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

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they plan to take, if any, to introduce legislation to raise standards in the British press.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

In the UK, there is a self-regulatory system for the press, which is independent from Government. This is important for press freedom and to ensure the public has access to accurate and trustworthy information from a range of different sources. However, with this freedom comes responsibility. We expect publishers to operate within the bounds of the law and adhere to high ethical and professional standards, as well as ensure appropriate routes to redress if these standards are not met.

Looking ahead, we are closely following trends in media consumption and are carefully considering the best route forward to safeguard public trust in our news media. There are currently no plans for legislation on press standards.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government when NHS England plans to publish the updated renal service specification; and what steps they are taking to ensure the specification supports increased access to home dialysis therapies and improved patient choice.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The specification is being worked on by NHS England in line with its national service specification methods process. Stakeholder testing was recently undertaken. The timing of full publication has yet to be decided upon as the feedback from stakeholders is being considered, alongside any changes required. NHS England will set out the expected date of publication as soon as this is available.

NHS England is increasing access to home-based therapies through the Renal Services Transformation Toolkit (2023), which aims for at least 20% of patients to be treated at home. The specification will support the 20% ambition.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made towards increasing the proportion of kidney dialysis patients able to receive treatment at home, including through implementation of the NHS "three shifts" agenda from hospital to community care.

Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The latest UK Renal Registry report in 2025 shows that the uptake of home dialysis has increased, with continued progress in expanding home therapies, which account for around 15–20% of dialysis patients. A copy of the report is attached.

NHS England, renal networks, providers and patient organisations are working together to continue to increase access to home-based therapies.

Found: Kidron; Edward Morello; Lord Sedwill; Andy Slaughter; Lord Tunnicliffe; Baroness Tyler of Enfield; Lord Watts