Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the letter of 26 November 2025 from We Own It to the Transport Committee, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the reported 6120 missing responses from the Railways Bill consultation.

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

An assessment can be found in the Secretary of State’s letter to the Transport Select Committee of 11 November 2025. Her letter is available here: https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/50296/documents/271772/default/.

Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, when her Department plans to publish the results of the Feed-in Tariffs (FiT) scheme: indexation changes consultation.

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

The consultation closed on 12 December. A government response to the consultation on indexation changes to the Feed-in Tariffs scheme is expected to be published in early 2026.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to expand rail electrification to Devon.

Answered by Simon Lightwood - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department for Transport is developing a Rolling Stock and Infrastructure strategy which will inform future electrification decisions across the country. We are working closely with Network Rail colleagues to identify the right decarbonisation approach for each line and to determine where infrastructure will be needed to support this decarbonisation.

Question to the Leader of the House:

To ask the Leader of the House, what mechanisms are available to hon. Members to seek clarification or further information when a Department or public body is considered not to have provided a full or clear response to a Written Parliamentary Question.

Answered by Alan Campbell - Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons

Parliament has a right to scrutinise Ministers, and hold the Government and public bodies to account. I expect Hon. Members to receive both timely and helpful responses to their questions.

There are a number of mechanisms available to Members such as raising concerns on the floor of the House, including with myself at the weekly Business Question, or by writing to the relevant department or public body. I would also encourage Hon. Members to speak with myself or my office to further pursue these matters.

In addition, the House of Commons Procedure Committee monitors departmental performance in responding to Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs). The Committee recently launched an inquiry into WPQs, and their sessional reporting continues to be an effective tool to hold Departments to account.

Question to the Leader of the House:

To ask the Leader of the House, what steps hon. Members can take to seek additional information from the Government in instances where a response to a written parliamentary question is considered incomplete or unclear.

Answered by Alan Campbell - Lord President of the Council and Leader of the House of Commons

Parliament has a right to scrutinise Ministers, and hold the Government and public bodies to account. I expect Hon. Members to receive both timely and helpful responses to their questions.

There are a number of mechanisms available to Members such as raising concerns on the floor of the House, including with myself at the weekly Business Question, or by writing to the relevant department or public body. I would also encourage Hon. Members to speak with myself or my office to further pursue these matters.

In addition, the House of Commons Procedure Committee monitors departmental performance in responding to Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs). The Committee recently launched an inquiry into WPQs, and their sessional reporting continues to be an effective tool to hold Departments to account.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to increase the number of women entering IT specialist fields.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The Government wants to unlock the full potential of the tech sector, and increasing women’s participation in IT is essential to achieving this. That’s why on Monday 15^th December, we launched a Women in Tech Taskforce to identify and address the barriers that prevent women from entering and leading into tech careers.

The group is comprised of 14 prominent and diverse experts and industry leaders spanning technology, investment, entrepreneurship, and policy including BT’s first female chairman Allison Kirkby and Stemettes founder Dr Anne-Marie Imafidon. The taskforce will identify where interventions can have the biggest impact on increasing women’s participation in the sector and will develop practical recommendations for government.

In addition, programmes like the £187million TechFirst programme are helping build a more robust pipeline by providing training in AI and digital skills to support them into careers including cyber security, AI, quantum computing, software, data and more. Specific consideration is given to increasing participation among women and underrepresented groups.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to his Department's document entitled A new electronic communications code, published in May 2015, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of changes to the level of rents for telecoms landlords since 2017 on levels of network coverage.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The document entitled ‘A New Electronic Communications Code’ was a report published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government. The report detailed Government proposals to overhaul the Code, following extensive consultation and wider engagement with stakeholders.

Subsequently, the Electronic Communications Code was reformed initially by the Digital Economy Act 2017, and then by Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022. Government has no plans to conduct a formal review of the 2017 reforms before commencing the remaining sections of the 2022 Act.

Based on Ofcom reporting, 4G geographic coverage from at least one operator has increased from 78% in 2017 to 96% in July 2025. Ofcom also reports that 5G geographic coverage from at least one operator has reached 65% in July 2025 from the start of its rollout in 2019.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to report entitled A New Electronic Communications Code, published in May 2016, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the objectives included in that report.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The document entitled ‘A New Electronic Communications Code’ was a report published by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport under the 2015 to 2016 Cameron Conservative government. The report detailed Government proposals to overhaul the Code, following extensive consultation and wider engagement with stakeholders.

Subsequently, the Electronic Communications Code was reformed initially by the Digital Economy Act 2017, and then by Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022. Government has no plans to conduct a formal review of the 2017 reforms before commencing the remaining sections of the 2022 Act.

Based on Ofcom reporting, 4G geographic coverage from at least one operator has increased from 78% in 2017 to 96% in July 2025. Ofcom also reports that 5G geographic coverage from at least one operator has reached 65% in July 2025 from the start of its rollout in 2019.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what assessment she has made of the impact of app-only banking policies on older and digitally excluded customers; and whether she will require banks operating in the UK to provide non-digital routes for account opening, account restoration, and investment services, particularly for customers without access to smartphones.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services.

FCA guidance highlights the actions firms should take to understand the needs of customers who may be vulnerable, including older and disabled people, and to consider these needs appropriately. This includes offering multiple channels of communication to their customers where possible.

Banking is changing, with many customers benefitting from the convenience and flexibility of managing their finances remotely. While decisions on how specific services are delivered remain commercial matters for individual banks and building societies, the Government recognises the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and is committed to championing sufficient access for customers.

The Government is working closely with industry on a commitment to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament, which will provide individuals and businesses across the country with cash and banking services. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and 200 are already open. The Government has also worked with industry to ensure that customers do not need their own digital device to access banking hub services.

More widely, the Government recently published a Financial Inclusion Strategy which seeks to ensure that people have the opportunity to make the most of the benefits of digital services, alongside continued access to the in-person services they need. Beyond the continued rollout of banking hubs, the Strategy has also launched an industry-led inclusive design working group which will examine and address accessibility issues in product design.

The Government has also published a Digital Inclusion Action Plan which includes a focus on improving digital connectivity, access, skills, and confidence.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what discussions her Department has had with the Financial Conduct Authority regarding the absence of explicit rules governing app-only banking; and what steps are being taken to ensure that banks continue to provide non-digital access for customers who are elderly, rural, disabled, or digitally excluded.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services.

FCA guidance highlights the actions firms should take to understand the needs of customers who may be vulnerable, including older and disabled people, and to consider these needs appropriately. This includes offering multiple channels of communication to their customers where possible.

Banking is changing, with many customers benefitting from the convenience and flexibility of managing their finances remotely. While decisions on how specific services are delivered remain commercial matters for individual banks and building societies, the Government recognises the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and is committed to championing sufficient access for customers.

The Government is working closely with industry on a commitment to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament, which will provide individuals and businesses across the country with cash and banking services. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and 200 are already open. The Government has also worked with industry to ensure that customers do not need their own digital device to access banking hub services.

More widely, the Government recently published a Financial Inclusion Strategy which seeks to ensure that people have the opportunity to make the most of the benefits of digital services, alongside continued access to the in-person services they need. Beyond the continued rollout of banking hubs, the Strategy has also launched an industry-led inclusive design working group which will examine and address accessibility issues in product design.

The Government has also published a Digital Inclusion Action Plan which includes a focus on improving digital connectivity, access, skills, and confidence.

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether the Government plans to publish guidance or minimum service standards to help tackle financial exclusion arising from digital-only banking models.

Answered by Lucy Rigby - Economic Secretary (HM Treasury)

The Government works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services.

FCA guidance highlights the actions firms should take to understand the needs of customers who may be vulnerable, including older and disabled people, and to consider these needs appropriately. This includes offering multiple channels of communication to their customers where possible.

Banking is changing, with many customers benefitting from the convenience and flexibility of managing their finances remotely. While decisions on how specific services are delivered remain commercial matters for individual banks and building societies, the Government recognises the importance of face-to-face banking to communities and is committed to championing sufficient access for customers.

The Government is working closely with industry on a commitment to roll out 350 banking hubs across the UK by the end of this Parliament, which will provide individuals and businesses across the country with cash and banking services. Over 240 hubs have been announced so far, and 200 are already open. The Government has also worked with industry to ensure that customers do not need their own digital device to access banking hub services.

More widely, the Government recently published a Financial Inclusion Strategy which seeks to ensure that people have the opportunity to make the most of the benefits of digital services, alongside continued access to the in-person services they need. Beyond the continued rollout of banking hubs, the Strategy has also launched an industry-led inclusive design working group which will examine and address accessibility issues in product design.

The Government has also published a Digital Inclusion Action Plan which includes a focus on improving digital connectivity, access, skills, and confidence.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will take steps to increase the number of Direct Rail Services' freight operations.

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

The Government recognises the significant economic and environmental potential of rail freight and the critical role it plays in the UK’s resilience and is committed to supporting its growth. However, any freight operations run by Direct Rail Services (DRS) are an operational and commercial matter for DRS, and its parent company the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). NDA is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of expanding rail freight in Devon on the economy.

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

The government recognises that the economic and environmental potential of rail freight is significant and that is why we are committed to supporting its growth.

The Spending Review confirmed a number of infrastructure schemes across the country to help support the economy, housing and jobs. My officials, together with Network Rail, are continuing to work to assess and identify where there is the potential to grow rail freight across the network.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of expanding rail freight in Devon on the environment.

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

The Government is committed to supporting rail freight growth, recognising its significant economic and environmental potential and critical role in the UK’s resilience.

Work to develop options for investment and its potential impacts, including on the environment, is continuing, in conjunction with Network Rail. Once it is fully operational, my department will work with Great British Railways (GBR) to ensure that environmental considerations continue to be a priority.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps she is taking to support the expansion of Rail Freight in Devon.

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

The Government recognises that the economic and environmental potential of rail freight is significant and is committed to delivering growth and supporting modal shift to lower-carbon modes of freight transport. We have committed to the rail freight growth target of a 75% increase in freight moved by rail by 2050.

The recently laid Railways Bill sets out that the Secretary of State will provide GBR with growth targets for rail freight. As was the case during the development of the 2050 target, we will make informed forecasts about the future capability and capacity of the network. My officials, together with Network Rail, are continuing to work to identify where there is the potential for growth across the network for rail freight.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will have discussions with Royal Mail on increasing its use of rail services.

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

We are fully committed to supporting rail freight growth, recognising its significant economic and environmental potential. My officials regularly speak with major users of rail freight in the UK as part of our efforts to grow the rail freight industry.

We have previously discussed with Royal Mail their decision to retire their dedicated mail train fleet. However, as it is a private company, not owned nor controlled by the Government, the mode Royal Mail choose to utilise for transporting mail is a commercial decision for their business.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, if she will make an assessment of the potential impact of the price of (a) rail and (b) road freight on rail freight operators in Devon.

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

Rail freight operations are typically long distance and cross-border in the UK. Under the Railways Bill, Government has proposed to place a duty on Great British Railways to promote the use of rail freight, meaning freight operators will benefit from a longer-term strategic approach to decision making on the railway which includes charging to use the network.

As part of our continued support for the wider freight sector, the Department has operated the Mode Shift Revenue Support scheme (MSRS) since 2010. The scheme is designed to encourage modal shift by assisting with the operating costs associated with running rail or inland water freight transport instead of road, where rail or inland waterway transport is more expensive. The relative costs have been reviewed to ensure that the scheme continues to achieve its goal to support modal shift and are kept under review. Any matters relating to fuel duty comes under the remit of His Majesty’s Treasury.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the (a) discontinuement and (b) funding freeze of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund on waiting lists.

Answered by Alex Davies-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

My Department is committed to the Government’s pledge to halve Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in a decade. We have committed £550 million to victim support services over the next three years – the biggest investment in victim support services to date.

On 1 December 2025, all recipients of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund (RASASF) received confirmation that their Ministry of Justice grants will be extended for two years until March 2028, with a 2% year-on-year uplift. Given this, there will be no impacts on waiting lists as funding has not been discontinued or frozen.

Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, when her department plans to confirm allocations for the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund for 2026/27.

Answered by Alex Davies-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Justice)

My Department is committed to the Government’s pledge to halve Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) in a decade. We have committed £550 million to victim support services over the next three years – the biggest investment in victim support services to date.

On 1 December 2025, all recipients of the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Fund (RASASF) received confirmation that their Ministry of Justice grants will be extended for two years until March 2028, with a 2% year-on-year uplift. Given this, there will be no impacts on waiting lists as funding has not been discontinued or frozen.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to ensure that the Levy review does not reduce access to (a) hormonal therapy and (b) surgery for trans and non-binary 18-25 year olds.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

NHS England is currently carrying out a review of adult gender services. The review, chaired by Dr David Levy, has examined the model of care and operating procedures of each service, and has carefully considered experiences, feedback and outcomes from clinicians and patients. The review has been conducted in line with the publicly available terms of reference and key lines of enquiry. The Government will carefully consider the findings of the review.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what information her Department holds on the quality of 5G UK mobile services compared to (a) France, (b) Germany, (c) the USA, (d) China, (e) Spain and (f) other international counterparts.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The department uses Ofcom's Connected Nations data which includes metrics on geographic, indoor and outdoor premises coverage across the UK. Ofcom describes quality of service using coverage confidence levels and signal strength thresholds. The methodology is available at: CN2025 - Methodology Annex.

The department is aware of various external data sources, including the EU commission’s 5G Observatory report 2025 | Shaping Europe’s digital future, The Mobile Economy 2025 - The Mobile Economy and Global Network Excellence Index | Opensignal that publish a variety of metrics for international comparisons. While direct comparisons between countries are difficult to draw, this is an invaluable input into informing the department’s policy development.

The EU commission published data on 5G coverage for households at the end of 2024 which showed that coverage in the UK at the end of 2024 (95%) was on par with India, China and ahead of France (94%) and the EU (94.3%), but behind South Korea (100%), Japan (99.2%), Norway, Iceland and Germany (all 99%) as well as Spain (95.7%) and USA (97.0%). Since this assessment, UK 5G coverage outside premises has increased to 97%.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the answer received on 21 November 2025 to Written Question 90488, how much additional re-investment her Department anticipates after bringing into force sections 61-64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The government’s ambition is for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. Operators have set out investment plans that align with our ambition, and we are committed to ensuring we have the right policy and regulatory framework in place to support investment and competition in the market.

The aim of the 2017 reforms was to encourage investment in digital networks and improve coverage and connectivity across the UK. The changes introduced by the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 ensure greater consistency throughout the UK and reduce confusion and uncertainty when agreements come to an end and are being renewed.

While the Department does not monitor levels of reinvestment in networks, Ofcom’s Connected Nations report provides an estimate for the level of investment into mobile networks by industry. Ofcom’s latest report estimates that in 2024, mobile network investment accounted for £1.8bn.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 21 November 2025 to Question 90488, what estimate she has made of the potential impact of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 on levels of re-investment into the telecoms network.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The government’s ambition is for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. Operators have set out investment plans that align with our ambition, and we are committed to ensuring we have the right policy and regulatory framework in place to support investment and competition in the market.

The aim of the 2017 reforms was to encourage investment in digital networks and improve coverage and connectivity across the UK. The changes introduced by the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 ensure greater consistency throughout the UK and reduce confusion and uncertainty when agreements come to an end and are being renewed.

While the Department does not monitor levels of reinvestment in networks, Ofcom’s Connected Nations report provides an estimate for the level of investment into mobile networks by industry. Ofcom’s latest report estimates that in 2024, mobile network investment accounted for £1.8bn.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to foster innovation in the Telecoms market.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

This government recognises the importance of innovative and modern telecoms networks. Alongside deploying the best technology now, there is an opportunity to grow the UK’s role in shaping and developing Advanced Connectivity Technologies for the future. We will invest at least £370 million R&D and infrastructure to support promising UK companies; ensure the right spectrum is available and deepen our ties with other-leading countries in the sector. The government is also working with industry to ensure that at least 99% of premises have access to gigabit capable broadband by 2032 and that all populated areas have higher quality standalone 5G by 2030.

Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what plans does the department have for future equivalent Shared Prosperity Funding for Devon.

Answered by Miatta Fahnbulleh - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Housing, Communities and Local Government)

In order to allow greater flexibility for local authorities and to maximise the spend on UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the deadline for expenditure for 2025-26 allocations has been extended by six months to September 2026. Looking ahead, the government is introducing a long-term approach to local funding. This will be led by sustained and predictable support for local authorities through the Local Government Finance Settlement and complemented by targeted interventions designed to drive local growth and strengthen communities.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, when remaining mobile sites will be moved away from legacy frameworks and onto the new frameworks of the 2017 Electronic Communications Code and 2022 Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The point at which agreements relating to telecoms infrastructure installations pre-dating the 2017 reforms to the Electronic Communications Code will transfer onto the legal framework established through those reforms depends on the type of agreement previously in place and whether or not the agreement is renewed.

The provisions that determine which legal framework applies to renewal agreements were set out in the Digital Economy Act 2017.

Sections 61 - 64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Act 2022 introduced measures extending the “no network” valuation scheme established by the 2017 reforms to certain agreements still regulated by pre-2017 frameworks when they are renewed. Regulations relating to these provisions were made on 15 December 2025. Agreements affected by these regulations will move onto the “no network” valuation scheme on renewal after the regulations come into force on 7 April 2026.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, whether his Department holds any digital records in relation to the meeting held on 28 August 2019 between the then Prime Minister and Mr Peter Thiel.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

The Cabinet Office does not hold any digital records relating to the meeting held on 28 August 2019 between Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Mr Peter Thiel.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of aligning the regulatory standard and the consumer information standard for 5G and 4G mobile coverage.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

For the purpose of this answer, regulatory and consumer standards have been interpreted as how 4G and 5G is referred to by Ofcom in its Connected Nations reports and its consumer coverage checker, ‘Map Your Mobile’, respectively.

The ‘Map Your Mobile’ tool was updated in June 2025 to provide consumers with a definition of ‘good’ mobile coverage, agnostic of any generation of cellular communications. This was done to better reflect what users today expect to do on their mobile device when connected to a mobile network in an easy to understand way.

Network operators do refer to their products slightly differently in some cases, for example, referring to standalone 5G as 5G+ or 5G Ultra. These are marketing terms used for customers and do not reflect a different standard.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will take steps with Ofcom to ensure that all full 5G eligible sites offer full 5G.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

For the purpose of this answer, ‘full 5G’ has been interpreted as meaning standalone 5G.

Our ambition is for all populated areas to have access to higher quality standalone 5G by 2030. How network operators achieve this through both existing and new infrastructure is a commercial decision, balancing the needs of different user groups and services, with the availability of spectrum and infrastructure. All three mobile operators have committed significant investment and are aligning plans with this ambition.

Ofcom’s Connected Nations Report, published on 19 November 2025, states that more than 12,000 sites across the UK are now supporting standalone 5G connectivity.

Ofcom will continue to report on standalone 5G coverage across the UK. The department is also working closely with operators to identify, and remove, barriers to deployment where it is practical to do so.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how many telecoms sites remain on the (a) pre-2017 Electronic Communications Code and (b) pre-2022 Product security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act framework in Newton Abbot constituency.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

The point at which agreements relating to telecoms infrastructure installations pre-dating the 2017 reforms to the Electronic Communications Code will transfer onto the legal framework established through those reforms depends on the type of agreement previously in place and whether or not the agreement is renewed.

The provisions that determine which legal framework applies to renewal agreements were set out in the Digital Economy Act 2017.

Sections 61 - 64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Act 2022 introduced measures extending the “no network” valuation scheme established by the 2017 reforms to certain agreements still regulated by pre-2017 frameworks when they are renewed. Regulations relating to these provisions were made on 15 December 2025. Agreements affected by these regulations will move onto the “no network” valuation scheme on renewal after the regulations come into force on 7 April 2026.

Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will have discussions with Ofcom on ensuring the reporting of statistics on where the full allocation of 5G is not being used.

Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)

Ofcom is responsible for the management of spectrum in the UK. Ofcom monitors mobile coverage, including 5G, at a regional level and publishes a mobile coverage checker, Map your Mobile.

Ofcom’s latest Connected Nations report (published 19 November 2025) shows over 12,000 UK sites now provide standalone 5G. Ofcom does not report spectrum allocation by individual sites, as regional data provides a clearer picture of the overall service available for consumers.

The government works closely with Ofcom to ensure spectrum is used effectively and to maintain accurate coverage reporting to support policy, investment, and informed consumer choice.

Nuclear Regulatory Review and habitats regulations

Tribute to Lance Corporal George Thomas Hooley

50th anniversary of Central Church Torquay

80th anniversary of the South Devon Branch of the Devonshire Association

Missing Evri deliveries

UK arms export licensing and conflict in Sudan