Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, which key R&D institutions will receive a 10 year budget.

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

The government will set ten-year budgets for certain R&D activities, giving certainty to form long-term partnerships with industry and stay at the forefront of global innovation.

Further details will be announced in due course.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what his planned timetable is for commencing negotiations on the UK’s association to the EU’s Framework Programme 10.

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

The government’s primary focus is on continuing efforts, both domestically and in collaboration with the EU, to boost UK participation in Horizon Europe (FP9). That must be the immediate priority.

However, the government will of course closely observe the development of any future programmes with interest. The Trade and Cooperation Agreement provides a long-term basis for cooperation in areas of shared interest, such as science, research, and innovation.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, when he plans to publish an Industrial Strategy.

Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

As stated in the Kings Speech this government is committed to establishing an industrial strategy council on a statutory footing. Growth is this Government's number one priority. To achieve growth and create secure, well-paid jobs across the country, we will get businesses investing again through a clear, credible, long-term modern Industrial Strategy. To succeed, the Strategy will need to be designed and delivered in partnership with business, unions, local leaders and wider stakeholders. The Strategy will be published in the coming months and I will update the house in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans he has for stakeholders to contribute to the Strategic Defence and Security Review.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

This Review will help set the path for Britain’s defence for the next decade and is to be Britain’s review – not just the Government's. The Review will be headed by three external Reviewers led by Lord Roberson of Port Ellen and supported Dr Fiona Hill CMG and General Sir Richard Barrons. It will be a root and branch review that considers all aspects of Defence. The Reviewers will consult widely, including with Parliament, the Defence community, academia, and industry. Allies will be engaged regularly to seek their views.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department plans to review the Science and Technology Framework.

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

The Science and Technology Framework provides a holistic picture of the critical levers to target science and technology to drive growth and improve the lives of citizens. Work under the Science and Technology Framework has shown the benefit of taking a cross-HMG, systems approach to science and technology. The Framework will act as a policy tool to support the delivery of core priorities, such as the five Missions and Industrial Strategy.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if her Department will make an assessment of the effectiveness of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement.

Answered by Janet Daby - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Education)

The government recognises that lifelong learning is a core part of a sustainable higher education system which provides opportunities for all and offers learners greater flexibility in an ever-evolving economy.

At present, the department is working to ensure that its approach to lifelong learning will be as effective as possible, enabling people to gain the skills they need to support their careers.

International Criminal Court, Gaza and the Rule of Law

Student protests in Bangladesh