Lord Strathcarron

The Government uses the term LGBT+. This reflects the breadth and diversity of the community as well as the preferences of most LGBT+ people. This term also resonates with language used by international partners and institutions. Whilst this is the Government's standard terminology, there may be occasions where it is appropriate to utilise variations that reflect a different focus.

The Online Safety Act requires companies to take action against mis/disinformation where it constitutes illegal content or content harmful to children. The Act will also ensure platforms are transparent and accountable to their users about what legal content they allow on their services and are consistent in its treatment.

The draft Statement of Strategic Priorities calls for Ofcom to enhance its media literacy initiatives, empowering users to critically assess potentially misleading online content. If Parliament approves the final statement, Ofcom must then set out how it will have regard to the priorities, including those relating to mis/disinformation, when exercising its functions.

The work and remit of the National Security and Online Information Team (NSOIT) is kept under regular review by ministers. This includes the role which NSOIT played in responding to the recent public disorder following the tragic incident in Southport.

NSOIT’s commitment to protecting freedom of expression is embedded in its policies and practices. For example, NSOIT has a blanket ban on referring content from journalists and politicians to social media platforms. Its privacy notices are available on gov.uk.

NSOIT’s remit is to tackle the greatest national security risks and public safety which the UK faces from mis and disinformation. This revised remit is kept under regular review by ministers, including to support recent events surrounding Southport.

There were 5,255 responses to the standard version of the NHS Constitution consultation, and 79 responses to the easy read version. Officials are currently analysing the responses, and the Government will provide an update on next steps at the earliest opportunity.