Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has conducted an analysis of the mobile connectivity and 5G network infrastructure requirements of the Clean Energy Industries Industrial Strategy Sector Plan.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy published in June 2025, the government committed to delivering an assessment of the telecommunications needs of the energy, water and transport sectors by the end of 2026. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is delivering the cross-sector analysis, with the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority coordinating the overall programme. The Department is contributing evidence on energy sector telecommunications requirements to support this work, which includes requirements for energy-related government plans.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether his Department has undertaken an analysis of the mobile connectivity and 5G network infrastructure requirements of the Clean Power 2030 Action Plan.

Answered by Michael Shanks - Minister of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

In the 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy published in June 2025, the government committed to delivering an assessment of the telecommunications needs of the energy, water and transport sectors by the end of 2026. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is delivering the cross-sector analysis, with the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority coordinating the overall programme. The Department is contributing evidence on energy sector telecommunications requirements to support this work, which includes requirements for energy-related government plans.

Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has undertaken an analysis of the mobile connectivity and 5G network infrastructure requirements of the eight sectors identified in the Industrial Strategy.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade) (Jointly with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero)

The government’s approach to 5G and mobile connectivity is set out in the ‘UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Plan’ on GOV.UK. The government’s ambition is for all populated areas to have standalone 5G by 2030, delivered through commercial investment. The Digital & Technologies Sector Plan (GOV.UK) outlines the Industrial Strategy’s approach to 5G and Advanced Connectivity Technologies. We have already begun to invest in ACT, with over £300 million spent since 2022 to promote R&D through the Open Networks Programme and Technology Missions Fund.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has undertaken an analysis of the mobile connectivity and 5G network infrastructure requirements for each project in the Government Major Projects Portfolio.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

HM Treasury has not undertaken specific analysis of the digital and telecoms requirements of each Government Major Projects Portfolio project. However, the UK 10 Year Infrastructure Strategy takes a digital-first approach to infrastructure, meaning these needs should be considered a priority as projects are developed.

The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) is working with other government departments to analyse telecoms requirements at a sector level across transport, energy and water and is leading the development of ALIGN - the government’s national infrastructure spatial tool. This is a single digital platform bringing together strategies, data and tools - including AI - to identify local infrastructure needs and constraints. The objective of this work is to provide granular modelling outputs and insights to strengthen the local evidence base for place-based infrastructure investment decisions.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his Department has undertaken an analysis of the mobile connectivity and 5G network infrastructure requirements of the NHS Productivity Plan.

Answered by Preet Kaur Gill

The Government is committed to delivering reliable, high-speed connectivity to care settings across the National Health Service as part of its 10-Year Health Plan.

In line with the NHS Productivity Plan, NHS England’s Frontline Productivity Programme has assessed mobile coverage across England and is working with providers to address variations in 5G services. This includes a national trial to identify innovative solutions that maximise connectivity resilience across care settings, and the trial will include an assessment of potential productivity benefits for frontline NHS services.

Depending on findings, the national trial is expected to conclude in early 2027 with the programme providing the NHS with advice and guidance on deployment of said innovative solutions, thereafter.

Memorial plaque for Ann Widdecombe

Found: Breakdown of UK funding to the Palestinian Authority Aphra Brandreth MP requested further information

Found: Watch the meeting Members present: Emily Thornberry (Chair); Fleur Anderson; Alex Ballinger; Aphra Brandreth

The Committee is examining the UK Government’s approach to Syria following the collapse of the Assad Regime in December 2024 and the establishment of a transitional government. 

Submit Evidence (by 3 Sep 2026)

The National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence Review identify Russia as the most acute threat to the UK. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the UK Government has focused its defence and foreign policy posture on visible and practical support for Ukraine. The Committee is launching an inquiry on Russia to consider the UK’s bilateral relationship and whether the UK’s long-term strategic approach to a post-conflict Russia is clearly defined.