theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_142

Charlie Maynard:To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many bonus payments were made to community pharmacies under the Pharmacy First scheme for reaching (a) 20-29 and (b) 30 or more clinical pathway consultations in (i) April, (ii) May and (iii) June 2025. \p Stephen Kinnock: As part of delivering the Pharmacy First service, pharmacy contractors receive a monthly fixed payment if they meet specific requirements, which include minimum activity levels.

From June 2025, pharmacies delivering 20 to 29 consultations receive £500, while those with at least 30 consultations continued to receive £1,000 monthly. To make this change and facilitate more timely payments, the claim window for Pharmacy First was reduced from three months to one. The new tier of payment supports pharmacies with lower potential for delivery and will increase the number of pharmacies qualifying for Pharmacy First fixed payments.

This adjustment was agreed with the sector representative body, Community Pharmacy England, as part of negotiations for the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework for 2025/26. An article was published in May 2025 by NHS Business Services Authority providing advanced notice.

For the clinical pathway element of the Pharmacy First service, 241,340 consultations were delivered in April, 242,077 consultations were delivered in May, and 254,692 consultations were delivered in June. In April, 3,996 contractors received the £1000 fixed payment, in May 3,979 contractors received the £1000 fixed payment, and in June 4,051 contractors received the £1000 fixed payment while 1,565 contractors received the £500 fixed payment.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_143

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 17 July 2025 to Question 66464 on Submarine Telegraph Act 1885, by when will she have considered whether existing penalties and definitions remain fit for purpose to address modern threats. \p Kanishka Narayan: Existing penalties for acts of sabotage to submarine cables are significant. Under the National Security Act (NSA) 2023 the sabotage offence carries a maximum penalty of life in prison or a fine, or both, where the activity is conducted for, on behalf of, or for the benefit of a foreign power.

Where the foreign power condition cannot be met, the offence under the NSA does not apply, and the penalties available under the Submarine Telegraph Act 1885 are more limited. This is under review.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 21 October 2025 to Question 81183 on Electronic Government: Logos, what was the total cost to (a) Cabinet Office and (b)DSIT of the redesign. \p Ian Murray: Three contracts were awarded with external agencies to support the redesign of the GOV.UK brand, in December 2023, March 2024 and July 2024. Expenditure under these contracts totalled £532,000. Of this, £421,750 was paid by Cabinet Office and £110,250 was paid by DSIT.

Out of the total, £219,620 was spent between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024.

The refreshed GOV.UK brand comprises designs, guidance and components that underpin the whole GOV.UK product suite – including the GOV.UK website, GOV.UK App, GOV.UK One Login and GOV.UK social media channels – which enable a modern, coherent and accessible user experience that appeals to the broadest possible audience.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Adam Dance:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to ensure that the Physical Infrastructure Access pricing model encourages investment by network providers in full fibre provision in rural areas in Yeovil constituency. \p Kanishka Narayan: As the independent regulator for telecommunications, Ofcom is responsible for making regulatory decisions in the fixed telecoms sector, including on the Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product.

In July, we published our draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services that sets out the Government’s view on infrastructure sharing in the fixed telecoms sector, including asking Ofcom to demonstrate greater transparency in how they calculate and set PIA prices.

The draft Statement also sets out how Ofcom can continue to support the roll-out of broadband across the UK, including in rural areas, by promoting competition.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Blake Stephenson:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the impact of the High-Risk Building regime on the Government’s target of achieving 99% gigabit-capable broadband coverage by 2032; and what discussions her Department has had with the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government on this issue. \p Kanishka Narayan: Building and fire safety, including the Higher-Risk Building regulatory framework, is the responsibility of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).

The department continues to work closely with MHCLG to assess and mitigate delays experienced by the telecoms sector, including those faced by fixed network operators, as a result of the higher-risk building safety regime.

We remain committed to removing barriers to the deployment of digital infrastructure and to delivering 99% gigabit-capable coverage by 2032.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Draft regulations to commence Sections 61 to 64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, published on 7 May 2025, what recent discussions he has had with (a) telecommunication landlords and (b) prospective telecommunications landlords on the Electronic Communications Code 2017. \p Kanishka Narayan: The technical consultation on draft regulations to commence Sections 61 – 64 of the Act, dealing with certain Renewal agreements closed on 2 July 2025. The department received submissions from a range of stakeholders in response to the consultation, including landowners, Wireless Infrastructure Providers and Mobile Network Operators.  Officials have kept these stakeholders updated on progress to implement outstanding provisions of the PSTI Act, including sections 61 – 64. This has been done through group sessions, which site providers, operators and infrastructure providers have all been invited to attend. Officials have also shared these updates and listened to feedback as part of their routine engagement with stakeholders. This engagement has included regular and ad hoc meetings with specific organisations and representative groups.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Dr Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of potential lessons to be learned from the descoping of premises under the Fastershire-Gigaclear contract; and what protections are in place under the new BDUK framework agreement with (a) Openreach and (b) other contractors to prevent properties in North Herefordshire constituency from being promised a connection and then removed from delivery plans. \p Kanishka Narayan: We recognise the importance of learning from past delivery challenges. Under the Fastershire programme, Gigaclear was accountable to the Local Authority for any descoping, with Building Digital UK (BDUK) assuring change requests to ensure compliance with commercial and State Aid requirements and responsible use of public funds. All descoped premises were subject to formal change control and assurance by BDUK before approval, including consideration of recouping public funds where appropriate.

BDUK is the contracting authority for all Project Gigabit contracts in England and Wales, including the cross-regional framework with Openreach. These contracts include robust safeguards: suppliers’ performance is monitored against time and budget, with regular reporting and milestone reviews, while failure to meet milestones can trigger rectification plans and suspension of payments. BDUK holds regular meetings with suppliers to ensure effective delivery and address risks early. These measures are designed to maximise coverage and value for money for the taxpayer.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Jess Asato:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has (a) implemented a domestic abuse policy for staff and (b) trained line managers to effectively respond to staff who are experiencing domestic abuse. \p Ian Murray: DSIT is committed to supporting employees experiencing domestic abuse. We provide comprehensive advice to these employees and their managers including how to identify abuse, actions which colleagues and managers can take, and links to organisations providing advice and support. Our guidance also covers the actions of perpetrators and how disciplinary action would be implemented.

In July 2024 we implemented Domestic Abuse Guidance for employees and line managers. Line managers can access departmental online information and 121 support is available for the line manager where this is needed for specific instances of domestic abuse.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Dr Luke Evans:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential implications for her policies of the extent of consumer knowledge about rights to leave a contract without penalty following a mid-contract price rise. \p Kanishka Narayan: The Secretary of State wrote to Ofcom’s CEO on 31st October to ask for Ofcom’s assessment of telecoms consumer protections and what could be done further and faster on transparent and fair pricing.

It is imperative that people feel empowered when interacting with the telecoms market and that they can be confident they are getting a fair deal. This includes prominent and transparent information in consumer contracts on any in-contract price rises and a consumer’s right to leave within 30 days of notification of an increase beyond that outlined in the contract.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 10 October 2025 to Question 76804 on DSIT: Social Media, what campaigns or topics social media influencers paid for by her Department have been promoted. \p Ian Murray: The Department for Science Innovation and Technology has only spent money on social media influencers for reasonable expenses such as travel.

We have worked with social media influencers to drive public awareness on the following topics; how the government is putting AI to work in healthcare; work to tackle digital exclusion; the National Underground Asset Register; and products launched by the Government Digital Service to improve access to public services for citizens.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with the Competition and Markets Authority on the potential impact of the merger of Vodafone and Three on the rollout of 5G. \p Kanishka Narayan: The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is an independent regulator and Government has no role in merger and remedies decisions on a competition basis. The Secretary of State has not discussed the potential impacts of the merger of Vodafone and Three on the rollout of 5G with them.

However, the Secretary of State welcomes Vodafone UK and Three UK’s binding £11 billion investment commitment to upgrade the UK’s mobile networks to higher quality standalone 5G.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Charlie Dewhirst:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, how much money has been allocated through the the UK Research and Innovation fund to research into mitochondrial diseases in each of the last five years. \p Kanishka Narayan: The Medical Research Council (MRC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), committed £55,650,000 since 2020 to research into mitochondrial disease.

2020

£9,283,000

2021

£11,063,000

2022

£13,416,000

2023

£9,738,000

2024

£12,150,000

Additionally, MRC awarded the MRC Mitochondrial Biology Unit (MBU), which focuses entirely on mitochondrial disease, £39,489,000 over this period.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 82664 on Disinformation, whether the software has been used to monitor comment relating to (a) gender criticism, (b) asylum hotels and (c) national flags being placed on lampposts. \p Kanishka Narayan: No. This software is used to analyse mis and disinformation narratives from publicly available information online. It is only used to analyse narratives that pose a risk to UK national security or public safety.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Monica Harding:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether Ofcom has assured itself that generative-AI search services in scope of the Online Safety Act 2023 have adequate user reporting and complaints systems as required by their codes of practice. \p Kanishka Narayan: AI services that allow users to share content with one another or that search live websites to provide results are regulated under the Online Safety Act.

In-scope services are required to assess the risk of harm to users from illegal content on their services and implement measures to mitigate this risk. Where services are likely to be accessed by children, they will also need to risk assess for content harmful to children and take action to protect children from harmful content.

Ofcom has a range of robust enforcement powers to ensure compliance with the Act. Ofcom publishes details on the enforcement action it takes on its website.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has communicated with (a) U.S. federal agencies and (b) major social media platforms on the moderation or removal of UK-based content since 2020. \p Kanishka Narayan: The department regularly engages with international partners, including US federal agencies, on a range of technology-related issues.

The department also regularly engages with social media platforms to discuss online harms, including topics that pose a risk to the UK and its citizens. Using its trusted flagger status, the department can also refer online content to platforms that poses a risk to UK national security or public safety and is assessed as likely to violate platforms’ terms of service. It is then up to platforms to decide what action, if any, to take on content referred to them.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what estimate she has made of the return on investment from UK contributions to the European Space Agency in the past three years. \p Kanishka Narayan: Independent monitoring and evaluation analysis conducted in 2025 found that for every £1 the UK contributes to ESA programmes leads to £7.49 (approximately €1: €8.49 based on daily exchange rate from European Central bank) directly benefiting the UK economy. These benefits help drive innovation, stimulate job creation, and foster sustained long-term economic growth within the UK's space sector.  Between 2022 and 2025, the UK Space Agency secured an additional €122.5 million in contracts for the UK space sector

In the last quarter of 2024, the UK Space Agency secured €96 million in contracts, the highest single-quarter return ever recorded by an ESA Member State in the current statistical reporting period established in 2015.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Dr Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to provide timelines to North Herefordshire constituents on when they will be able to access a gigabit-capable broadband connection, in the context of the delay to Project Gigabit's completion date until 2032. \p Kanishka Narayan: As part of Project Gigabit, Openreach is contracted to provide gigabit-capable broadband to approximately 3,050 premises in the North Herefordshire constituency that are not included in suppliers’ commercial plans. This coverage is contracted to be completed by 2030 and the first connections are expected to be ready for service by March 2026.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will take steps to increase competition in the telecoms tower market. \p Kanishka Narayan: The government is committed to a competitive mobile market where consumers and business have access to high-quality, secure and affordable connectivity. We will publish a Mobile Market Review call for evidence in the coming months to help better understand how technological, structural and financial changes could impact the industry’s ability to invest in widespread high-quality connectivity, this includes impacts on the mobile tower market.

The CMA and Ofcom have the duty to promote competition and protect consumers within telecoms markets. Where they identify anti-competitive behaviour, they have powers to investigate and implement measures to promote competition. Government works with these regulators where appropriate.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of requiring tower companies to (a) improve coverage and (b) re-invest in new sites. \p Kanishka Narayan: Tower companies play a key role in the market; they deliver the physical infrastructure that hosts telecommunications equipment. This allows mobile network operators to provide communities and businesses across the UK with the mobile coverage they need and expect.

Outside of government funded programmes, investment into new telecommunications infrastructure is a commercial decision, but we want to ensure that any investment translates into real world impacts for consumers and businesses. This is why we are working with the industry to ensure that we have the right policy and regulatory framework in facilitate this, including removing barriers to deployment where they exist and it is practical to do so.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department holds information on the average rental income for telecommunication providers (a) before and (b) after the Electronic Communications Code 2017 was implemented. \p Kanishka Narayan: In the impact assessment produced in 2016 to accompany the 2017 reforms, it was anticipated that there would be a reduction in rents from operators to landowners but that it would be difficult to precisely predict the effect of the reforms on rental payments. The impact assessment referenced independent analysis conducted by the specialist telecommunications consultancy Nordicity, commissioned by DCMS, which estimated a potential 40% decrease in rents.

During the passage of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, it was suggested by Speed up Britain, an industry group, that the average rent reduction was 63%. Given the commercial – and often sensitive – nature of most Code agreements, meaningful data on rents would be difficult to collect and assess.

Government has no plans to conduct a formal review of the 2017 reforms to the Electronic Communications Code before commencing the remaining sections of the 2022 Act.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Electronic Communication Code 2017 on 5G rollout. \p Kanishka Narayan: The aim of the 2017 reforms was to encourage investment in digital networks and improve coverage and connectivity across the UK.

Our ambition is that all populated areas will have higher-quality standalone 5G by 2030. We are committed to removing barriers to the digital infrastructure, including reviewing where planning rules could be relaxed to support the deployment of 5G.

Analysis from the EU Commission showed 5G households' 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 USA (97.0%). Since this assessment, UK 5G coverage outside premises has increased to 96%.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Dr Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 83709 on Electronic Government: Proof of Identity, what oversight her Department has of third-party data providers used for identity verification under the Gov.uk One Login; and what mechanisms are in place to audit (a) error rates and (b) mismatched records resulting in people having to pay private verification providers. \p Ian Murray: As part of the identity verification process, GOV.UK One Login engages specialist third party service providers. All third party relationships are controlled via commercial arrangements set out in contracts with GOV.UK One Login.

GOV.UK One Login does not have access to any personal information users have shared with third party service providers. If an individual would like to ask for any information that may be processed by our third party service providers, they will need to contact them directly.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Dr Ellie Chowns:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 29 October 2025 to Question 83709 on Electronic Government: Proof of Identity, what assessment she has made of the risk that people with limited credit history are disproportionately excluded from verifying their identity through the Gov.uk One Login; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure that those people are not prevented from accessing (a) Companies House and (b) other essential Government services. \p Ian Murray: GOV.UK One Login provides multiple ways for individuals to prove their identity. Individuals with access to a smartphone and traditional ID documents such as a passport or driving licence can complete verification via the GOV.UK One Login App, which does not require a credit history check.

For those who do not have a smartphone, we have a web route available. We also have a no photo ID route for those without traditional ID documents. These routes use knowledge-based verification questions based on a user's credit history. GOV.UK One login is just one way Companies House users can prove their identity and they provide an alternative via Authorised Corporate Service Providers (ACSP).
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Sir Iain Duncan Smith:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November 2025 to Question 85691 on Government Digital Service: Taiwan, whether it is the policy of the government that Taiwan is not a place of residence for the purposes of government digital services. \p Ian Murray: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 4 November 2025 to Question 85691.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the consultation on the Draft regulations to commence Sections 61 to 64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, which closed on 7 May 2025, whether her Department plans to issue guidance to telecommunication landlords on tackling costs from backdated interim rent. \p Kanishka Narayan: Subject to considering the consultation responses, we intend to finalise the draft regulations relating to the renewals provisions, contained in Sections 61-64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022 ( the “Renewal Provisions”) by the end of the year. We intend to publish the Government’s response to the consultation within the same timeframe.

The consultation has specifically addressed the backdating issue, and asked respondents to make representations in relation to this. The intention behind the draft regulations consulted on was to ensure that while landowners may still be required to pay back rents for other reasons, they would not be required to pay back rents received as direct consequence of the Renewal Provisions for any periods up to the date on which the Renewal Provisions come into force.

The final regulations, when made, will be accompanied by an explanatory note.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Martin Wrigley:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the Draft regulations to commence Sections 61 to 64 of the Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure Act 2022, published on 7 May 2025, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the no network assumption on the number of landowners willing to rent land for telecommunication purposes. \p Kanishka Narayan: No specific assessment of the impact of ‘no network’ valuation on landowners’ willingness to rent land for telecommunications purposes has been carried out. Under the Electronic Communications Code (“ECC”), in addition to rent payments, landowners may also receive compensation for any loss or damage from the operator’s use of Code rights.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Adam Dance:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to (a) expand broadband coverage for rural communities and (b) encourage market competition for such coverage. \p Kanishka Narayan: Through Project Gigabit we are rolling out fast, reliable broadband to UK premises not included in suppliers’ commercial plans. These premises are predominantly in rural areas. As of the end of March 2025, over 1.2 million premises had been upgraded to gigabit-capable broadband through government-funded programmes. In addition, more than one million further premises have been included within contracts to provide access to gigabit-capable broadband, with funding of over £2.4 billion through Project Gigabit.

In July, we published a consultation on a draft updated Statement of Strategic Priorities that sets out the Government’s view on the key role of competition to support the fibre roll-out. Competition across the UK is necessary to promote investment as well as foster innovation, and will help ensure low prices and more choice for consumers in the long-term. We are currently reviewing responses to the consultation and will publish our response in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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James McMurdock:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of data centres opting into the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects scheme on local (a) decision-making and (b) accountability. \p Ian Murray: The NSIP consenting process provides substantial opportunities for interested parties, including local communities and local authorities, to “have their say” on proposals that go through the NSIP consenting process. Under the Planning Act 2008, local authorities are invited to submit a local impact report, giving details of the likely impact of the proposed development on their area, which the Secretary of State must have regard to when deciding the application.

The examination process, which all NSIP applications need to go through, provides opportunity for local communities, interested parties, and statutory bodies to make representations and for them to be considered by the Examining Authority in their examination of the application and subsequent report, which will then be made to the Secretary of State for a decision whether to grant development consent.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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John Whitby:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the 2017 Electronic Communications Code reforms on the time taken for the roll out of 5G masts in rural communities. \p Kanishka Narayan: The aim of the 2017 reforms was to encourage investment in digital networks and improve coverage and connectivity across the UK.

Our ambition is that all populated areas will have higher-quality standalone 5G by 2030. We are committed to removing barriers to the digital infrastructure, including reviewing where planning rules could be relaxed to support the deployment of 5G.

No specific assessment has been made of the potential impact of the 2017 Electronic Communications Code reforms on the time taken for the roll out of 5G lasts in rural communities. However, analysis from the EU Commission showed 5G households' 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 USA (97.0%). Since this assessment, UK 5G coverage outside premises has increased to 96%.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Jen Craft:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps (a) her Department and (b) its public bodies are taking to (i) develop and (ii) utilise artificial intelligence approaches to British Sign Language. \p Ian Murray: Providing BSL translations of pre-recorded audio and video content on public services is a legislative Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AAA criterion. As outlined in the Government Service Standard, all digital government services must as a minimum meet Level AA. AAA is best practice.

Through the Service Standard and Service Assessments, the Government Digital Service encourages departments to incorporate BSL into service design. In May this year DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) launched the UK Government’s first British Sign Language (BSL) online translation service for candidates booking their theory test online. DVSA held a series of user research session with BSL users, with one participant calling the service ‘life-changing’.

There are opportunities to use AI to accelerate the creation of accessible content across public services. If public bodies trial the use of AI in approaches to BSL, they would be required to conform with both WCAG and the Service Standard, and must conduct research with disabled people, including Deaf users and where appropriate to the service provision, those who use sign language or a sign language interpreter to interact with the service.

Regardless of if AI generated, services must also make sure any BSL video is culturally appropriate by working with the BSL community, testing it, or getting feedback.
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Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether his Department has held discussions with U.S. agencies or corporations on digital identity, interoperability, or trust frameworks since 2021. \p Ian Murray: DSIT is developing the UK digital identity and attributes trust framework to enable secure, interoperable digital identity services in the UK. Senior officials regularly collaborate with international partners, including US departments, agencies, tech companies and standards bodies, to align best practices and share insights. These efforts help ensure the UK trust framework is compatible with national and international standards, fostering interoperability and trust. The department remains committed to ongoing collaboration and knowledge exchange to address new challenges in digital identity.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

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Sarah Champion:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of UK bilateral aid was spent on tackling violence against women and girls in the 2024-5 financial year. \p Chris Elmore: The requested figures are not yet available, but on the wider issue raised, I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 13 March 2025 to Question 33985.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_174

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the impact of the Child Nutrition Fund on nutrition outcomes for women, children and new-borns in Nigeria. \p Chris Elmore: I refer the Hon Member to the answer she was provided on 14 March in response to Question 35278.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_175

Helen Hayes:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what is the longest waiting time for a Academic Technology Approval Scheme application to be processed was in the last 12 months. \p Chris Elmore: Most Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) applications are straight forward and 98% of applications during the past year were processed within 30 working days. Between 1 January 2025 to 13 November 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth, & Development Office received 33,945 ATAS applications. 670 of those applications were delayed beyond 30 working days.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_176

Jim Shannon:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential implications of her policies of the designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern by the US. \p Chris Elmore: The UK Government does not comment on our partners' decisions on individual designations.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_177

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department plans to introduce further targeted sanctions on (a) individuals, (b) entities and (c) businesses involved in sustaining armed conflict in Sudan. \p Chris Elmore: I refer the Hon. Member to the responses provided during the Urgent Question debates on Sudan on 30 October and 5 November.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_178

Dame Harriett Baldwin:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans she has to support John Smith Trust fellowship programmes during the Spending Review Period. \p Chris Elmore: We are proud to be supporting the John Smith Trust this year to run their excellent fellowship programme in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, supporting leading professionals to take action in their countries on climate change. We are working through detailed decisions on how the Official Development Assistance budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments. We plan to publish indicative allocations for the next three years in the coming months.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_179

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she has had with her Nigerian counterparts on ongoing reports of (a) abduction and (b) forced marriage of Christian women and girls; and what steps she has taken to protect religious minority women in that country. \p Chris Elmore: The UK Government condemns all violence against women and girls, including abduction and forced marriages, across Nigeria. Kidnapping for ransom is sadly a widespread practice in Nigeria, particularly in the Northwest where banditry is prevalent, and communities of all religions and beliefs have been vulnerable. Through the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership (SDP), a Multi-Agency Kidnap Fusion Cell (MAKFC) has been established to support cooperation between Nigeria's security and justice agencies. This is already operational and working to reduce the harm to victims and hold those responsible to account. On 11 November, the Minister for International Development and Africa discussed the root causes of insecurity in Nigeria during a meeting with Nigerian Foreign Minister Yusuf Tuggar. The UK's Forced Marriage Unit provides support to victims and those at risk of forced marriage, and advice to professionals through its public helpline and inbox, including in Nigeria.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_180

Anneliese Dodds:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made to the parties to the conflict in Sudan on the operation of checkpoints hindering internally displaced persons’ access to safety (a) between El Fasher and Tawila and (b) elsewhere in Sudan. \p Chris Elmore: I refer the Hon. Member to the statement on Sudan made to the House by the Foreign Secretary on 18 November.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_181

Wendy Morton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 3 November 2025 to Question 84226 on Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, when he plans to communicate to Parliament the conclusion of the multiyear ODA funding allocation process. \p Chris Elmore: The UK announced on 11 November that it will invest £850 million in the Global Fund's Eighth Replenishment. This is expected to save up to 1.3 million lives in the countries where the Global Fund works as well as helping to prevent the spread of diseases to the UK. Decisions on multi-year allocations are being worked through and announcements will be made in due course.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_182

Siân Berry:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking to (a) investigate (i) war crimes and (ii) genocide in Sudan and (b) support international efforts to (A) end violence and (B) protect civilians in that country; whether she plans to (1) impose targeted sanctions on those responsible for that violence and (2) prevent UK arms exports; and what plans her Department has to increase the (a) volume and (b) effectiveness of humanitarian aid in that country. \p Chris Elmore: I refer the Hon. Member to the statement made by the Foreign Secretary on Sudan on 18 November, which addressed all these issues at length.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_183

Dr Al Pinkerton:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if her Department will publish an updated list of the countries with which the UK has negotiated arrangements allowing British citizens to use automated border e-gates. \p Stephen Doughty: Approximately 54 ports currently provide UK nationals with access to eGates in countries including France, Italy, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands and Greece. Access arrangements within the Schengen Area may vary for day-to-day operational reasons, so this estimate is subject to change.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_184

Rupert Lowe:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether U.S. officials have (a) participated in and (b) been consulted on UK–Mauritius negotiations regarding the Chagos Islands and Diego Garcia since 2022. \p Stephen Doughty: As I stated in the House of Commons on 2 September, the UK-Mauritius treaty was tested at the highest levels of the United States' security establishment, across multiple agencies. The agreement has been backed by our key allies and international partners, including the US and all our Five Eyes partners.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_185

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, on what dates Chagos Contact Group (a) Ministers and (b) officials from her Department (i) have met with the Chagos Contact Group and (ii) plan to meet the Chagos Contact Group in the next twelve months. \p Stephen Doughty: The first meeting of the Contact Group, attended by myself and Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials, took place on 2 September 2025, and it will continue to meet quarterly as part of wider engagement between the UK Government and Chagossian representatives.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_186

Priti Patel:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 5 November 2025 to Question 88230 on Chagos Islands: Marine Protected Area, whether Mauritius has provided information on the annual quota for each fish stock to be granted in the proposed (a) 612,611 km2 Conservation Zone, (b) 2,251 km2 Habitat Protection Zone and (c) 7,261 km2 Traditional Zone for Resettlement. \p Stephen Doughty: We welcome the 3 November announcement by the Mauritian government confirming plans for the establishment of a Marine Protected Area after entry into force of the Treaty. The proposed zones of the future protected area will utilise the internationally recognised categories of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

There will be no commercial fishing across the entire 640,000 square kilometre area. The Great Chagos Bank will be given one of the highest levels of protection, with the rest of the Marine Protected Area categorised as a highly protected conservation zone. There will be limited provision for controlled levels of artisanal fishing in confined zoned areas intended for resettlement, to allow for subsistence fishing by any Chagossian communities that resettle, while maintaining the commitment to nature conservation.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_187

Colum Eastwood:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the Government is taking to support Palestinian refugees in Lebanon. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: The UK plays a leading role in responding to the humanitarian needs of vulnerable groups across Lebanon.

This year, the UK has provided £15.5 million in programming budget support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). UNRWA programming supports Palestinians in Lebanon, Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, and Syria. The UK's funding contributes to UNRWA's delivery of basic education, health, relief services, and humanitarian aid to Palestinians.

This financial year, the UK has also spent £33.5 million in humanitarian support focussed on Lebanon's most vulnerable and marginalised populations. This support includes a partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), which supports 'Makani' community centres across Lebanon, including in 11 Palestinian camps and gatherings. These centres provide Early Childhood Education and Retention Support to 1,200 vulnerable Palestinian children.
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Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-11-21)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-11-21 conversation_188

Sammy Wilson:To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions she had had with international counterparts on the recent rise of violence against Christian communities in Hama, Syria. \p Mr Hamish Falconer: I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given on 18 September to the question 74583.