Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the (1) benefits, and (2) risks, associated with deploying drones as first responders; and what steps they will take to ensure the (a) secure, and (b) ethical, use of this technology.

The Government recognises the use of drones as first responders can save lives, time and valuable resources for public services. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulate the use of Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (drones) to ensure the increased use of drones remains safe and secure. This includes assessing regulation around the appropriate handling of data privacy and assessing associated risks. Additional product requirements laid down in UK (EU) Delegated Regulation 2019/945 will come into effect from 01 January 2026, to introduce Remote ID, geo awareness, lighting and manufacturing standards.