Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they will take to protect small digital technology and online news companies from competition from big technology digital companies.

The Government is committed to supporting the growth and dynamism of the digital technology sector and the sustainability of the online press sector. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill will establish new, faster and effective tools to address the far-reaching power of the biggest tech firms.

The new legislation will equip the Competition and Markets Authority to address both the causes and consequences of market power in digital markets, and make sure tech start-ups are able to enter and grow in new markets. It will also help rebalance the relationship between major platforms and those who rely on them, including press publishers, through tailored conduct requirements and pro-competition interventions. We anticipate the Bill will receive Royal Assent in spring this year. This is subject to Parliamentary time and scrutiny.