Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the UK Space Agency’s expenditure on supporting the growth of the UK space industry.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government is committed to supporting the growth of the space sector and thereby the economy. The UK Space Agency and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology catalysed £2.2 billion in investment and revenue for the UK space sector in 2024/25 alone, through various programmes.

This includes European Space Agency (ESA) programmes. ESA receives approximately 70–75% of the UKSA’s annual budget, and the UK has committed £1.84bn between 2022 and 2027. The latest evaluation estimates that every £1 public investment in ESA programmes leads to £7.49 directly benefiting the UK economy.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent steps she has taken to improve access to full fibre broadband in (a) Lincolnshire and (b) other rural communities.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

According to the independent website Thinkbroadband.com, almost 82% of premises across Lincolnshire can access a gigabit-capable connection, we aim to get that to 99% by 2032. To extend connectivity further, Quickline is delivering a Project Gigabit contract across Lincolnshire and East Riding, which is currently expected to provide access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection to approximately 30,000 premises within Lincolnshire. A further contract with CityFibre is planned to benefit premises in West Lincolnshire as well as within Nottinghamshire.

As of the end of March 2025, over 1.2 million premises in rural and hard to reach communities across the UK had been upgraded to gigabit-capable broadband through government-funded programmes. More than one million further premises have been included within contracts to provide access to gigabit-capable broadband, with funding of over £2.4 billion through Project Gigabit. Almost all of this coverage will be delivered via fibre to the premises.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure social media companies protect consumers from illegal content advertising weight loss jabs.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Online Safety Act gives online platforms duties to tackle illegal content and activity on their services. This includes content advertising illegal sales of drugs. Ofcom is the regulator for this regime, and it sets out steps that providers can take to comply with their duties. Ofcom has strong powers to enforce against platforms that fail to fulfil their duties to protect users from illegal content.

The government is clear that people should only purchase medicines and medical products through legitimate, regulated channels. Anyone with weight or health concerns should consult their GP or a qualified healthcare professional who can provide safe, appropriate treatment options.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what support and resources they plan to provide to support research and development for in vitro gametogenesis, and the wider reproductive technologies industry.

Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The Government, through UK Research and Innovation’s Medical Research Council (MRC), supports a broad range of biomedical research, including in reproductive health, developmental biology and genetics. MRC’s applicant-led funding opportunities are open to proposals within its remit. MRC also funds large-scale, challenge-led transformative research through its Institutes and Centres of Research Excellence. All research is subject to appropriate ethical review.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential economic merits of increasing levels of transparency over copyrighted works that are being used by generative AI developers to (a) train and (b) improve the performance of their models.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government recently consulted on several topics relating to the interaction between copyright and artificial intelligence (AI), including seeking views on increasing levels of transparency over the use of copyright material in AI model development.

The Government’s priority now is to consider all responses to the consultation, to help inform next steps. Alongside this we launched expert working groups in July, bringing together representatives of the creative, media and AI sectors, and convened a parliamentary working group on the issue.

The Government will continue to engage extensively on this issue, and its proposals will be set out in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what plans she has to ensure that the Government’s expert working groups on AI and copyright help increase levels of transparency that copyright holders have over the use of their copyrighted material as inputs for (a) training and (b) improving the performance of AI models.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

We are establishing technical working groups to inform our approach to copyright and AI. They will be designed to bring together both British and global companies, alongside voices beyond the AI and creative sectors. A range of issues will be discussed, including transparency in the development and deployment of AI in the UK. The terms of reference will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's joint press release entitled Creative and AI sectors kick-off next steps in finding solutions to AI and copyright, published 16 July 2025, whether the terms of reference for the government’s expert working groups on AI and copyright will include reviewing the transparency of inputs used by generative AI firms to (a) train and (b) improve the performance of their models.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

We are establishing technical working groups to inform our approach to copyright and AI. They will be designed to bring together both British and global companies, alongside voices beyond the AI and creative sectors. A range of issues will be discussed, including transparency in the development and deployment of AI in the UK. The terms of reference will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's joint press release entitled Creative and AI sectors kick-off next steps in finding solutions to AI and copyright, published 16 July 2025, whether the expert working groups on AI and copyright will have a specific remit to assess the transparency requirements for data used to (a) train and (b) ground generative AI models.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

We are establishing technical working groups to inform our approach to copyright and AI. They will be designed to bring together both British and global companies, alongside voices beyond the AI and creative sectors. A range of issues will be discussed, including transparency in the development and deployment of AI in the UK. The terms of reference will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what research her Department has commissioned on the potential impact of media content on electronic devices on (a) babies and (b) toddlers.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Online Safety Act requires services that are likely to be accessed by children to risk assess their service and provide additional measures for child users of all age groups, including early years. Ofcom’s Children Register of Risks lists 0-5 years as an age group for which it expects services to consider the age-related risks based on the developmental stage of the children.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's joint press release entitled Creative and AI sectors kick-off next steps in finding solutions to AI and copyright, published 16 July 2025, whether she will (a) publish the terms of reference for the expert working groups on AI and copyright and (b) set out (i) the expected number of meetings for each group and (ii) how she plans to update Rt hon. and hon. Members on the groups' outputs; and what consideration she made of the balance between UK based and non-UK based organisations in determining the membership of the groups.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

We are establishing technical working groups to inform our approach to copyright and AI. They will be designed to bring together a range of experts and stakeholders across key issues, including transparency and technical standards. The terms of reference will be published in due course. This will set out the meeting structure for the technical working groups.

We will publish a progress update before the end of the year, which will be informed by findings from the technical working groups.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement on 21 October of measures aimed at accelerating innovation and cutting bureaucracy, what specific measures they are taking to support AI infrastructure development.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

This government has consistently supported the build out of AI infrastructure through supporting the growth of the data centre sector. Last year we designated data centres as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), underscoring their strategic importance.

Shortly after the election, we reformed the National Planning Policy Framework to reference data centres and secondary legislation is underway to enable data centre developers to seek planning consent through the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) regime in England. We are also reforming the National Grid connections process, making it easier for datacentres to secure a timely grid connection.

This Government has created AI Growth Zones - dedicated hubs designed to fast-track AI infrastructure development, support planning approvals, and unlock energy access. So far, this government has announced two of these zones, one in Culham in Oxfordshire and the other in the North East.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had discussions with BT Openreach on the cyber-security of the CL-WAP telephone and internet exchange adjacent to the Royal Mint.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government is committed to ensuring the security and resilience of the UK’s telecommunications infrastructure. The Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 introduced a robust security framework requiring public telecoms providers to identify, reduce and prepare for security and resilience risks.

The Government does not comment on discussions around the security of specific sites.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with which countries does the UK operate international science partnership funds; and how much and what proportion of the funding for the partnership with Japan is from (a) public and (b) private sources and (i) domestic and (ii) foreign contributors.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The International Science Partnership Fund currently operates in:

United States of America, Japan, Canada, India, South Korea, Switzerland, Australia, Germany, Israel, Taiwan, China, Ireland, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, Denmark, and Latvia (non-ODA)

South Africa, Kenya, Malaysia, Thailand, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Philippines, Vietnam, Turkey, and Ghana (ODA)

Information on spend in Japan is not provided under the exemptions in the Ministerial Code that cover information that is not currently held and where there would be a disproportionate cost to gaining it.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with science and discovery centres on their financial resilience since the covid-19 pandemic.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government recognises the important role these centres play in engaging the public with science and inspiring young people. As set out in the answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 84033, Minister Vallance has followed up with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to explore a coordinated approach to supporting these centres. I refer my honourable friend to that answer for further detail.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to the 2017 Electronic Communications Code on (a) telecoms operator profits and (b) consumer prices for telecom services.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The 2017 changes to the Electronic Communications Code, which included changes to the valuation regime, were intended to support network deployment and facilitate infrastructure sharing. Following engagement with stakeholders about the impact of the 2017 reforms, government consulted on further changes to the Code, included in the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022.

A specific assessment of the impact that the 2017 reforms have had on small family businesses has not been carried out. The 2022 Act – which includes provisions that will, when commenced, extend the 2017 valuation regime to additional cases - received Parliamentary scrutiny and was subject to a published De Minimis Impact Assessment.

Given the commercial – and often sensitive – nature of most Code agreements, meaningful data on rents would be difficult to collect and assess. In addition, rent is only part of operators’ expenditure, any such data therefore could not be causally related with profits and consumer price changes.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she has make an assessment of the potential impact of changes to the 2017 Electronic Communications Code on small family businesses who rent land to major telecoms operators.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The 2017 changes to the Electronic Communications Code, which included changes to the valuation regime, were intended to support network deployment and facilitate infrastructure sharing. Following engagement with stakeholders about the impact of the 2017 reforms, government consulted on further changes to the Code, included in the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022.

A specific assessment of the impact that the 2017 reforms have had on small family businesses has not been carried out. The 2022 Act – which includes provisions that will, when commenced, extend the 2017 valuation regime to additional cases - received Parliamentary scrutiny and was subject to a published De Minimis Impact Assessment.

Given the commercial – and often sensitive – nature of most Code agreements, meaningful data on rents would be difficult to collect and assess. In addition, rent is only part of operators’ expenditure, any such data therefore could not be causally related with profits and consumer price changes.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what reporting public bodies are undertaking on the (a) system performance, (b) community impact and (c) compliance with inclusion obligations of the deployment of British Sign Language AI.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

85294: We are not aware of any digital public services currently using AI generated BSL content. The Service Manual and Service Standard guide service teams across the public sector on the design and development of digital services, including those enabled by AI.

A service must be accessible to everyone who needs it, including services only used by public servants. Digital services must meet level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) as a minimum and service teams must include disabled people and people who use assistive technologies in the design of those services.

The compliance of central government digital services with the WCAG regulations is monitored by the Government Digital Service.

85295: In addition to above (85294) c) services must make sure the non-digital parts of a service are accessible. For example, government departments must make sure that users who are deaf or have a speech impairment are offered a way to contacting the service (by text, email or in person with a British Sign Language translator or lip reader).

This standard would still apply if the service used BSL content that was AI generated.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the recent 5CA data breach on protecting consumers online.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As the UK's independent regulator for data protection, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) is responsible for monitoring compliance with the UK's data protection legislation and investigating complaints regarding breaches of the legislation. The ICO is investigating a data breach following a report by Discord.

The ICO provides guidance for the public on data protection on its website. Anyone concerned about the impact of the breach could also contact the ICO for further advice, by telephone on 0303 123 1113 and through its website: https://ico.org.uk/for-the-public/.

Businesses can help prevent data breaches by improving their cyber resilience using the guidance and tools on offer from the government. This includes the new Cyber Action Toolkit for small businesses, the highly effective Cyber Essentials scheme which prevents common cyber-attacks, and the Cyber Governance Code of Practice to help boards and directors manage digital risks.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the environmental and sustainability impact, including energy demands, of the Anthropic Claude AI model used for the Gov.uk chat service.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government Digital Service recognises the importance of environmental considerations in the use of AI and we are committed to using this technology responsibly. We are working in line with the AI Playbook for the UK Government, which highlights the importance of understanding and managing the environmental impact of AI systems.

Environmental considerations have been reviewed under the Environmental Principles Policy Statement (EPPS), with negligible anticipated impact. EPPS principles have been considered, including resource efficiency and sustainability of digital infrastructure.

Model selection decisions are based on performance, security, data protection, cost, and alignment with government standards. Where possible, we use smaller and more efficient models to improve sustainability, including in our use of the Claude models within GOV.UK Chat.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what proportion of adults (1) 70–74 years old, (2) 75–79 years old, (3) 80–84 years old, (4) over 85 years old, and (5) under 70 years old, have a smartphone.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

We know that digital exclusion is a complex issue and the evidence base is significant but fragmented. Ofcom data from 2025 reports that 95% of 16 – 74 year olds, 78% of those aged 65+ and 65% of those aged 75+ have a smartphone in their household and personal use one.

In February, we published our Digital Inclusion Action Plan – First Steps which sets out the immediate actions we are taking on digital inclusion. One of these actions was to develop robust headline indicators to monitor progress and inform future digital inclusion interventions. We will evaluate the outcomes of these actions in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have conducted a risk assessment on the potential impact of superintelligent AI systems on national security.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The increasing capabilities of AI may exacerbate existing risks and present new risks for which the UK needs to be prepared. There is considerable debate and uncertainty around Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), but the possibility of their development must be taken seriously.

The role of the AI Security Institute (AISI) is to build an evidence base on these risks, so the government is equipped to understand their security implications. AISI focuses on emerging AI risks with serious security implications, including the potential for AI to help users develop chemical and biological weapons, carry out crimes such as fraud, and the potential for loss of control presented by autonomous systems.

AISI works with a broad range of experts and companies to assess the potential risks these could pose as the technology continues to develop.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that companies implementing (a) age-verification and (b) safety requirements use (i) secure and (ii) adequately regulated third-party vendors for data processing.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Online Safety Act requires providers to give particular regard to the protection of users’ privacy rights when complying with their new safety duties, including when using age assurance measures. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has a range of criminal and civil enforcement tools at its disposal, including prosecution and substantial monetary penalties for serious breaches of data protection legislation.

Third party vendors must have appropriate technical and security measures in place to protect personal data. Where Ofcom has concerns that providers have not complied with their obligations under data protection law, it may refer the matter to the ICO.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle AI-driven (a) abuse and (b) discrimination.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Online Safety Act 2023 places robust duties on user-to-user and search services to tackle abuse and discrimination where it is illegal or harmful to children. These duties apply regardless of whether content is created by AI or not. Services must implement effective systems to prevent, identify, and swiftly remove illegal material. Additionally, in-scope service providers have a responsibility to protect children from ‘priority’ content that is harmful to children, which includes violent content or content that is hateful or abusive based on certain characteristics. Services must also put in place adequate mechanisms for users to report bullying and online harassment.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ban nudification apps from online app stores.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The government is concerned about the proliferation of AI-enabled products and services that facilitate the creation of deepfake non-consensual intimate images.

Government legislated to ban the non-consensual creation of sexually explicit deepfake images in the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, ensuring that offenders face the appropriate punishments for this atrocious harm. The government is aware of the concerns over the tools themselves and is looking into this closely.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the likelihood of non-harmful websites being made inaccessible to users due to the effects of the Online Safety Act 2023.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Proportionality is a core principle of the Online Safety Act and is in-built into its duties. As online safety regulator, Ofcom must consider the size and risk level of different types of services when recommending steps providers can take to comply with their duties.

Ofcom is communicating with in scope services about the new regulations in the Act and is working with services to ensure compliance is as easy as possible. As noted in the Ofcom CEO’s letter of 8 July 2025 to the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, Ofcom is providing support to online service providers of all sizes to make it easier for them to understand – and comply with – their responsibilities under the new laws.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the answer of 24 October 2025 to Question 82329 on Department for Business and Trade: Mr Money Jar, whether his Department has paid Mr Money Jar for social influence or digital work since 4 July 2024.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The department has not paid Mr MoneyJar (Rotimi Merriman-Johnson) for any social media content since 4 July 2024.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the total value of known life-sciences investments in the UK that have been cancelled or paused since 4 July 2024.

Answered by Lord Vallance of Balham - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

Through delivery of the Life Sciences Sector Plan, and the wider Industrial Strategy, this Government is taking targeted action to address the global challenges that life sciences companies face and unlock economic growth. Challenges include global competition and global commercial uncertainty.

Our ambition is that the UK will be the leading Life Sciences economy in Europe by 2030 and the third most important globally, behind the US and China only, by 2035. We have already started delivering on key actions, investing up to £600 million in the Health Data Research Service alongside Wellcome, committing over £650 million in Genomics England and up to £354 million in Our Future Health, and launching the £50 million Life Sciences Transformational R&D Investment Fund pilot.

Alongside these commitments, we have continued to see transformative investments into the UK made by Life Sciences companies. For example: in May 2025, BioNTech committed up to £1 billion as part of a ten-year investment on top of their existing strategic partnership with the Government; in August, Eli Lilly invested £35 million in the Obesity Pathway Innovation Programme; and in October, Convatec announced plans to invest £500 million in a new R&D facility in Manchester.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to establish accessible, non-police reporting pathways for (a) children and (b) young people who experience online harassment.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Online Safety Act requires services in scope to take steps to protect children from both illegal content and harmful content, including abusive and bullying content. These services must implement easy-to-use reporting mechanisms for users to report illegal content and content harmful to children. Providers should respond quickly and effectively and signpost children to appropriate support.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential impact of the increased use of VPNs on the level of (a) data and (b) national security risks since the introduction of the Online Safety Act.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department is monitoring the impact of circumvention techniques, including VPNs, on the Online Safety Act. Ofcom told Parliament last month that UK usage of VPN apps had declined from an initial peak when the Act’s child safety duties commenced.

There are legitimate reasons for using VPNs, including enhancing cybersecurity and protection against hostile regimes. The National Cyber Security Centre has guidance for organisations that use VPNs.

Organisations processing personal data, which could include VPN providers, are subject to data protection legislation that is enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office. This includes obligations to process people’s data fairly, lawfully and ensure it is held securely.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to make harmful pornographic content illegal on online platforms.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Online Safety Act protects users from harmful and illegal pornographic content. Extreme pornography is a priority offence, meaning that services must proactively mitigate and remove such content.

In addition, the Secretary of State and Victims Minister are introducing a new offence via the Crime and Policing Bill that will crack down on violent pornography, criminalising the possession and publication of images depicting strangulation and suffocation. This will also be designated as a priority offence under the Online Safety Act, meaning platforms will be required to take proactive steps to prevent users from seeing illegal strangulation and suffocation content.

Since 25 July 2025, services that host, publish or allow the sharing of pornography must also implement highly-effective age assurance to prevent children encountering pornographic content.

These measures are part of the government's Plan for Change to halve violence against women and girls, sending a strong message that dangerous and sexist behaviour will not be tolerated.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether the Information Commissioner has issued guidance on the amount of time that a Freedom of Information request applicant should wait following a decision notice before (a) seeking an internal review from a public authority and (b) making an appeal to the Information Commissioner.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Whilst DSIT sponsors the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), government policy for Freedom of Information (FOI) sits with the Cabinet Office. The ICO has not issued specific guidance for applicants on how long to wait after a decision notice before seeking an internal review or making an appeal. Under the FOI Act, internal reviews are not statutory, and authorities set their own timelines. The Code of Practice on FOI issued by the Cabinet Office states that it is usual practice for public authorities to accept a request for an internal review within 40 working days. The ICO advises applicants to complain to the ICO within three months of the final response or last substantive contact with the public authority, or risk ineligibility.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with her international counterparts on the regulation of satellites in space.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology leads the UK’s international engagement on the regulation of satellites in space. This includes representation at the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space and regular bi-and multi-lateral dialogues with partners at official and ministerial level.

Ofcom, the independent telecommunications regulator sponsored by DSIT, represents UK interests at the International Telecommunication Union, which deals with the international regulation of radio frequency spectrum for space activities. FCDO leads on arms control in space through the UN First Committee.

Ministers and officials will be discussing the regulation of satellites in space as part of the Department's international engagement over the coming months.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will publish an impact assessment on the decision to close the UK Space Agency.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The UK Space Agency is not closing – it is being brought together with DSIT's Space Directorate to create a more efficient, integrated approach to delivering our space ambitions. This change, part of our Plan for Change to cut red tape and make Whitehall more agile, will reduce duplication and strengthen ministerial oversight.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the guidance entitled Digital ID scheme: explainer, published on 26 September 2025, from which database will the digital ID validate (a) identity, (b) age, (c) residency and (d) a photo.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government has announced plans for a new national digital identity credential to be available to UK citizens and legal residents aged 16 and over. This will make it easier for people to securely access the services they are entitled to, where they want to, while also helping to prevent illegal working and deter illegal migration. Employers will be required to conduct digital right to work checks using the new digital ID by the end of this parliament.

We recognise the importance of both cybersecurity and privacy. We will consult and engage on the practical operation of the scheme, and the data structures underpinning it, as it is developed. The data for the digital ID scheme will be federated, as doing so is good practice for things like this. That means most data will stay where it is already safely stored, such as in HM Passport Office or other government departments, and only joined up if and when needed.

Following the Machinery of Government changes of 23/10/2025 policy responsibility now sits with the Cabinet Office.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 8 July 2025 to Question 63915 on Digital Technology: Proof of Identity, for what reason the Government has now taken such steps.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government has announced plans for a new national digital identity credential to be available to UK citizens and legal residents aged 16 and over. This will make it easier for people to securely access the services they are entitled to, where they want to, while also helping to prevent illegal working and deter illegal migration. Employers will be required to conduct digital right to work checks using the new digital ID by the end of this parliament.

We recognise the importance of both cybersecurity and privacy. We will consult and engage on the practical operation of the scheme, and the data structures underpinning it, as it is developed. The data for the digital ID scheme will be federated, as doing so is good practice for things like this. That means most data will stay where it is already safely stored, such as in HM Passport Office or other government departments, and only joined up if and when needed.

Following the Machinery of Government changes of 23/10/2025 policy responsibility now sits with the Cabinet Office.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she plans to introduce digital identity cards.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government has announced plans for a new national digital identity credential to be available to UK citizens and legal residents aged 16 and over. This will make it easier for people to securely access the services they are entitled to, where they want to, while also helping to prevent illegal working and deter illegal migration. Employers will be required to conduct digital right to work checks using the new digital ID by the end of this parliament.

We recognise the importance of both cybersecurity and privacy. We will consult and engage on the practical operation of the scheme, and the data structures underpinning it, as it is developed. The data for the digital ID scheme will be federated, as doing so is good practice for things like this. That means most data will stay where it is already safely stored, such as in HM Passport Office or other government departments, and only joined up if and when needed.

Following the Machinery of Government changes of 23/10/2025 policy responsibility now sits with the Cabinet Office.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to support small businesses to improve cyber security.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The cyber resilience of the UK economy is a priority for the government which is why our National Cyber Security Centre provides a range of free tools and guidance to help small businesses improve their cyber security. This includes the new Cyber Action Toolkit which offers clear, bite-sized actions to help small businesses safeguard their money and reputation from cyber criminals. In addition, the forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will ensure the most important digital services and suppliers are better protected than ever, meaning the small businesses which rely on them will also benefit.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what criteria his Department is using to select locations for AI Growth Zones.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 October 2025 to Question UIN 82268.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with Ofcom on ensuring that there is adequate telecommunications coverage across the South West region.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Ofcom publishes figures on mobile and fixed broadband coverage across the UK twice a year in their Connected Nations report. The full report for 2025 is expected to be published by the end of this year.

Ofcom does not publish aggregate coverage figures at a regional level in their Connected Nations reports but does do so at a Local Authority and Westminster constituency level. There have already been mobile coverage uplifts across the South West from the Shared Rural Network programme, with further improvements to come in the region from the publicly funded element of the programme in Dartmoor and Exmoor.

Additionally, to improve gigabit broadband coverage, Openreach, Wildanet, Gigaclear and Wessex Internet are delivering a number of Project Gigabit contracts across the South West.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to (a) protect children and young people from online exploitation and (b) ensure that digital safety measures do not adversely impact online freedoms.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The strongest protections in the Online Safety Act are for children.

All relevant services in scope of the Act are required to put in place systems and processes to proactively tackle child sex abuse material, and to reduce the risk of abuse and exploitation taking place on their service. These services must implement effective reporting mechanisms and will have new duties to report child abuse material to UK law enforcement. The government recognises the benefits of children exploring freely online and accessing its benefits, ensuring their safety as they do so. We live in a digital age and must strike the right balance so that children can access these benefits while we continue to prioritise their safety.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what quality assurance is in place to ensure that when a licence is issued for small-scale digital deployment, the coverage delivered aligns with the planned coverage; and how her Department works with operators to ensure an appropriate level of service is maintained.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Localised networks, such as private mobile networks, are delivered by a wide range of providers to support connectivity for particular users, for example, for business and organisations in sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare. This is different from the coverage provided by the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) through their national networks, for which we have set the national ambition. For these localised networks, coverage and service levels are typically agreed between the service provider and its customers, and this will vary significantly between different uses. As such, coverage and service levels are not routinely monitored.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 13 October 2025 to Question 81396 on Artificial Intelligence: Copyright, if she will publish a list of the membership of all technical working groups that are due to be established in relation to the issue of copyright and AI.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

We are establishing technical working groups to inform our approach to copyright and AI. They will be designed to bring together a range of experts and stakeholders across key issues, including transparency and technical standards. We have shared the full list of attendees of the Ministerial meetings with members of the plenary group. The terms of reference will be published in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the outage of Amazon Web Services in October 2025 on the technology sector.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT has communicated with AWS extensively throughout and in the immediate aftermath of the outage, to understand the situation and to ensure recovery was underway. All services have since been restored and we remain in regular contact with AWS.

We continue to work across government and with businesses to understand the full impact of the outage, identify lessons, and look at how we can mitigate impacts and ensure resilience in future.

The forthcoming Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will protect the services the public rely on to go about their normal lives. This will include expanding the scope of the regulations to include more types of essential and digital services and making sure they adhere to robust cyber security practices.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of changes to the planned timetable for gigabit rollout on rural areas.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

According to the independent website, Thinkbroadband.com, 89% of premises in the UK already have access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection. The government is still committed to ensuring 99% of premises receive gigabit coverage by 2032.

The funding, committed over the Spending Review covering the period 2026/27 to 2029/30, will support the delivery of all existing Project Gigabit contracts, voucher projects and areas currently in procurement. It reconfirms the government’s confidence in suppliers' ability to deliver the rollout.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what data sources have been used to train the Parlex AI tool on forecasting parliamentary reactions; and whether a data privacy impact assessment has been produced.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Parlex tool has not been trained as a new AI model, nor does it involve the development of a novel forecasting system. Instead, it is a search and analysis tool that enables users to research existing parliamentary records to support policy development and parliamentary handling.

Parlex uses only publicly available parliamentary data, including Hansard transcripts, Parliamentary Questions, and Select Committee materials. All tools developed by the Incubator for AI, including Parlex, are assured in line with government guidelines, which include data protection assessments.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions he has had with Ofcom on the use of third-party providers to (a) assess, (b) index and (c) identify disinformation.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT’s National Security Online Information Team (NSOIT) leads the operational response to information threats, including disinformation, capable of posing a risk to UK public safety and national security. Information on contracts awarded by the department to third-party contractors to support this activity is available on GOV.UK.

Details about Ministerial meetings are published quarterly on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department uses third-party providers to (a) assess, (b) index and (c) identify disinformation.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT’s National Security Online Information Team (NSOIT) leads the operational response to information threats, including disinformation, capable of posing a risk to UK public safety and national security. Information on contracts awarded by the department to third-party contractors to support this activity is available on GOV.UK.

Details about Ministerial meetings are published quarterly on GOV.UK.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to help (a) prevent AI-driven cyber attacks and (b) promote ethical cyber security practices.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The cyber resilience of the UK economy is a priority for government. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides tools and guidance to help organisations improve cyber security, including the highly effective Cyber Essentials scheme to protect against common cyber attacks. Using these products helps protect against a wide range of threats, including AI-driven cyber attacks.

The AI Security Institute uses novel scientific methods to research risks from AI, including the potential of AI to be used to carry out cyber attacks. In addition our AI Cyber Security Code of Practice - which was developed into a global standard earlier this year - sets out measures to address cyber security risks to artificial intelligence systems.

The government recently wrote to the UK’s leading companies asking them to make cyber security a board-level priority and adopt best practice. This is part of the government’s wider work to provide the incentives, tools and regulations to drive good cyber security practices.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what responsibility her Department has for ensuring media literacy.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT is committed to making the internet safer by ensuring platforms limit harmful content under the Online Safety Act and equipping people with the skills to navigate the online world.

As the lead department for media literacy, DSIT is committed to improving media literacy through coordinated cross-government work, funding innovative community-based interventions, launching an awareness campaign to build digital resilience and integrating media literacy with digital skills to meet evolving online challenges.

DSIT supports Ofcom’s updated media literacy duties and leads the relationship with Ofcom, ensuring strategic alignment and promoting best practice across sectors.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what is the statutory basis of the work of the National Security and Online Information Team.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The National Security Online Information Team (NSOIT) leads the department’s operational response to information threats which present a public safety or national security risk to UK audiences, working closely with other departments including the Home Office and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The team's remit and work is kept under review by DSIT ministers who remain accountable to parliament, including regarding the work of the NSOIT.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the role of media literacy in supporting (a) public health, (b) national security and (c) democracy.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Media literacy enables citizens to critically assess information and make informed choices. It supports public health, national security and democracy by countering misinformation, improving society’s resilience to online threats, and empowering safe, confident participation online.

Media literacy is a cross-government priority, delivered through coordinated action across departments, civil society and industry, supported by targeted funding and community-led initiatives.

The Online Safety Act requires social media platforms to tackle illegal content relating to national security, health and democracy. It also updates Ofcom’s statutory duty to promote media literacy, which includes raising awareness of misinformation and helping users assess the reliability of content.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help improve broadband (a) speed and (b) quality in underserved areas; and how his Department plans to (i) monitor and (ii) report on progress.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

According to the independent website, Thinkbroadband.com, 89% of premises in the UK have access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection. Our goal is for nationwide gigabit coverage by 2032, ensuring at least 99% of UK premises can access a gigabit-capable connection.

As part of Project Gigabit, the government’s programme to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to UK premises that are not included in suppliers' commercial plans, more than £2.4 billion of contracts have already been signed to connect over one million more premises with gigabit-capable broadband.

Building Digital UK (BDUK) reports on delivery progress through its annual report and quarterly official statistics. BDUK has also committed to publishing monthly reports on how many premises are contracted and built under each of its gigabit contracts.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the resilience of Government Digital Services to outages.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

In the 2025 State of Digital Government review, cyber security and digital resilience risks were identified as critically high across the public sector, and we are taking immediate action to make Government services more secure, resilient and reliable.

Government has a robust set of policies that ensure there are well-defined and tested incident management processes in place, providing continuity of essential functions in the event of system or service failure.

Furthermore, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) will publish the Government Cyber Action Plan this Winter, which sets out a clear approach for Government and the public sector to manage cyber security and resilience incidents.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what government services faced disruption as a result of the Amazon Web Services outage on Monday 20 October; and what assessment her Department plans to make of the cost to the economy of that service outage.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Many government departments use AWS services, and we are aware that the Home Office, DVLA, DWP and HMRC all experienced impacts as a result of the outage on Monday 20 October.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is working with both departments and AWS to better understand the impacts, and will use this to inform future work on government digital resilience.

The cost of the outage is not yet known.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help ensure the UK is a global hub for (a) relocation and (b) investment by generative artificial intelligence firms seeking to license creative content legitimately.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

We are supporting the growth of a globally competitive AI sector in the UK and ensuring that the UK is the destination of choice for leading AI firms.

Since July 2024, £44 billion has been invested in UK AI and tech. A further £31 billion has been committed by leading AI firms, including Microsoft, NVIDIA, Google, OpenAI and CoreWeave. The UK-US Tech Prosperity Deal announced in September further strengthens our position as a destination of choice for AI investment and relocation.

As set out in the Industrial Strategy Creative Industries sector plan, we will establish a Creative Content Exchange to be a trusted marketplace for selling, buying, licensing, and enabling permitted access to digitised cultural and creative assets.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the security of A2P messaging used for two-factor authentication by gov.uk websites.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Security is a key priority for all government services, alongside accessibility and inclusion (i.e. points 4, 5 and 9 of the Service Standard). There isn't a cross-government standard or mandate, as use of A2P depends on the particular needs and user base of individual services. While there are more secure methods of 2FA / MFA, use of A2P for 2FA significantly reduces the risk of account compromise and ensures the widest compatibility and usability across all user bases.

Though we note that the NCSC has affirmed it's acceptable as a second factor in certain cases.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of (a) the adequacy of the level of pricing transparency of fixed term mobile and broadband contracts; and (b) the impact of this on people (i) experiencing financial difficulty and (ii) with mental health conditions when they enter the negotiation process at the end of those fixed term contracts.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Affordability and transparency of telecoms services is important for Government and something we are keeping an eye on. The department monitors the market and consults stakeholders who conduct relevant research, including Ofcom, the independent regulator of telecommunications, and Citizens Advice.

In 2022, Ofcom introduced a requirement for providers to give new customers a one-page summary of their contract before signing, clarifying terms and price changes.

Operators are required under Ofcom’s General Conditions (C5) to follow guidelines on treating vulnerable consumers fairly, including for those facing financial or mental health challenges.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 80133 on Science: Research, when she plans to take steps with the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport on a coordinated approach for science centres.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 20 October 2025 to Question UIN 80133. The Government recognises the important role science and discovery centres play in engaging the public with science and inspiring young people. Minister Vallance has written to DCMS to explore a coordinated approach.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the number of people who have been unable to verify their identity using the Gov.uk One Login service due to mismatches with third-party data; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure that legitimate (a) company directors and (b) Persons of Significant Control are not required to pay private verification providers when Government systems fail to recognise them.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

GOV.UK One Login applies high standards for identity verification to prevent fraud and ensure the security of users and government services. GOV.UK One Login must ensure users meet these high standards before accessing a government service to fulfil its role.

Services onboarded to GOV.UK One Login are required to provide an alternative route for users unable or unwilling to verify their identity through the service. The alternative route is determined by the individual service. The Companies House alternative route is via Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSPS). Companies House do not regulate ACSPs and fees are set at the discretion of individual ACSPs.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking through the Building Digital UK programme to improve broadband access in rural areas; and what assessment she has made of the adequacy of progress towards achieving universal gigabit-capable coverage in communities most at risk of digital exclusion.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Project Gigabit is the government’s programme to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to UK premises that are not included in suppliers' commercial plans.

According to the independent website, Thinkbroadband.com, 89% of premises in the UK already have access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection. To extend this further and achieve our goal of 99% coverage by 2032, more than £2.4 billion of Project Gigabit contracts have already been signed to connect over one million more premises with gigabit-capable broadband.

These are premises that fall predominantly in rural areas, many of which may otherwise be at risk of digital exclusion due to lack of access to a gigabit-capable broadband connection via commercial delivery.

Building Digital UK (BDUK) reports on delivery progress through its annual report and quarterly official statistics. The latest annual report was published on 23 October 2025.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by Citizens Advice The real cost of hidden deals, published on 26 September, in particular the finding that people experiencing financial difficulty are paying more for comparable mobile contracts than the average consumer.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government was concerned that the Citizens Advice report found that people experiencing financial difficulty and those experiencing mental health problems were more likely to find negotiating their fixed telecoms deal more difficult. Officials have met Citizens Advice to understand the report’s findings in more detail.

We are committed to delivering a telecoms market which works for consumers, including clear and transparent pricing. Ofcom, the independent regulator for telecoms, has introduced requirements to make it easier for people to switch provider if they want to. Ofcom also accredits price comparison websites that meet high standards for accessibility, accuracy, and transparency.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the ContractFinder entry entitled Disinformation Analysis Software awarded to Storyzy, award date 1 July 2025, for what reasons does her Department use this software.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT leads the operational response to information threats by analysing narratives and trends from publicly available information online, within its ministerially defined remit - public safety or national security risk to the UK.

This does not include the monitoring of individuals.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help ensure that the personal data of UK citizens held by UK companies but stored on US-based servers is protected from access under (a) the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT) Act of 2001 and (b) other US legislation; and whether he plans to take steps to increase data sovereignty protections.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Under UK data protection laws, UK organisations must ensure personal data is appropriately protected when transferred internationally. The UK has an adequacy decision for certain transfers to the US, which assessed US government access laws and practices. Where adequacy cannot be relied upon, organisations must use alternative safeguards, such as contractual clauses.

The UK believes complex issues like data security and digital governance are best addressed through transparent, inclusive multi-stakeholder engagement. The UK remains committed to working with international partners via recognised global mechanisms to promote shared understanding and responsible behaviours, while supporting UK-based data-driven businesses to innovate and grow.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what measures the Government Digital Service has in place to continue to run critical services in the event of a major internet outage.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government Digital Service (GDS) builds resilient critical services by operating these across multiple locations or dispersed geographies.

This underlying redundancy reduces the chance of a major outage impacting service availability.  GDS uses third-party products to build and operate our services, these are covered by contractual service-level agreements.

Whilst GDS depends on the overall stability of internet networks and availability of key providers, both service teams and the organisation actively manage business continuity plans in consideration of these factors and our technical systems and operations.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of ethical and legal considerations regarding Anthropic's use of copyright-protected works in training its Claude AI model before awarding the contract for the GOV.UK chat service to the company.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government Digital Service recognises the importance of ethical and legal considerations relating to the use of copyright-protected material in the training of large language models.

A range of large language models from multiple suppliers have been considered in developing GOV.UK Chat. Earlier iterations tested OpenAI’s ChatGPT models, while the current phase is evaluating Anthropic’s Claude models. Model selection decisions are based on performance, security, data protection, cost, and alignment with government standards.

GOV.UK Chat is being developed entirely within the Government Digital Service by a multidisciplinary team of civil servants. The Government continues to engage with UK-based AI developers and remains open to collaboration where this supports innovation and the delivery of public services.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions his Department has had with Innovate UK on (a) when it plans to open the next Biomedical Catalyst grant awards and (b) steps being taken to ensure a wide range of biomedical businesses can apply for grants via that programme.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Biomedical Catalyst has a suite of competitions designed to support small and medium sized businesses to progress projects at different stages of development.

There is currently one grant opportunity open - Innovate UK Biomedical Catalyst Accelerator – Hospital to Community - which closes on the 31st of October. The next round of industry-led R&D funding is under preparation and expected to be launched early Nov and open for 4 weeks.

Innovate UK promotes R&D funding opportunities through social media and other communication channels. Biomedical Catalyst also utilises Business Connect services to engage with UK businesses by offering bespoke, sustained 1:1 support as well as providing advice and access to resources that can help promote Biomedical Catalyst, and support with applications and funding.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has had recent discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the application of VAT for (a) medicines and (b) treatments provided for medical (i) trials or (ii) compassionate use under the Early Access to Medicines Scheme.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The DSIT Secretary of State has not met with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to discuss this particular matter.

There has been no recent law or policy change in this area.

Application of VAT is determined on a case-by-case basis depending on specific details of the nature of the supplies. This includes medicines or treatments provided for free under the Early Access to Medicines Scheme (EAMS). In certain circumstances the giving of goods away for free can be outside the scope of VAT. Where the supply is within the scope of VAT a relief may apply, meaning the supply can be made VAT free.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to support access to growth capital for scaling UK tech firms.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

DSIT delivers specific policy interventions to unlock growth investment for UK science and technology firms, as well as contributing deep science and technology expertise to initiatives led by others, such as the British Business Bank’s £4bn Industrial Strategy Growth Capital Fund. A second cohort of Science and Technology Venture Capital Fellows will commence training in November, receiving specialist training overseen by DSIT to enable them to launch deep-tech venture capital funds. And, DSIT sponsors the National Security Strategic Investment Fund’s investment arm, making direct investments into companies developing strategically-important dual-use technologies, with increased funding up to £330m for 2026-30.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she plans to take to encourage continued private investment in rural broadband infrastructure.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

In July, we published our draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services that sets out the Government’s view on infrastructure sharing in the fixed telecoms sector, including asking Ofcom to demonstrate greater transparency in how they calculate and set PIA prices.

The draft Statement also sets out how Ofcom can continue to support private investment across the UK, including in rural areas, by promoting competition.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that all workplaces in the United Kingdom use of generative AI tools, including chatbots and content-generation systems, is limited to technologies which are compliant with cybersecurity and data protection regulations.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

DSIT supports the use of AI tools in UK workplaces and has established voluntary baseline cyber security requirements for all AI systems and models. The Government’s Code of Practice for the Cyber Security of AI, published in 2025, identifies requirements for securing AI systems with an implementation guide to support adoption. DSIT officials are working with AI companies, and sectors adopting AI, to raise awareness and uptake of the Code. The ICO has issued employment practices and guidance on AI and data protection regulations to employers and has the authority to investigate and impose penalties for non-compliance.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what alternative suppliers they considered for the GOV.UK chat service before selecting Anthropic's Claude model; and what assessment they have made of contracting United Kingdom based AI developers for this project.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government Digital Service has considered a range of large language models from multiple suppliers in developing GOV.UK Chat. Earlier iterations tested OpenAI’s ChatGPT models, while the current phase is evaluating Anthropic’s Claude models. Model selection decisions are based on performance, security, data protection, cost, and alignment with government standards. GOV.UK Chat is being developed entirely within the Government Digital Service by a multidisciplinary team of civil servants. The Government continues to engage with UK-based AI developers and remains open to collaboration where this supports innovation and the delivery of public services.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help tackle (a) the blackout challenge and (b) other physically harmful trends on social media.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Under the Online Safety Act, services need to put in place protections for all users from content which is illegal. There are additional protections for children from harmful content, including content that encourages or promotes dangerous stunts or challenges, serious violence or injury, and content encouraging ingestion, inhalation or exposure to harmful substances.

Ofcom’s guidance states that asphyxiation challenges like the ''blackout challenge’’ are examples of dangerous stunt and challenge content. Therefore, services likely to be accessed by children are required to protect children from this content by taking measures such as filtering out harmful content from children's algorithmic feeds.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support UK-based AI developers through government procurement processes, in the light of the establishment of the Sovereign AI unit.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Sovereign AI Unit was announced in the AI Opportunities Action Plan as a new initiative specifically designed to build homegrown capability in emerging areas of the AI ecosystem. Backed by £500 million at the Spending Review, the programme is focused on unlocking opportunities where targeted public intervention can support UK leadership, scale national champions, and secure long-term strategic advantage.

In relation to procurement specifically, the Digital Commercial Centre of Excellence, established earlier this year following the publication of ‘A blueprint for modern digital government’ by DSIT, plays an important role in shaping best practice in relation to technology procurement policy.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of (a) the cyber-security of services provided to the Government by Global Switch, (b) the potential implications of its Chinese ownership for national security and (c) the decision of the Australian Government to stop using the company.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

We do not comment on specific national security cases or specific companies.

Ensuring the security of UK data is a priority for the government. When the government procures any service, cybersecurity is a paramount requirement. Government departments conduct thorough cybersecurity checks on all suppliers before sharing data and continuously monitor their compliance with these requirements throughout the contract's duration. If there is evidence of threats to our data, including in relation to data centres, we will not hesitate to take the necessary action to protect our national security.

We have taken decisive action to monitor, and mitigate, potential future threats to data centres. Last year this Government designated data centres as Critical National Infrastructure, putting them on a level footing with emergency services systems. We work closely with industry to understand risks and manage threats to the UK’s infrastructure.

We do not comment on the security decisions of other governments.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the outage of Amazon Web Services in October 2025 on Government web services.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

I refer the hon. Member for Newton Abbot to the answer given on 27 October 2025 to Question 83776.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether he has held discussions with the Home Secretary (a) attracting and (b) retaining talented (i) researchers and (ii) innovators through the UK visa system.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As set out in the Immigration White Paper, the Government is committed to delivering a competitive immigration system that attracts and retains talented international researchers and innovators. This includes reforms to our top talent visa routes, such as the Global Talent and High Potential Individual visas.

The recently launched Global Talent Taskforce is also working across Government and with my Department to support efforts to bring world-class talent to key Industrial Strategy sectors in the UK. My Department and DSIT Ministers work closely with the Home Office and across Government to ensure we continue to attract and retain top talent.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the AI Growth Lab promotes (a) responsible and (b) ethical AI innovation.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The AI Growth Lab is designed to enable closely-supervised testing of innovative AI technologies in real-world settings, so that safe, beneficial AI can reach the market faster.

Robust safeguards would be in place, including clear “red lines” - regulations which are strictly out of scope, such as consumer safety provisions, fundamental rights, workers’ protections, and intellectual property rights – to maintain safety and preserve public trust.

The Call for Evidence, which is open until 2 January, seeks views from the public, Parliament and innovators to inform further development of proposals, helping to drive growth and responsible AI innovation.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to help people to prepare for the digital switchover in rural areas.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government has acted to ensure any risks arising from the industry-led migration of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) are mitigated for all customers. Major communication providers and network operators signed voluntary charters in December 2023 and March 2024. To enhance protections for vulnerable customers, the Government secured new commitments from the telecoms industry in November 2024, including further safeguards set out in the non-voluntary migrations checklist.

One of the safeguards is to ensure that customers that have been identified as vulnerable, are provided with a battery back-up solution that provides over one hour of access to emergency services in the event of a power outage. This includes those who are landline dependent (e.g. because they live in a mobile not-spot). Many providers are going beyond these safeguards, including batteries that last 4-7 hours.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether OpenAI’s UK data storage facilities will be subject to routine government security audits.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Data centres were designated as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) in September 2024. In recognition of this, the government is expected to introduce proportionate regulatory oversight of this sector. The expected vehicle is the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill (CSRB). This will encapsulate OpenAI operations that use colocation services which are covered by the regulations in the CSRB.

DSIT is actively considering options to further improve the cyber security and resilience of Data Centres, as outlined in the Cyber Security and Resilience Policy Statement that was published on 1 April 2025. This would apply to most UK based data centres, including those used by OpenAI.

Specific questions in relation to contracts between OpenAI and relevant Government Departments are a matter for that Government Department. Departments must carry out cyber security assurance of their critical services through GovAssure, assessing key security outcomes against the National Cyber Security Centre's Cyber Assessment Framework. Government’s Public Procurement Note 014 directs all commercial suppliers holding government OFFICIAL, personnel or citizen data to have a minimum of NCSC’s Cyber Essentials certification.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to support alternative network providers to deploy broadband in (a) Hexham constituency, (b) Northumberland, (c) Newcastle, (d) the North East and (e) England.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The government is committed to ensuring 99% of UK premises receive gigabit coverage by 2032.

In July, we published a consultation on a draft updated Statement of Strategic Priorities to Ofcom that sets out the government’s view on the importance of competition to promote investment in broadband deployment across the UK, including in rural areas. A pro-competition regulatory environment will allow alternative networks to continue to play a key role in the fibre roll-out. We are currently reviewing responses to the consultation and will publish our response in due course.

In non-commercially viable, often rural, areas, more than £2.4 billion of Project Gigabit contracts have already been signed, including with alternative networks, to connect over one million more premises with gigabit-capable broadband.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to support alternative network providers to deploy broadband in rural areas.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The government is committed to ensuring 99% of UK premises receive gigabit coverage by 2032.

In July, we published a consultation on a draft updated Statement of Strategic Priorities to Ofcom that sets out the government’s view on the importance of competition to promote investment in broadband deployment across the UK, including in rural areas. A pro-competition regulatory environment will allow alternative networks to continue to play a key role in the fibre roll-out. We are currently reviewing responses to the consultation and will publish our response in due course.

In non-commercially viable, often rural, areas, more than £2.4 billion of Project Gigabit contracts have already been signed, including with alternative networks, to connect over one million more premises with gigabit-capable broadband.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, for what reason the Government Digital Service does not list Taiwan as a place of residence.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Government Digital Service currently uses the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) list of recognised countries to ensure consistency across UK government services. This policy is under review.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what review they are undertaking, if any, of the duty under the Online Safety Act 2023 for internet service providers to take action to prevent child users accessing harmful and illegal suicide and self-harm content online.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Monitoring and evaluation are key to understanding the effectiveness of the online safety regime. The government and Ofcom are monitoring the regime’s impact through a programme of evaluation work to track the effect of the regime and feed into a statutory Post Implementation Review. The Online Safety Act applies to online user to user services and search services.

Further, Ofcom’s Online Experiences Tracker survey is issued twice a year. The most recent data was published in October covering the experiences of adults (aged 18+). The first wave of data from the new Children’s Online Safety Tracker will be published later this year, and the second wave will be published in Spring 2026.

We also engage with civil society and monitor research and reports they publish on online harms.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to implement the new blueprint for AI regulation, announced on 21 October, including the creation of 'AI Growth Labs' and sector-specific regulatory sandboxes.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The AI Growth Lab would be a cross-economy sandbox. The Lab aims to drive responsible AI innovation and adoption and generate an evidence base for agile regulatory reform, by enabling time-limited, closely supervised regulatory modifications to be piloted in live environments.

A call for evidence on the AI Growth Lab is now live, closing on 2 January, seeking input from a range of stakeholders on the Growth Lab design.

Responses will help inform further policy development, shaping more detailed proposals for the Lab and its implementation, ensuring that any changes balance innovation with public trust.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what action they are taking to attract people with cybersecurity and artificial intelligence skills to apply to settle in the UK.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government recognises the importance of attracting world-class cybersecurity and AI talent to maintain the UK’s position as a global tech leader.

Through the AI Action Plan, we are taking action to strengthen the domestic talent pipeline and ensure the UK remains attractive to global innovators. The AI Spärck Master’s programme will offer up to 100 fully funded places for exceptional graduates, while the Turing AI Global Fellowships provide up to £5 million per fellow to relocate to the UK, build a highly skilled team, and undertake transformative core AI research. Moreover, the AI Security Institute provides comprehensive visa and relocation support for frontier AI researchers, ensuring the UK remains a global centre for safe and responsible AI development.

The Global Talent Taskforce has also been launched to address barriers to international recruitment and promotes the UK to top-tier talent. Domestically, the TechFirst and CyberFirst programmes are growing UK-based expertise. CyberFirst has reached 415,000 young people and offers scholarships with an 88% job placement rate.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will review the impact of the failure of supply by Amazon Web Services and identify how best to ensure the future resilience of essential national services.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is already working with departments to assess the high-level impacts of the outage, and will use the data gathered to inform future resilience plans for essential national services.

Government is also working to fully understand the broader impact of the outage. Under the Security of Network and Information Systems Regulations (2018) relevant digital service providers - including cloud providers like AWS - are required to have measures in place to boost the physical and cyber security and resilience of the systems they rely on to provide those services. The forthcoming Cyber Security & Resilience Bill will boost those protections and bring managed service providers and critical suppliers into scope.

DSIT will publish the Government Cyber Action Plan this Winter, which sets out a clear approach for Government and the public sector to manage cyber security and resilience incidents.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they are making to ensure that the UK–EU data adequacy decision is renewed before its expiration on 27 December.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government recognises the importance of our EU adequacy decisions and continues to engage with the European Commission to support their successful renewal, acknowledging that this is a unilateral process undertaken by the EU.

The Government welcomed the publication of the European Commission’s draft adequacy decisions in July, which conclude that the UK continues to provide an adequate level of data protection, and looks forward to the completion of the adoption process ahead of the 27 December deadline.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure that UK participation in the European Space Agency effectively supports UK interests.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Through the UK Space Agency, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) leads the UK’s participation in the European Space Agency’s (ESA) policy and programme discussions to ensure all UK investments deliver substantial benefits for our economy, scientific and technological progress, and commercial success, in direct support of our national interests.

We will negotiate at the ESA Council of Ministers next month, new multi-year programmes and funding arrangements that maximise opportunities for UK businesses, researchers, and innovators. The UK Space Agency (UKSA) is proactively consulting with a wide range of stakeholders from across the UK space sector to ensure that the UK’s priorities of economic growth and national security are reflected in the outcomes of the Council, and we will continue to deliver high-quality monitoring and evaluation of the UK’s participation in ESA through a robust framework that assesses impact, value for money, and strategic alignment with national priorities. In August 2025, the UKSA published its latest evaluation of the benefits of the UK's investments in ESA.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether British Sign Language AI procurement is subject to algorithmic impact assessments.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

We are not aware of any cross-Government British Sign Language AI procurement.

The government has committed to ensure that algorithmic tools used in the public sector are used safely and transparently and is taking active steps to ensure this. The Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard is mandatory for all government departments. It communicates information about how and why algorithmic tools are used, who is responsible for them, how they are embedded in broader decision-making processes, their technical specifications, and relevant risk mitigations and impact assessments.

The Data Ethics Framework guides appropriate and responsible data use in government and the wider public sector. It helps public servants understand ethical considerations, address these within their projects, and encourages responsible innovation.

Additionally, the Service Manual and Service Standard guide service teams across the public sector on the design and development of digital services, including those enabled by AI.

A service must be accessible to everyone who needs it, including services only used by public servants. Digital services must meet level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) as a minimum and service teams must include disabled people and people who use assistive technologies in the design of those services. WCAG 2.2 addresses the needs of people who are deaf or hard of hearing primarily through guidelines for multimedia, such as providing captions, transcripts, and sign language interpretations.

The compliance of central government digital services with the WCAG regulations is monitored by the Government Digital Service.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what British Sign Language (BSL) standards are being used in (a) government and (b) public services in the commissioning of BSL AI.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Providing BSL translations of pre-recorded audio and video content is a WCAG 2.2 AAA criterion. As outlined in the Government Service Standard, all digital government services must as a minimum meet Level AA. AAA is best practice.

Current best practice guidance for use of BSL in digital public services advises that BSL videos are independently assured by a Deaf-led BSL supplier.

We are not aware of any digital public services currently using AI generated BSL content. No specific accessibility standards for this use case of AI are currently applied and would be guided by both the government’s Data Ethics Framework and Service Standard.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 24 October 2025 to Question 82424 on Animal Experiments, which experiments does the alternative methods strategy include timelines for phasing out.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Labour Manifesto commits to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”, which is a long-term goal.

The government will publish a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods later this year and will outline targets and timelines for the phasing out of some specific applications of animal testing.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she is taking steps with Cabinet colleagues to provide oversight of the monitoring of the (a) quality of, (b) adequacy of engagement with deaf people and (b) other aspects of the deployment of British Sign Language AI systems in public services.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government Digital Service set and assess the cross government digital service standard. Before going live, services are assessed against this 14-point standard which includes the service team providing evidence for how the service is accessible to everyone who needs it.

To meet the standard and assessment, digital services must conduct research with disabled people, including Deaf users and where appropriate to the service provision, those who use sign language or a sign language interpreter to interact with the service.

Services must make sure any BSL video is culturally appropriate by working with the BSL community, testing it, or getting feedback.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has had recent discussions with Ofcom on the costs of the per-metre charging regime to rural network builders.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As the independent regulator for telecommunications, Ofcom is responsible for making regulatory decisions in the fixed telecoms sector, including on the Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product.

DSIT is engaging on this issue with Ofcom at an official level. In July, we published our draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services that sets out the Government’s view on infrastructure sharing in the fixed telecoms sector, including asking Ofcom to demonstrate greater transparency in how they calculate and set PIA prices.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions her Department has had with Ofcom on the cost of the per-metre charging regime for rural network builders.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As the independent regulator for telecommunications, Ofcom is responsible for making regulatory decisions in the fixed telecoms sector, including on the Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product.

DSIT is engaging on this issue with Ofcom at an official level. In July, we published our draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services that sets out the Government’s view on infrastructure sharing in the fixed telecoms sector, including asking Ofcom to demonstrate greater transparency in how they calculate and set PIA prices.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent assessment she has made of the contribution of the space industry to the economy.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The UK space sector plays a significant role in the UK economy. Data from the latest Size and Health of the UK Space Industry, published in August 2024, indicate that the UK space industry has more than double UK average productivity, and global satellite services underpin approximately 18% of the UK’s GDP. The UK space industry has 1,900 companies and makes £18.6 billion in revenue each year. The industry has a workforce of 55,600 that is exceptionally highly qualified, with 70% holding at least a primary degree.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure individual personal data is secure.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

All organisations in the UK that process personal data have to comply with the requirements of the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA). Amongst other things, the legislation requires organisations to have appropriate technical and security measures in place to protect personal data against unauthorised or unlawful processing and against accidental loss, destruction, or damage.

Under the Data (Use and Access) Act, the Information Commissioner, the UK’s independent regulator for data protection, will have strengthened enforcement powers to hold organisations accountable in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to monitor the quality of the deployment of British Sign Language AI across public services; and whether Deaf people have been consulted on that deployment.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

85294: We are not aware of any digital public services currently using AI generated BSL content. The Service Manual and Service Standard guide service teams across the public sector on the design and development of digital services, including those enabled by AI.

A service must be accessible to everyone who needs it, including services only used by public servants. Digital services must meet level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.2) as a minimum and service teams must include disabled people and people who use assistive technologies in the design of those services.

The compliance of central government digital services with the WCAG regulations is monitored by the Government Digital Service.

85295: In addition to above (85294) c) services must make sure the non-digital parts of a service are accessible. For example, government departments must make sure that users who are deaf or have a speech impairment are offered a way to contacting the service (by text, email or in person with a British Sign Language translator or lip reader).

This standard would still apply if the service used BSL content that was AI generated.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of reviewing the Submarine Telegraph Act 1885.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 17 July 2025 to Question UIN 66464.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of progress on improving broadband coverage in North East Somerset and Hanham constituency.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Good progress on improving broadband coverage has been made in the North East Somerset and Hanham constituency.

According to the independent website ThinkBroadband.com, approximately 91% of premises in this constituency have access to gigabit-capable broadband (of 1000 Mbps or faster), this is up from 87% in 2024. This figure exceeds the UK average, which currently stands at 89%.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure tenants in (a) flats and (b) tenements in Scotland are included in the full fibre rollout; and whether she plans to publish a consultation on bringing forward legislative proposals to update access rules for full fibre.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement on 21 July we will consult on policy measures later in the autumn to create a new right for leaseholders in England and Wales to request a gigabit broadband connection and a duty for freeholders to not unreasonably refuse the request. We are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on the policy proposals and we will seek to legislate for these measures when parliamentary time allows.

Scottish Tenements are a devolved matter and governed by Scotland. We're engaging with the Devolved Nations on a range of issues relating to the deployment of digital infrastructure, including issues relating to access.

Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) that remain not covered by commercial plans will be in scope for support for full fibre rollout through Project Gigabit.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has made an assessment with her counterpart in the Scottish government on the potential merits of bringing forward legislative proposals to allow broadband providers to access communal areas in multi dwelling units with majority owner consent.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

As set out in the Written Ministerial Statement on 21 July we will consult on policy measures later in the autumn to create a new right for leaseholders in England and Wales to request a gigabit broadband connection and a duty for freeholders to not unreasonably refuse the request. We are working closely with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on the policy proposals and we will seek to legislate for these measures when parliamentary time allows.

Scottish Tenements are a devolved matter and governed by Scotland. We're engaging with the Devolved Nations on a range of issues relating to the deployment of digital infrastructure, including issues relating to access.

Multiple Dwelling Units (MDUs) that remain not covered by commercial plans will be in scope for support for full fibre rollout through Project Gigabit.

Found: from the Minister of State for Data Protection and Telecoms, Sir Chris Bryant, regarding UKSA and DSIT

Found: Has his department had conversations and meetings with DSIT, which is responsible for that whole element

Found: Correspondence from Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, re: DSIT Research and

Found: SSC recommends that engagement be formalised through regular working groups chaired by MOD and DSIT,

Found: Lucy Rigby: Yes, that will be from DSIT. Chair: Do you know what the timeframe is?

Found: first in DCMS then latterly by a new dedicated Office for Digital Identities and Attributes within DSIT

Found: Cyber security and HMT’s work with DSIT As you know, issues of cyber security and resilience are far

Found: Department on cross-Government data sharing until recently—I believe that has been transferred to DSIT

Found: and 2025/6 on mitigation and adaptation across four Government Departments: FCDO, DESNZ, DEFRA and DSIT

Found: You will have seen from the skills White Paper, which was jointly authored by DFE, DWP and DSIT, the

Found: Alex Sobel: I was just down the corridor yesterday with the Secretaries of State for DCMS and for DSIT

Found: Although not strictly an arms-length body, the FCDO/DSIT Science and Technology Network (formerly Science

Found: Although not strictly an arms-length body, the FCDO/DSIT Science and Technology Network (formerly Science

Found: The nine DSIT-funded British International Research Institutes (BIRI), strategically embedded across

Found: The nine DSIT-funded British International Research Institutes (BIRI), strategically embedded across

Found: We support DSIT in the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) and are full members for the UK of

Found: We support DSIT in the ITU (International Telecommunications Union) and are full members for the UK

Found: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: Written evidence submitted by WWF-UK (IGF0048) Response to DSIT Call for Evidence: Innovation and Global

Found: Written evidence submitted by WWF-UK (IGF0048) Response to DSIT Call for Evidence: Innovation and

Found: A working group, if not already established, with officials from DEFRA, DSIT, and DB could ensure that

Found: A working group, if not already established, with officials from DEFRA, DSIT, and DB could ensure that

Found: In late 2024, DSIT published the results of an online survey on public trust in engineering biology,

Found: In late 2024, DSIT published the results of an online survey on public trust in engineering biology,

Found: overseas development and establish enhanced agroecological research capacity to demonstrate how 12 DSIT

Found: a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: Establishment (PSRE), and an Executive Agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and hosted at LGC, the GC provides

Found: technologies primarily in agriculture, in order to make a positive impact on food security, IFST would urge DSIT

Found: Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and hosted at LGC, the GC provides

Found: Establishment (PSRE), and an Executive Agency of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: technologies primarily in agriculture, in order to make a positive impact on food security, IFST would urge DSIT

Found: non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT

Found: Royal Society of Biology submission to the UK Spending Review Part 2, 2025 10 Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

Found: Minister Kanishka Narayan Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

Found: State for Science, Innovation and Technology 22 Whitehall Place London SW1A 2BD www.gov.uk/dsit

Found: I am trying to understand the role of DSIT through Lord Vallance and the Office for Life Sciences in

Found: I am trying to understand the role of DSIT through Lord Vallance and the Office for Life Sciences in

Found: We also need to line up with our colleagues in DSIT, with the Online Safety Act, and so on.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what resources they are making available to support training and resourcing for artificial intelligence and large language models in planning departments for the purpose of (1) assessing good design, and (2) boosting productivity in those departments and local authorities.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government is committed to building more high-quality, well-designed, and sustainable homes and places. There is a clear framework through policy and guidance on how to achieve well-designed places in plan making and decision making, and the principles of good design are set out in national design guidance. We will be publishing updated guidance in due course. We are also exploring the role of digital tools to support local planning authorities to deliver good design through the planning system.

We support the responsible integration of AI across local government operations and services to reduce costs, drive efficiencies and improve service outcomes.

My department is working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Incubator for AI (i.AI) to deliver the ‘Extract’ product, which uses AI to transform planning information and maps from PDFs into data. This will unlock data, which can be made available on planning.data.gov.uk, to power innovation, analysis and new types of planning software. We intend to make this product available for all local authorities in England during 2026. We are developing Extract to make it as intuitive as possible to all users, to encourage greater adoption. As a vital part of our commitment to developing AI-enabled products responsibly, we are also identifying and meeting the need for AI literacy and training among users in local planning authorities.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have made an assessment of the research by Create Streets, AI Judging Architecture for Well-Being: Large Language Models Simulate Human Empathy and Predict Public Preference, published on 13 October, for the purpose of supporting the use of good design in the planning system.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government is committed to building more high-quality, well-designed, and sustainable homes and places. There is a clear framework through policy and guidance on how to achieve well-designed places in plan making and decision making, and the principles of good design are set out in national design guidance. We will be publishing updated guidance in due course. We are also exploring the role of digital tools to support local planning authorities to deliver good design through the planning system.

We support the responsible integration of AI across local government operations and services to reduce costs, drive efficiencies and improve service outcomes.

My department is working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Incubator for AI (i.AI) to deliver the ‘Extract’ product, which uses AI to transform planning information and maps from PDFs into data. This will unlock data, which can be made available on planning.data.gov.uk, to power innovation, analysis and new types of planning software. We intend to make this product available for all local authorities in England during 2026. We are developing Extract to make it as intuitive as possible to all users, to encourage greater adoption. As a vital part of our commitment to developing AI-enabled products responsibly, we are also identifying and meeting the need for AI literacy and training among users in local planning authorities.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to encourage the use of artificial intelligence by planning departments and local authorities to support good design.

Answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The government is committed to building more high-quality, well-designed, and sustainable homes and places. There is a clear framework through policy and guidance on how to achieve well-designed places in plan making and decision making, and the principles of good design are set out in national design guidance. We will be publishing updated guidance in due course. We are also exploring the role of digital tools to support local planning authorities to deliver good design through the planning system.

We support the responsible integration of AI across local government operations and services to reduce costs, drive efficiencies and improve service outcomes.

My department is working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) Incubator for AI (i.AI) to deliver the ‘Extract’ product, which uses AI to transform planning information and maps from PDFs into data. This will unlock data, which can be made available on planning.data.gov.uk, to power innovation, analysis and new types of planning software. We intend to make this product available for all local authorities in England during 2026. We are developing Extract to make it as intuitive as possible to all users, to encourage greater adoption. As a vital part of our commitment to developing AI-enabled products responsibly, we are also identifying and meeting the need for AI literacy and training among users in local planning authorities.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department's responsibilities include media literacy.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government aims to improve media literacy through cross-government collaboration, educational initiatives and collaboration with Ofcom, civil society, and online platforms. This approach supports Ofcom's regulatory media literacy duties and promotes media literacy through broader policy initiatives and cross-sector collaboration.

As the lead department for media literacy, DSIT is committed to improving media literacy through coordinated cross-government work. DCMS contributes to this cross-government effort by supporting a free, sustainable and plural media landscape.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to help improve media literacy.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government aims to improve media literacy through cross-government collaboration, educational initiatives and collaboration with Ofcom, civil society, and online platforms. This approach supports Ofcom's regulatory media literacy duties and promotes media literacy through broader policy initiatives and cross-sector collaboration.

As the lead department for media literacy, DSIT is committed to improving media literacy through coordinated cross-government work. DCMS contributes to this cross-government effort by supporting a free, sustainable and plural media landscape.

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