Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, when the digital economy council last met.

The Digital Economy Council (DEC) last met on the 18th of January 2023. This meeting addressed the department’s priorities for 2023 and sought feedback from members on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill. Discussions were also held on the Patrick Vallance Regulatory Review. The DEC was also an important contributor to my department’s efforts to help facilitate HSBC’s purchase of Silicon Valley Bank UK earlier this year.

This department recognises the importance and value of engaging with the tech sector via the Digital Economy Council and other complementary fora. The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology also met with the Council for Science and Technology in March 2023; and I continue to co-chair the Digital Skills Council, working closely with industry.