affected by the attacks on the 7<sup>th</sup> October. More details of the visit can be found here: <a href="https://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/news/news-and-statements/archbishop-canterbury-arrives-jerusalem-pastoral-visit-anglican-church#:~:text=The%20Archbishop%20of%20Canterbury%20has%20begun%20a%20pastoral,Archbishop%20in%20Jerusalem%2C%20the%20Most%20Revd%20Hosam%20Naoum." target="_blank">https://www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/news/news-and-statements/archbishop-canterbury-arrives-jerusalem-pastoral-visit-anglican-church#:~:text=The%20Archbishop%20of%20Canterbury%20has%20begun%20a%20pastoral,Archbishop%20in%20Jerusalem%2C%20the%20Most%20Revd%20Hosam%20Naoum.</a></p><p>Subsequently, the Archbishop spoke in a special debate in the House of Lords, and the House of Bishops released a joint statement, which can be read here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/house-bishops-oct-30-nov-1-2023" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/house-bishops-oct-30-nov-1-2023</a></p><p>The Archbishop of Canterbury also addressed the conflict in his presidential address to the November meeting of the General Synod of the Church of England, which also included a pastoral message from the Archbishop of Jerusalem. You can read the presidential address here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/archbishops-presidential-address-synod" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/archbishops-presidential-address-synod</a> The Archbishop of Jerusalem’s speech is available here: <a href="https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/archbishop-jerusalem-addresses-synod-call-ceasefire-and-plea-peace" target="_blank">https://www.churchofengland.org/media-and-news/press-releases/archbishop-jerusalem-addresses-synod-call-ceasefire-and-plea-peace</a></p> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 27/11/2023 09:25:01 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
	tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1670313

	registered interest
	date	15/11/2023
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Church of England: Religious Freedom
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, whether the Church of England is taking steps to advocate for freedom of religion and belief in other countries.
	tabling member constituency	Hendon
	tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
	uin	2135
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/12/2023 answer text <p>Over the past two years the Church of England has been closely involved with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in supporting the work of His Majesty's Ambassadors and diplomats, as part of a structured programme of engagement between the Church’s global networks and the civil service, to increase awareness of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).</p><p>The Church was represented at the Government conference in 2022 that highlighted the need for increased global action on FoRB and continues to support the International Panel of Parliamentarians for Freedom of Religion or Belief. More information about the work of the International Panel can be found here: <a href="https://www.ippforb.com/about/" target="_blank">https://www.ippforb.com/about/</a></p><p>Bishops of the global Anglican Communion came together for the Lambeth Conference in 2022 and spent a day discussing issues of interfaith engagement, human dignity and freedom of religion and belief. At the Conference a range of calls were made, outlining priorities for the Church worldwide. The documents relating to Freedom of Religion and religious persecution can be found under the Inter-Faith, Christian Unity and Human Dignity sections here: <a href="https://www.lambethconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Lambeth-Calls-English-2023.pdf" target="_blank">https://www.lambethconference.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/The-Lambeth-Calls-English-2023.pdf(opens in a new tab)</a></p><p>The United Nations Security Council has recently adopted a resolution to produce an annual report on freedom of religion and belief. It was sponsored by the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates, and the resolution was based on the former Bishop of Truro's review, commissioned by the UK Government. The Security Council adopted the proposal, which will see the UN Secretary General produce an oral report on FoRB-related threats to international peace and security.</p> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 15/12/2023 14:54:00 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
	tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1670314

	registered interest
	date	15/11/2023
	answering body	Church Commissioners
	answering dept id	9
	answering dept short name	Church Commissioners
	answering dept sort name	Church Commissioners
	hansard heading	Church Schools
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Member for South West Bedfordshire, representing the Church Commissioners, if he will make an assessment of the contribution of church schools in (a) Hendon constituency and (b) the UK.
	tabling member constituency	Hendon
	tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
	uin	2136
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 15/12/2023 answer text <p>The Church of England educates over one million children in its 4,700 schools. Church of England schools are committed to the flourishing of children and deliver a rounded education that remains in high demand with parents. In Hendon an excellent example is St Mary's and St John's, a large, successful and thriving all-through school which yielded outstanding GCSE results this summer; the highest they have been.</p><p>The Church of England is one of the leading providers for leadership development, through National Professional Qualifications. These qualifications, in partnership with His Majesty's Government, have provided vital investment in leadership and teacher development at a time when attracting people into teaching faces numerous challenges. The Government's commitment in this area is welcome because it is a key part of ensuring improved outcomes for children, especially those who are most vulnerable.</p><p>The Church's contribution and vision for how the whole system can flourish is set out in <a href="https://www.cefel.org.uk/flourishingsystem/" target="_blank">Our Hope for a Flourishing Schools System - Foundation For Educational Leadership</a>. It explains that Church schools &quot;ensure a careful balance of wisdom, knowledge and skills in their curriculum planning, enabling their students not only to excel in examinations but releasing wise young leaders and courageous advocates, inspired and equipped to shape their future society. They are beacons of hope for the communities they serve, frequently standing as the most significant institution in a local area.&quot;</p> answering member constituency South West Bedfordshire answering member printed Andrew Selous question first answered 15/12/2023 14:55:32 answering member 1453 label Biography information for Andrew Selous
	tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1670763

	registered interest
	date	17/11/2023
	answering body	Department of Health and Social Care
	answering dept id	17
	answering dept short name	Health and Social Care
	answering dept sort name	Health and Social Care
	hansard heading	Ophthalmic Services: Home Visits
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if she will make it her policy to encourage optometrists to make home visits upon request.
	tabling member constituency	Hendon
	tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
	uin	2398
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/11/2023 answer text <p>National Health Service-funded domiciliary sight tests are widely available for individuals entitled to free NHS sight tests who are unable to leave home unaccompanied due to physical or mental illness or disability. They can be provided in a patient’s own home, residential care home or at a day centre following a request from the patient, relative or primary carer. Individuals not entitled to NHS-funded sight tests can access domiciliary sight testing services privately.</p> answering member constituency South Northamptonshire answering member printed Andrea Leadsom question first answered 28/11/2023 16:25:08 answering member 4117 label Biography information for Andrea Leadsom
	tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1671434

	registered interest
	date	20/11/2023
	answering body	Home Office
	answering dept id	1
	answering dept short name	Home Office
	answering dept sort name	Home Office
	hansard heading	Jews: Safety
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps he is taking to help ensure the safety of Jewish communities.
	tabling member constituency	Hendon
	tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
	uin	2562
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 28/11/2023 answer text <p>In March 2023, the Home Secretary announced the continuation of the Jewish Community Protective Security Grant (JCPSG) and increased funding for 2023/24 by £1 million, to a total of £15 million. The JCPSG provides protective security measures (such as guarding, CCTV and alarm systems) at Jewish schools and other Jewish community sites. The Grant is managed on behalf of the Home Office by the Community Security Trust (CST).</p><p>In response to the conflict and reports of increased incidents of antisemitism in the UK, the Prime Minister has announced additional funding of £3 million for CST to provide additional security at Jewish schools, synagogues and other Jewish Community sites. This brings the total funding for CST in FY2023/24 to £18 million.</p><p>Earlier this year, the Home Secretary established the Jewish Community Crime, Policing and Security Taskforce. The Taskforce allows the Jewish community, represented by the Community Security Trust, to raise concerns to the Home Office, law enforcement and partners, and work together to understand and address the concerns of the Jewish community on safety and security issues.</p><p>The government is also investing up to a further £7 million over the next three years for organisations like the Holocaust Educational Trust to help tackle antisemitism. This funding will ensure support is in place for schools and universities to understand, recognise, and deal with antisemitism effectively.</p> answering member constituency Tonbridge and Malling answering member printed Tom Tugendhat question first answered 28/11/2023 17:40:45 answering member 4462 label Biography information for Tom Tugendhat
	tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1671500

	registered interest
	date	20/11/2023
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	Cyprus: Politics and Government
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will take steps to seek renewed negotiations on a resolution in Cyprus.
	tabling member constituency	Hendon
	tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
	uin	2563
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/11/2023 answer text <p>The UK Government remains committed to supporting UN efforts to reach a Cyprus Settlement within the UN parameters based on the model of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation with political equality. We engage with all parties on this. The UK Government believes that, with flexibility, sufficient common ground to start formal negotiations can potentially be found. In the meantime, the UK continues to support confidence-building initiatives to build links between the communities to prepare for any future Settlement.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 27/11/2023 16:51:47 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord

1671501

	registered interest
	date	20/11/2023
	answering body	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept id	208
	answering dept short name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	answering dept sort name	Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
	hansard heading	Cyprus
	house id	1
	legislature	25259 pref label House of Commons
	question text	To ask the Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, if he will make an assessment of the implications for his policies of the expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied region of Cyprus.
	tabling member constituency	Hendon
	tabling member printed	Dr Matthew Offord
	uin	2564
	answer	answer is ministerial correction date of answer 27/11/2023 answer text <p>Property is one of the most complex and sensitive subjects caught up in the Cyprus Problem. Ultimately, the most effective way to resolve the issues arising from the events of 1974, including property claims, is through the UN-facilitated talks aimed at reuniting Cyprus on the basis of a just and lasting settlement. The UK continues to support the UN-led process and encourage the two sides to return to negotiations.</p> answering member constituency Aldershot answering member printed Leo Docherty question first answered 27/11/2023 16:49:36 answering member 4600 label Biography information for Leo Docherty
	tabling member	4006 label Biography information for Dr Matthew Offord