Carla Lockhart MP: written questions 2026

Written questions

• Armed Forces: Northern IrelandMinistry of DefenceTabled 12 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 105060More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to promote opportunities for young people in Northern Ireland to volunteer for the Armed Forces.

  Answer: We are committed to improving recruitment and retention through a range of targets, initiatives and measures and we are making a positive impact. The figures in the latest reporting period highlight that for the first time since early 2021, Armed Forces i...

  Answered 20 Jan 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Food: PublicityDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 12 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 105054More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to promote the use of locally produced food and drink.

  Answer: The food strategy recognises the key role that regional and local food systems can play in supporting delivery of the growth, health, sustainability, and food security/ resilience outcomes. Defra wants to create an environment that champions UK food cultu...

  Answered 20 Jan 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Animal ExperimentsDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled 12 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 105052More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether her Department plans to take steps to end the use of the lethal dose 50% test (LD50) in animal experiments.

  Answer: The Government is committed to supporting the uptake and development of alternative methods to the use of animals in science. The Replacing Animals in Science strategy uses a ‘baskets’ approach to group animal tests according to how ready they are for rep...

  Answered 21 Jan 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Ferries: Northern IrelandDepartment for TransportTabled 12 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 105051More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department plans to take to help tackle the cost of ferry journeys between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

  Answer: Ferry services between Great Britain and Northern Ireland operate in a commercial and competitive market without intervention from the Government. The Department for Transport has no plans to subsidise ferry services between Great Britain and Northern Ire...

  Answered 15 Jan 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Cancer: Clinical TrialsDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 12 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 105049More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to encourage collaboration between NHS Trusts and pharmaceutical companies to enhance cancer clinical trials.

  Answer: The Department is committed to ensuring that all patients, including those with cancer, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.We are incentivising clinical trials and strengthening collaboration between pharmace...

  Answered 19 Jan 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Cancer: Clinical TrialsDepartment of Health and Social CareTabled 12 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 105048More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help improve the availability of clinical trials for cancer patients across the UK.

  Answer: The Department is committed to ensuring that all patients, including those with cancer, have access to cutting-edge clinical trials and innovative, lifesaving treatments.The Department funds research and research infrastructure through the National Instit...

  Answered 19 Jan 2026

  Original Parliament record
• Uk Internal Trade: Northern IrelandNorthern Ireland OfficeTabled 12 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 105046More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential economic impact of the Windsor Framework on businesses in Northern Ireland trading with Great Britain.

  Answer: The Government is committed to the Windsor Framework and protecting the UK internal market. Over 15,000 businesses are now registered to take advantage of facilitations for freight and parcels under the Windsor Framework, and the Windsor Framework Indepen...

  Answered 20 Jan 2026

  Original Parliament record
• India: Religious FreedomForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled 12 Jan 2026AnsweredUIN 105045More

  Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the state of religious freedom in India and the treatment of minority faith communities.

  Answer: I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 18 December in response to Question 98409.

  Answered 19 Jan 2026

  Original Parliament record