Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions her Department has had with Ofcom about the UK's position on satellite spectrum rules prior to the International Telecommunication Union World Radiocommunication Conference 2027 and associated working party meetings.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government recognises the importance of satellite connectivity, including in rural areas, and is assessing the available technical evidence on EPFD limits and their potential implications for spectrum use, broadband connectivity and competition between providers.

The Department regularly engages with Ofcom on international spectrum matters, including EPFD studies being undertaken in ITU-R Working Party 4A and preparations for WRC-27. These discussions will help inform the UK's position in international negotiations on satellite spectrum.

The UK’s approach to discussions on all spectrum matters, including equivalent power flux density (EPFD) limits is evidence-based and informed by broader strategic objectives, including economic growth, innovation, connectivity, resilience and national security.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential merits of updating equivalent power flux density limits on (a) satellite broadband connectivity in rural areas and (b) competition among providers of rural broadband services.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government recognises the importance of satellite connectivity, including in rural areas, and is assessing the available technical evidence on EPFD limits and their potential implications for spectrum use, broadband connectivity and competition between providers.

The Department regularly engages with Ofcom on international spectrum matters, including EPFD studies being undertaken in ITU-R Working Party 4A and preparations for WRC-27. These discussions will help inform the UK's position in international negotiations on satellite spectrum.

The UK’s approach to discussions on all spectrum matters, including equivalent power flux density (EPFD) limits is evidence-based and informed by broader strategic objectives, including economic growth, innovation, connectivity, resilience and national security.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what position her Department will take on the reform of equivalent power flux density limits at the October 2026 meeting of the International Telecommunication Union's Radiocommunication Sector's Working Party 4A.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government recognises the importance of satellite connectivity, including in rural areas, and is assessing the available technical evidence on EPFD limits and their potential implications for spectrum use, broadband connectivity and competition between providers.

The Department regularly engages with Ofcom on international spectrum matters, including EPFD studies being undertaken in ITU-R Working Party 4A and preparations for WRC-27. These discussions will help inform the UK's position in international negotiations on satellite spectrum.

The UK’s approach to discussions on all spectrum matters, including equivalent power flux density (EPFD) limits is evidence-based and informed by broader strategic objectives, including economic growth, innovation, connectivity, resilience and national security.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential economic impact of the closure of (a) Heathrow Airport, (b) Gatwick Airport, (c) Manchester Airport, (d) Stansted Airport, (e) Luton Airport and (f) Glasgow Airport for (i) one hour and (ii) one day.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

No assessment has been made of the economic cost of the closure of airspace around a major airport or the closure of an airport.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what estimate her Department has made of the economic cost of the closure of airspace around a major airport for (a) one hour and (b) one day.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

No assessment has been made of the economic cost of the closure of airspace around a major airport or the closure of an airport.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the economic cost to the UK economy of the closure of a major UK airport for (a) one hour and (b) one day.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The recovery from the NATS disruption on 8 September is ongoing and it is therefore too soon to estimate the full economic cost to the UK economy. However, I am under no illusion that the economic cost of the recent incident is incredibly significant. Therefore, we need to learn the lessons from what has happened to ensure that we can minimise the chance of disruption of this kind happening again.

Following the disruption, on 9 September NATS agreed to undertake a rapid review, reporting to us by 16 September, setting out the cause of the incident and the actions taken in response. We have also asked the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to undertake an independent review of the incident, which is expected to report within six months.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to improve digital literacy amongst children and young people in relation to the proposed under-16s social media ban.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Media Literacy Action Plan prioritises preparing children and young people for a digital future. This includes strengthening media literacy education through the curriculum and updated RSHE guidance, covering AI and misinformation. We are also supporting parents and carers with trusted advice and practical tools through the Kids Online Safety Hub. This is complemented by work on digital inclusion, ensuring children and young people have the access, skills and confidence to benefit from technology.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what plans her Department has to engage with (a) children and young people and (b) parents in the development and implementation of the proposed under-16s social media ban.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

We are committed to hearing from voices across the United Kingdom, and our consultation heard from over 116,000 people, including nearly 6,000 young people. This included direct engagement with children, young people and parents - including a visit to Citadel Youth Centre in Edinburgh and working with Scottish youth representative bodies to reach seldom-heard voices.

We will continue this engagement as we prepare for the restrictions so that young people understand what is changing and why, parents feel supported and informed, and the trusted adults and organisations who work with young people every day can share clear and accurate information.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what engagement her Department has had with the Scottish Youth Parliament on the proposed under-16s social media ban.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

We are committed to hearing from voices across the United Kingdom, and our consultation heard from over 116,000 people, including nearly 6,000 young people. This included direct engagement with children, young people and parents - including a visit to Citadel Youth Centre in Edinburgh and working with Scottish youth representative bodies to reach seldom-heard voices.

We will continue this engagement as we prepare for the restrictions so that young people understand what is changing and why, parents feel supported and informed, and the trusted adults and organisations who work with young people every day can share clear and accurate information.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department (a) has undertaken or (b) plans to undertake a Children's Rights Impact Assessment of the proposed under-16s social media ban.

Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government will consider the impact on children's rights as part of its implementation of the announced restrictions on social media services offering their services to under 16s.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reports of police action against Srebrenica Memorial Centre staff on the (a) level of (i) freedom of expression and (ii) academic freedom and (b) work of human rights advocates in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The UK remains unequivocal that there can be no place for genocide denial or glorification of war criminals. We continue to support international justice, accountability and respect for the judgments of international tribunals.

We are closely monitoring summonses to individuals associated with the Srebrenica Memorial Centre (SMC). The cause of this investigation is unclear, and authorities must comply with the rule of law and ensure transparent public communication. Our Embassy in Sarajevo have stated this position publicly and met with SMC colleagues to express solidarity.

The UK summoned the Serbian Chargé d'Affaires on 8 September in response to the commemorations surrounding the funeral of Ratko Mladic. The thoughts of the UK Government are with Mladić's victims and their families.

The UK remains firmly committed to promoting lasting reconciliation across the Western Balkans, including through our £11 million Official Development Assistance commitment to conflict prevention in BiH, Kosovo and Serbia, and partnership with SMC.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what data his Department has received from the National Cyber Security Centre on (i) the number of cyber attacks on UK businesses and organisations suspected to have originated in Iran and (ii) the cost of those attacks to the UK economy in each of the last five years.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) plays a leading role in understanding and responding to cyber threats affecting the UK.

In the latest reporting year, the NCSC received 1,727 incident reports, resulting in 429 incidents requiring NCSC support, of which 204 were assessed as nationally significant.

Between June 2025 and May 2026, the NCSC managed more than 200 incidents affecting organisations within the UK's critical national infrastructure and supporting ecosystem, around 75% of which were assessed as linked to state actors.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what data his Department has received from the National Cyber Security Centre on (i) the number of cyber attacks on UK businesses and organisations suspected to have been inspired by a foreign power and (ii) the cost of those attacks to the UK economy in each of the last five years.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) plays a leading role in understanding and responding to cyber threats affecting the UK.

In the latest reporting year, the NCSC received 1,727 incident reports, resulting in 429 incidents requiring NCSC support, of which 204 were assessed as nationally significant.

Between June 2025 and May 2026, the NCSC managed more than 200 incidents affecting organisations within the UK's critical national infrastructure and supporting ecosystem, around 75% of which were assessed as linked to state actors.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what data his Department has received from the National Cyber Security Centre on (i) the number of cyber attacks on UK businesses and organisations suspected to have originated in Russia and (ii) the cost of those attacks to the UK economy in each of the last five years.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) plays a leading role in understanding and responding to cyber threats affecting the UK.

In the latest reporting year, the NCSC received 1,727 incident reports, resulting in 429 incidents requiring NCSC support, of which 204 were assessed as nationally significant.

Between June 2025 and May 2026, the NCSC managed more than 200 incidents affecting organisations within the UK's critical national infrastructure and supporting ecosystem, around 75% of which were assessed as linked to state actors.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what data his Department has received from the National Cyber Security Centre on (i) the number of cyber attacks on UK businesses and organisations suspected to have originated in China and (ii) the cost of those attacks to the UK economy in each of the last five years.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) plays a leading role in understanding and responding to cyber threats affecting the UK.

In the latest reporting year, the NCSC received 1,727 incident reports, resulting in 429 incidents requiring NCSC support, of which 204 were assessed as nationally significant.

Between June 2025 and May 2026, the NCSC managed more than 200 incidents affecting organisations within the UK's critical national infrastructure and supporting ecosystem, around 75% of which were assessed as linked to state actors.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with international counterparts on coordinated assistance for frontline Ukrainian cities, including Zaporizhzhia.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Government condemns Russia's intensified attacks against Ukrainian cities, including Zaporizhzhia. These attacks continue to cause civilian casualties, damage homes and critical infrastructure, and worsen humanitarian needs in frontline communities. The UK assesses humanitarian needs through partners on the ground, including the United Nations, Red Cross, international Non-governmental Organisations and Ukrainian organisations, and uses this assessment to help target support towards those most affected by Russia's ongoing attacks.

We remain in regular contact with the Government of Ukraine and international counterparts, including through the G7, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union, the UN and wider humanitarian system, to coordinate support, strengthen Ukraine's resilience, protect civilians and ensure assistance is targeted where needs are greatest.

Since February 2022, the UK has provided up to £577 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the wider region.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what humanitarian support his Department is providing to civilians in frontline Ukrainian cities, including Zaporizhzhia.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Government condemns Russia's intensified attacks against Ukrainian cities, including Zaporizhzhia. These attacks continue to cause civilian casualties, damage homes and critical infrastructure, and worsen humanitarian needs in frontline communities. The UK assesses humanitarian needs through partners on the ground, including the United Nations, Red Cross, international Non-governmental Organisations and Ukrainian organisations, and uses this assessment to help target support towards those most affected by Russia's ongoing attacks.

We remain in regular contact with the Government of Ukraine and international counterparts, including through the G7, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union, the UN and wider humanitarian system, to coordinate support, strengthen Ukraine's resilience, protect civilians and ensure assistance is targeted where needs are greatest.

Since February 2022, the UK has provided up to £577 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the wider region.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what data his Department has received from the National Cyber Security Centre on (i) the number of cyber attacks on UK businesses and organisations suspected to have originated in a foreign country and (ii) the cost of those attacks to the UK economy in each of the last five years.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) plays a leading role in understanding and responding to cyber threats affecting the UK.

In the latest reporting year, the NCSC received 1,727 incident reports, resulting in 429 incidents requiring NCSC support, of which 204 were assessed as nationally significant.

Between June 2025 and May 2026, the NCSC managed more than 200 incidents affecting organisations within the UK's critical national infrastructure and supporting ecosystem, around 75% of which were assessed as linked to state actors.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential implications for his policies of the humanitarian situation in the city of Zaporizhzhia following the recent increase of Russian missile, drone and guided aerial bomb attacks.

Answered by Uma Kumaran - Assistant Whip

The Government condemns Russia's intensified attacks against Ukrainian cities, including Zaporizhzhia. These attacks continue to cause civilian casualties, damage homes and critical infrastructure, and worsen humanitarian needs in frontline communities. The UK assesses humanitarian needs through partners on the ground, including the United Nations, Red Cross, international Non-governmental Organisations and Ukrainian organisations, and uses this assessment to help target support towards those most affected by Russia's ongoing attacks.

We remain in regular contact with the Government of Ukraine and international counterparts, including through the G7, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the European Union, the UN and wider humanitarian system, to coordinate support, strengthen Ukraine's resilience, protect civilians and ensure assistance is targeted where needs are greatest.

Since February 2022, the UK has provided up to £577 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine and the wider region.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to support Ukraine's counter-drone capabilities in response to increased Russian drone attacks on frontline urban centres such as Zaporizhzhia.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for the Armed Forces)

The UK is stepping up air defence supplies to Ukraine and defence industrial cooperation to help protect Ukraine's civilians, urban centres and critical national infrastructure.

At the 35th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group on 18 June, the UK announced the delivery of more than 350 air defence missiles and radars. In addition to this, twenty remotely guided counter-drone turrets, acquired from Estonia, are set for delivery in 2026, which are designed specifically to defeat Shahed-style attack drones.

In addition, we continue to regularly deliver hundreds of UK produced Lightweight Multi-Role Missile (LMM) air defence missiles to Ukraine.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of reports that staff and associates of the Srebrenica Memorial Centre have been summoned for questioning by Republika Srpska police in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

The independent review into the prevalence and support for mental health conditions, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism, led by Professor Peter Fonagy, was published on 9 October, providing analysis and recommendations across a wide range of issues relating to the current provision of services in this area.

The Government issued an initial response on the day of publication, available at the link below, but we will set out the full action we are taking in response to the review recommendations in our new Mental Health Strategy to be published later this year, which will be relevant to the issues raised by the Hon Member:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-pledges-earlier-support-to-tackle-mental-health-crises

The Government remains fully committed to developing and publishing a revised cross-Government autism strategy in line with the Autism Act 2009. We will engage on the development of the revised autism strategy, including on whether the scope of the autism strategy should be extended to cover ADHD.

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to counter genocide denial and historical revisionism relating to the 1995 Srebrenica genocide in its engagement with the Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Answered by Catherine McKinnell - Minister of State (Ministry of Justice)

The UK remains unequivocal that there can be no place for genocide denial or glorification of war criminals. We continue to support international justice, accountability and respect for the judgments of international tribunals.

We are closely monitoring summonses to individuals associated with the Srebrenica Memorial Centre (SMC). The cause of this investigation is unclear, and authorities must comply with the rule of law and ensure transparent public communication. Our Embassy in Sarajevo have stated this position publicly and met with SMC colleagues to express solidarity.

The UK summoned the Serbian Chargé d'Affaires on 8 September in response to the commemorations surrounding the funeral of Ratko Mladic. The thoughts of the UK Government are with Mladić's victims and their families.

The UK remains firmly committed to promoting lasting reconciliation across the Western Balkans, including through our £11 million Official Development Assistance commitment to conflict prevention in BiH, Kosovo and Serbia, and partnership with SMC.

67th anniversary of the Auchengeich Colliery Disaster

Found: Lizzi Collinge (Labour; Morecambe and Lunesdale) Torcuil Crichton (Labour; Na h-Eileanan an Iar) Graeme Downie

Found: Lizzi Collinge (Labour; Morecambe and Lunesdale) Torcuil Crichton (Labour; Na h-Eileanan an Iar) Graeme Downie

Found: Members were members of the Committee during the inquiry: David Baines (Labour; St Helens North) Graeme Downie