Bob Blackman

The Government is committed to reducing and replacing the use of specially protected species, including horses, in scientific research through the Replacing Animals in Science strategy. The strategy supports the development, validation and regulatory uptake of human-specific technologies, including advanced cell-based models, organ-on-a-chip systems, data-driven approaches and AI-enabled tools. The use of specially protected species remains subject to stringent controls and is permitted only where no validated alternative exists.

The Government, in consultation with experts and business, has published 29 Impact Assessments which comprehensively outline the expected impacts of the Employment Rights Act: Employment Rights Act 2025: impact assessments - GOV.UK.

Our analysis shows that the Employment Rights Act will help increase employment and benefit over 18 million workers, with young workers being some of the largest beneficiaries of the Act.

It already does include services - and always has done.

I am delighted that many Indian students come to study in UK institutions and have done so for decades, enhancing our educational, diplomatic, political and business relationships, which is why India is one of the priority countries in our International Education Strategy 2026. Amongst other things, DBT’s International Education team has organised four education trade missions to India since 2020. One of the outcomes of this activity has been the signing of the UK-India MoU on the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQs) in 2022, which is seeing a step change in UK-India university partnerships. As part of the International Education Strategy, we engage with the alumni network, led by the British Council, as a further means to promote trade and investment opportunities.

I am delighted that many Indian students come to study in UK institutions and have done so for decades, enhancing our educational, diplomatic, political and business relationships, which is why India is one of the priority countries in our International Education Strategy 2026. Amongst other things, DBT’s International Education team has organised four education trade missions to India since 2020. One of the outcomes of this activity has been the signing of the UK-India MoU on the Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQs) in 2022, which is seeing a step change in UK-India university partnerships. As part of the International Education Strategy, we engage with the alumni network, led by the British Council, as a further means to promote trade and investment opportunities.

I can confirm that I have not seen any statements (redacted or otherwise) made by the Drax former company Secretary Brett Gladden.

The project “Palestinian Bedouin at risk of forced displacement: IHL vulnerabilities, ICC possibilities” (GB-GOV-13-OODA-AHRC-C4WCAGQ-R6SBCMZ-AYRNVWK) was funded under the AHRC/DFID Collaborative Humanitarian Protection Programme, which aimed to strengthen understanding of humanitarian protection risks and identify effective ways to reduce harm to vulnerable populations. The project produced a range of outputs, including peer‑reviewed research publications, policy papers, and wider dissemination materials, alongside field research across affected communities. It also supported wider policy, parliamentary and multilateral engagement, informed by research findings.

Value for money was an explicit assessment criterion, with all proposals subject to rigorous peer review by the Arts and Humanities Research Council and the then Department for International Development, including detailed assessment of resource justification. All projects were required to submit an Official Development Assistance (ODA) compliance statement as part of the application process, in line with standard requirements.

The UK is committed to attracting international postgraduate research (PGR) students as part of our ambition to attract the best research talent across the research pipeline. International PGRs make significant contributions to the UK’s research strength and scientific output. In 2024/25, 42% of the UK’s 120,000 postgraduate research students were non‑UK; 58% in Engineering and Technology; and 79% in research‑intensive universities, where scientific output is highest (HESA). International PGRs contribute to the over two hundred thousand research articles from the UK each year, placing the UK globally in first position on Field Weighted Citation Impact among comparator countries since 2007 (GOV.UK).

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology are considering funding into alternatives for animal testing as part of the Spending Review and cannot commit funding amounts in advance of this process.

The Government already invests £10m annually in the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) to accelerate the development and adoption of 3Rs approaches. The NC3Rs is currently undergoing a five year funding review that will determine future allocation of resources. A significant amount of research funding in the UK also goes to underpinning technologies that have the potential to deliver the 3Rs.

This Government is committed to building on the UK’s world-class strengths in the semiconductor sector to accelerate growth and unlock real-world benefits for citizens.

Last month, we announced new support for semiconductor scale-ups to advance high-potential innovations. We are backing UK semiconductor firms producing vital technology to scale up and drive economic growth.

We will also collaborate with the international community, including the EU and the G7, to ensure the UK remains a key global player.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport does not issue regulations and guidance on the use of strobe flashing lighting, however event organisers and venue operators have duties under existing health and safety legislation to protect the public from risks associated with it.

Under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, dutyholders must conduct thorough risk assessments and ensure members of the public are not exposed to health risks.

To support compliance, comprehensive industry guidance is available in The Purple Guide (formerly the Health and Safety Executive’s Event Safety Guide), which outlines best practices for flicker rates, equipment positioning, and necessary audience warnings. Further guidance is available from the NHS, local authorities, and the Epilepsy Society.

It is standard good practice for venues and ticketing platforms to provide advance warning of strobe effects.

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is undertaking an evaluation of the Gambling Act Review on behalf of DCMS. The findings will be published on gov.uk later this year.

The Gambling Act Review Advisory Group provides objective, external advice to NatCen on how best to take the Gambling Act Review evaluation forward. It has no role in policy development, and does not have access to collected data. It is an advisory group providing technical methodological input to NatCen on the design of the evaluation and its implementation, to ensure it meets the highest possible standards. There are therefore no plans to assess its work as part of the evaluation findings.

The Gambling Act Review evaluation is looking at the real-world impact of measures that have been implemented. Measures such as financial risk assessments have not been implemented and therefore are not included.

NatCen is separately working as an evaluation partner alongside the pilot of financial risk assessment, advising on methodology and data clarity and transparency. The Commission has also committed to ongoing review, evaluation and adaptation over time if Financial Risk Assessments are introduced.

The National Centre for Social Research (NatCen) is undertaking an evaluation of the Gambling Act Review on behalf of DCMS. The findings will be published on gov.uk later this year.

The Gambling Act Review Advisory Group provides objective, external advice to NatCen on how best to take the Gambling Act Review evaluation forward. It has no role in policy development, and does not have access to collected data. It is an advisory group providing technical methodological input to NatCen on the design of the evaluation and its implementation, to ensure it meets the highest possible standards. There are therefore no plans to assess its work as part of the evaluation findings.

The Gambling Act Review evaluation is looking at the real-world impact of measures that have been implemented. Measures such as financial risk assessments have not been implemented and therefore are not included.

NatCen is separately working as an evaluation partner alongside the pilot of financial risk assessment, advising on methodology and data clarity and transparency. The Commission has also committed to ongoing review, evaluation and adaptation over time if Financial Risk Assessments are introduced.

The Government is determined to ensure that everyone has access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities. That is why we have committed another £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the UK following the Spending Review. We are now working closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what communities need and will then set out further plans. I have met with the Lawn Tennis Association, the National Governing Body for tennis and padel, along with representatives from other sports, to discuss this.

The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport in England through Sport England, which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding. This includes long term investment in the Lawn Tennis Association, which receives up to £10.2 million for five years from 2022 to 2027 to invest in community tennis and padel initiatives that will benefit as many people as possible.

The Government is determined to ensure that everyone has access to quality sport and physical activity opportunities. That is why we have committed another £400 million to transform facilities across the whole of the UK following the Spending Review. We are now working closely with sporting bodies and local leaders to establish what communities need and will then set out further plans. I have met with the Lawn Tennis Association, the National Governing Body for tennis and padel, along with representatives from other sports, to discuss this.

The Government provides the majority of support for grassroots sport through Sport England, which annually invests over £250 million in Exchequer and Lottery funding. This includes long term investment in the Lawn Tennis Association, which receives up to £10.2 million for five years from 2022 to 2027 to invest in community tennis and padel initiatives in England that will benefit as many people as possible.

On 21 May 2026, the government announced a new approach to PE and school sport funding, backed by over £1 billion across the next three years. The new model combines a universal offer for all primary and secondary schools with targeted support for schools and pupils who need it most.

A new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network will strengthen links between schools and local sports clubs, support high-quality PE, and help remove barriers to participation. Delivery will be informed by baseline and ongoing needs assessments led by a National Delivery Partner. Funding for the School Games Organiser network has also been confirmed for 2026/27 to support transition to the new system and maintain continuity of expertise.

Despite over a decade of investment via the PE and sport premium, less than half of all children meet the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended 60 active minutes a day. Inequalities persist, particularly for girls and pupils from disadvantaged and black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

On 21 May 2026, the government announced a new approach to PE and school sport funding, backed by over £1 billion across the next three years. The new model combines a universal offer for all primary and secondary schools with targeted support for schools and pupils who need it most.

A new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network will strengthen links between schools and local sports clubs, support high-quality PE, and help remove barriers to participation. Delivery will be informed by baseline and ongoing needs assessments led by a National Delivery Partner. Funding for the School Games Organiser network has also been confirmed for 2026/27 to support transition to the new system and maintain continuity of expertise.

Despite over a decade of investment via the PE and sport premium, less than half of all children meet the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended 60 active minutes a day. Inequalities persist, particularly for girls and pupils from disadvantaged and black and minority ethnic backgrounds.

PE and School Sport are a key priority for this government. However, despite over a decade of investment via the PE and sport premium, less than half of all children meet the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended 60 active minutes a day. ​

​​The new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network will provide practical, targeted support to help schools increase participation and offer stronger links to extra‑curricular sport and local clubs. It will provide training to build staff confidence in delivering PE and set out clearer pathways into community sport. Support will align more closely with wider programmes and include competitive sport opportunities and inclusive events for less‑active pupils.

We have and continue to work closely with the teaching sector and sporting national bodies in the development and delivery of the new Network.

A core objective of the new Network is reducing the administrative burden on schools, introducing greater streamlined and standardised processes to provide PE and school sport.

PE and School Sport are a key priority for this government. However, despite over a decade of investment via the PE and sport premium, less than half of all children meet the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended 60 active minutes a day. ​

​​The new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network will provide practical, targeted support to help schools increase participation and offer stronger links to extra‑curricular sport and local clubs. It will provide training to build staff confidence in delivering PE and set out clearer pathways into community sport. Support will align more closely with wider programmes and include competitive sport opportunities and inclusive events for less‑active pupils.

We have and continue to work closely with the teaching sector and sporting national bodies in the development and delivery of the new Network.

A core objective of the new Network is reducing the administrative burden on schools, introducing greater streamlined and standardised processes to provide PE and school sport.

PE and School Sport are a key priority for this government. However, despite over a decade of investment via the PE and sport premium, less than half of all children meet the Chief Medical Officer’s recommended 60 active minutes a day. ​

​​The new PE and School Sport Partnerships Network will provide practical, targeted support to help schools increase participation and offer stronger links to extra‑curricular sport and local clubs. It will provide training to build staff confidence in delivering PE and set out clearer pathways into community sport. Support will align more closely with wider programmes and include competitive sport opportunities and inclusive events for less‑active pupils.

We have and continue to work closely with the teaching sector and sporting national bodies in the development and delivery of the new Network.

A core objective of the new Network is reducing the administrative burden on schools, introducing greater streamlined and standardised processes to provide PE and school sport.

This Government is committed to peatland restoration. We have announced that we will invest £85 million between 2026 to 2030 to improve and restore our peatlands.

This includes extending the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme by an additional year, until March 2027. The scheme has already delivered the restoration of approximately 28,000 hectares of peatland, and this extension will enable thousands more hectares to be restored.

Once the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme comes to an end, funding for peatland restoration will continue to be available through Environmental Land Management schemes such as Landscape Recovery and Countryside Stewardship. We are working to ensure that these schemes provide strong support for peatland outcomes, and prevent a drop off in peatland restoration after April 2027.

This Government is committed to peatland restoration. We have announced that we will invest £85 million between 2026 to 2030 to improve and restore our peatlands. This has included extending the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme by an additional year, until March 2027, enabling thousands more hectares of peatland restoration.

Once the Nature for Climate Peatland Grant Scheme comes to an end, funding for peatland restoration will continue to be available through Environmental Land Management schemes such as Landscape Recovery and Countryside Stewardship.

We will ensure these schemes provide strong support for peatland outcomes.

The Government is committed to increasing our water supply while protecting the environment and public health. We are taking a twin track approach to improving water supply resilience. This involves urgent action to reduce water company leaks and use drinking water and rainwater more efficiently, alongside new supply infrastructure, including new reservoirs and water transfers.

In the Water White Paper, the government set out our commitment to developing statutory resilience standards, which will be brought forward through the Clean Water Bill announced in the King’s Speech. These standards will ensure companies secure the long-term resilience of their water supply and sewerage systems.

Alongside the development of forward-looking asset health metrics to ensure critical infrastructure gets the funding that it needs, these standards will safeguard customer services in the context of a changing climate as well as population growth and other pressures.

In February, Government committed to looking at ways to help drive the uptake of water reuse and rainwater management for large non-household water users including data centres within the Water White Paper. Non-household businesses are encouraged to enquire about water efficiency audits through their water retailer to suggest and implement areas for improvement, including fixing leaks across the property.

The Government encourages developers to consider use of non-potable water, to embed water efficiency or water recycling and reuse in their design and contact their proposed water and wastewater supplier early in the planning process to understand and plan for any potential water restrictions.

We have committed to ensuring that the Regulators’ Alliance for Progressing Infrastructure Development (RAPID) continues to coordinate and assure major infrastructure delivery, supporting faster delivery and avoiding duplication before being incorporated into the new regulator.

We also support RAPID’s consultation on expanding its remit to include wastewater and other strategic projects. This aims to strengthen regulatory coordination, accelerate delivery, and enhance infrastructure resilience across regions.

Defra is also supporting the delivery of water infrastructure through the Water Delivery Taskforce, chaired by Minister Hardy to ensure that water companies deliver the infrastructure required to support economic growth and long-term resilience.

Additionally, Defra has established the Senior Sponsorship Group which brings together senior decision-makers, the Environment Agency, Natural England, Ofwat, the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA), and water companies to identify and resolve barriers to major water infrastructure projects.