Asked by: Anna Gelderd (Labour - South East Cornwall)
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 that rural communities have sufficient digital connectivity and infrastructure to benefit from developments in artificial intelligence.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Availability of high-quality digital connectivity underpins the UK’s digital capabilities, including the ability for rural communities to benefit from developments in artificial intelligence. This is why we are futureproofing the UK’s networks, with a target to deliver 99% gigabit broadband coverage by 2032 and an ambition for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G coverage by 2030.
We have created a competition-friendly environment in areas where deployment of gigabit broadband is commercially viable, and through Project Gigabit we are focusing government funds on the remaining areas of the country, including rural areas, where commercial deployment is less likely. According to Ofcom, gigabit services became available to a further 243,897 rural premises between July 2025 and January 2026.
As highlighted in the recent Mobile Market Review call for evidence, over the next decade mobile networks should support the adoption of new technologies, including AI, driving innovation and growth in sectors across the UK economy. Mobile network operators have committed significant investment plans that align with government’s 2030 ambition. Government continues to work closely with the operators to create a conducive investment climate, including through the removal of barriers to deployment where necessary.
Asked by: Anna Gelderd (Labour - South East Cornwall)
Question to the Department for Transport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what support is available to people facing financial hardship as a result of delays in the processing of medical driving licence renewals by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency.
Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has seen sustained growth in the volume and complexity of medical licence applications which has led to increased waiting times for some customers. In the interests of road safety, the DVLA must be satisfied that the required medical standards are met before a driving licence is issued.
To improve its services to customers, the DVLA has introduced a new casework system and launched a new medical services portal, so the majority of customers can now apply online through the DVLA’s driver and vehicles account. This was launched on 31 March 2026. These enhancements, alongside the recruitment of additional staff to deal with these applications and answer telephone calls, are delivering real improvements in services and turnaround times for customers.
The DVLA encourages drivers with a medical condition to apply for their driving licence renewal as early as possible and sends reminders 90 days before the driving licence is due to expire. Where an applicant tells the DVLA that they need their licence for employment and other urgent purposes, these applications are prioritised where possible.
The DVLA will also consider claims for financial compensation on a case by case basis and will make payments to cover reasonable and necessary actual financial losses incurred depending on the evidence submitted to support the claim.
Asked by: Anna Gelderd (Labour - South East Cornwall)
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 improve online safety protections for children using artificial intelligence-enabled platforms and services.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Protecting children online, including on AI-enabled platforms and services, is a priority for this government. The Online Safety Act requires some AI chatbots to protect all their users from illegal content and to protect children from harmful content.
We are strengthening these protections using powers in the Crime and Policing Act to bring unregulated AI chatbots into scope of Online Safety Act’s illegal content duties.
Furthermore, the power in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act allows us to act quickly to further protect children following the conclusion of the children’s digital wellbeing consultation.
Asked by: Anna Gelderd (Labour - South East Cornwall)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of chemical pollutants in water bodies on human health and the environment.
Answered by Emma Hardy - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs)
The Environment Agency (EA) undertakes extensive environmental monitoring. This monitoring supports the assessment of both current water quality status and longer-term trends, including the identification of substances causing failures of environmental standards. The EA is expanding its science and evidence base, through programmes focused on emerging chemicals and substances of concern. These programmes aim to improve understanding of sources, pathways, environmental behaviour, and potential impacts, including the effects of mixtures of chemicals and long-term exposure.
Commissioned by Defra, the Public Health Water Taskforce is a scientific and technical advisory group, considering the public health risks associated with poor drinking and recreational water quality, including chemical pollutants, and opportunities for mitigation.
Asked by: Anna Gelderd (Labour - South East Cornwall)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what information his Department holds on the number of people that started private gender dysphoria treatment while on NHS waiting lists in each of the last five years.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
This information is not available to NHS England or the Department.
Asked by: Anna Gelderd (Labour - South East Cornwall)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what support the NHS commissions for people awaiting assessment at Gender Identity Clinics; and what safeguarding arrangements apply to these patients.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
Local National Health Service trusts, commissioned by integrated care boards, will have the necessary skills, experience, and competence to meet the needs of individuals who are on the waiting list for gender dysphoria services and who have other health needs. Additionally, the NHS adult Gender Dysphoria Clinics may provide their own forms support, commissioned by NHS England, such as Peer Support Workers, Gender Outreach Workers, and Pre Assessment Workshops. From May 2026, NHS England will establish a single national waiting list, alongside which will be an enhanced 'waiting well' support offer.
Further to this, the Department has commissioned a pilot, delivered by the LGBT Foundation and Gendered Intelligence, to support patients on the waiting list for the adult Gender Dysphoria Clinic in the South West of England. This pilot will be evaluated and, subject to positive evaluation, may be rolled out nationally.
Asked by: Anna Gelderd (Labour - South East Cornwall)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what assessment her Department has made of the potential for artificial intelligence tools to improve access to educational support for children with SEND in rural and coastal areas.
Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)
The department recognises the potential for artificial intelligence (AI) tools, including adaptive and AI-enabled assistive technologies, to support children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities to achieve and thrive.
We are supporting the safe and effective use of AI in education through our published guidance and wider work to improve digital infrastructure, building the evidence base and supporting schools and colleges to adopt technology confidently.
This includes work to improve connectivity, through the Connect the Classroom programme supporting rural and coastal areas, work to develop workforce skills, and programmes to evaluate how technology can improve inclusion and pupil outcomes.
Some local areas are benefitting from the pilot of assistive technology lending libraries, including in rural and coastal areas such as Shropshire and County Durham. This enables schools and pupils to borrow and trial a range of tools to support access to learning, some of which may be enabled by AI.
The department is clear, however, that AI should complement the professional judgement of staff. Use of AI must be safe, evidence-informed and focused on improving outcomes for all children.
Asked by: Anna Gelderd (Labour - South East Cornwall)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many people are waiting more than 24 months for a first appointment at Gender Identity Clinics for which the latest data is available.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
In 2023, the High Court, via AA v NHS Commissioning Board, considered NHS England's approach for responding to the imbalance between demand and capacity for specialised gender services, including with reference to the Equality Act 2010. The High Court found that NHS England was making strenuous efforts to reduce waiting times and that there was no direct or indirect discrimination caused to individuals with a protected characteristic.
As of 31 March 2026, 25,456 individuals were waiting more than 24 months.
The duty of care owed by a healthcare professional to an individual patient under their care will be described in various professional guidance documents, such as the General Medical Council's Good Medical Practice.
Asked by: Anna Gelderd (Labour - South East Cornwall)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the equality implications of waiting times for Gender Identity Clinic services.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
In 2023, the High Court, via AA v NHS Commissioning Board, considered NHS England's approach for responding to the imbalance between demand and capacity for specialised gender services, including with reference to the Equality Act 2010. The High Court found that NHS England was making strenuous efforts to reduce waiting times and that there was no direct or indirect discrimination caused to individuals with a protected characteristic.
As of 31 March 2026, 25,456 individuals were waiting more than 24 months.
The duty of care owed by a healthcare professional to an individual patient under their care will be described in various professional guidance documents, such as the General Medical Council's Good Medical Practice.
Asked by: Anna Gelderd (Labour - South East Cornwall)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will set out the duty of care that applies to people awaiting assessment at Gender Identity Clinics.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
In 2023, the High Court, via AA v NHS Commissioning Board, considered NHS England's approach for responding to the imbalance between demand and capacity for specialised gender services, including with reference to the Equality Act 2010. The High Court found that NHS England was making strenuous efforts to reduce waiting times and that there was no direct or indirect discrimination caused to individuals with a protected characteristic.
As of 31 March 2026, 25,456 individuals were waiting more than 24 months.
The duty of care owed by a healthcare professional to an individual patient under their care will be described in various professional guidance documents, such as the General Medical Council's Good Medical Practice.