Written questions by Dodds.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions she has had with Ofcom, on the attribution of ultimate authorship of defamatory comments towards humans by autonomous bots.

A range of rules already apply to AI systems, such as data protection, competition, equality legislation and other forms of sector regulation. The UK has well established defamation laws, and our data protection laws also apply to personal data processed in the context of AI. We continue to monitor developments in the common law in this area.AI services including chatbots that enable users to share content with one another, or that search the live internet in response to user prompts, are regulated under the Online Safety Act and covered by the illegal content and children's safety duties. The largest user-to-user services will also need to enforce their terms of service, such as where they prohibit AI-generated content which is deceptive. Companies that do not comply can expect to face enforcement action from Ofcom.The Department meets regularly with technology companies and Ofcom to discuss how they can better protect people in the UK from illegal and harmful content online, including from chatbots. We will continue to work closely with industry and Ofcom to address emerging risks and uphold strong online safety protections.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions her Department has had with AI companies on the publication on the internet of defamatory comments towards humans by autonomous bots.

A range of rules already apply to AI systems, such as data protection, competition, equality legislation and other forms of sector regulation. The UK has well established defamation laws, and our data protection laws also apply to personal data processed in the context of AI. We continue to monitor developments in the common law in this area.AI services including chatbots that enable users to share content with one another, or that search the live internet in response to user prompts, are regulated under the Online Safety Act and covered by the illegal content and children's safety duties. The largest user-to-user services will also need to enforce their terms of service, such as where they prohibit AI-generated content which is deceptive. Companies that do not comply can expect to face enforcement action from Ofcom.The Department meets regularly with technology companies and Ofcom to discuss how they can better protect people in the UK from illegal and harmful content online, including from chatbots. We will continue to work closely with industry and Ofcom to address emerging risks and uphold strong online safety protections.

What assessment she has made of the potential impact of the contribution of Sudanese students on Higher Education.

The new International Education Strategy has confirmed this government's continued commitment to welcome international students who meet the requirements to study in the UK.The government recognises the significant economic and cultural contribution that all international students make to the UK’s higher education sector.We must, however, retain a robust immigration system which safeguards against exploitation. The government is therefore introducing targeted measures to help protect the integrity of the system, which may apply to study visas. These measures will apply where evidence shows a consistently high number and proportion of visa-linked asylum claims. Once in place, applications from the specified nationalities on the affected routes will be refused.The government announced on 4 March that these measures would be imposed on nationals of four countries, including Sudan. This means that Sudanese nationals will not be awarded a study visa until the measures are lifted.

What discussions she had with Cabinet colleagues prior to the recent decision concerning Sudanese student visas.

The new International Education Strategy has confirmed this government's continued commitment to welcome international students who meet the requirements to study in the UK.The government recognises the significant economic and cultural contribution that all international students make to the UK’s higher education sector.We must, however, retain a robust immigration system which safeguards against exploitation. The government is therefore introducing targeted measures to help protect the integrity of the system, which may apply to study visas. These measures will apply where evidence shows a consistently high number and proportion of visa-linked asylum claims. Once in place, applications from the specified nationalities on the affected routes will be refused.The government announced on 4 March that these measures would be imposed on nationals of four countries, including Sudan. This means that Sudanese nationals will not be awarded a study visa until the measures are lifted.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the contribution of Sudanese diaspora student activists in atrocity prevention initiatives in Sudan.

Ministers and officials continue to meet on a regular basis with a wide range of Sudanese civil society and diaspora groups in the UK and across the region to listen to their concerns, gain their valuable insights, and help to build an inclusive, united approach for transitioning to a civilian-led government once a lasting ceasefire is in place.Most recently, on 9 March, Minister for International Development and Africa, Baroness Chapman, met with a number of NGOs, including diaspora representatives, to discuss how to strengthen humanitarian access and overcome restrictions on the entry of aid, as well as how best to drive forward our work to protect civilians and hold perpetrators to account in Sudan, through the UK-led Coalition for Atrocity Prevention.On 24 February, the UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls, Baroness Harriet Harman, also hosted an event in Berlin to discuss how to stop Violence Against Women and Girls in Sudan, consulting Sudanese activists and diaspora members, civil society representatives, UK and German policymakers and international partners. The event provided a platform for Sudanese women to inform UK and German thinking ahead of the April International Sudan Conference in Berlin.The policy changes raised by the Rt Hon Member are a matter for the Home Office, along with any assessment of their impact.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the outcomes from the Chevening Scholarship program for Sudanese nationals.

Ministers and officials continue to meet on a regular basis with a wide range of Sudanese civil society and diaspora groups in the UK and across the region to listen to their concerns, gain their valuable insights, and help to build an inclusive, united approach for transitioning to a civilian-led government once a lasting ceasefire is in place.Most recently, on 9 March, Minister for International Development and Africa, Baroness Chapman, met with a number of NGOs, including diaspora representatives, to discuss how to strengthen humanitarian access and overcome restrictions on the entry of aid, as well as how best to drive forward our work to protect civilians and hold perpetrators to account in Sudan, through the UK-led Coalition for Atrocity Prevention.On 24 February, the UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls, Baroness Harriet Harman, also hosted an event in Berlin to discuss how to stop Violence Against Women and Girls in Sudan, consulting Sudanese activists and diaspora members, civil society representatives, UK and German policymakers and international partners. The event provided a platform for Sudanese women to inform UK and German thinking ahead of the April International Sudan Conference in Berlin.The policy changes raised by the Rt Hon Member are a matter for the Home Office, along with any assessment of their impact.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the contribution of Sudanese diaspora student activists in pro-peace initiatives in Sudan.

Ministers and officials continue to meet on a regular basis with a wide range of Sudanese civil society and diaspora groups in the UK and across the region to listen to their concerns, gain their valuable insights, and help to build an inclusive, united approach for transitioning to a civilian-led government once a lasting ceasefire is in place.Most recently, on 9 March, Minister for International Development and Africa, Baroness Chapman, met with a number of NGOs, including diaspora representatives, to discuss how to strengthen humanitarian access and overcome restrictions on the entry of aid, as well as how best to drive forward our work to protect civilians and hold perpetrators to account in Sudan, through the UK-led Coalition for Atrocity Prevention.On 24 February, the UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls, Baroness Harriet Harman, also hosted an event in Berlin to discuss how to stop Violence Against Women and Girls in Sudan, consulting Sudanese activists and diaspora members, civil society representatives, UK and German policymakers and international partners. The event provided a platform for Sudanese women to inform UK and German thinking ahead of the April International Sudan Conference in Berlin.The policy changes raised by the Rt Hon Member are a matter for the Home Office, along with any assessment of their impact.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she had with Cabinet colleagues prior to the recent decision concerning Sudanese student visas.

Ministers and officials continue to meet on a regular basis with a wide range of Sudanese civil society and diaspora groups in the UK and across the region to listen to their concerns, gain their valuable insights, and help to build an inclusive, united approach for transitioning to a civilian-led government once a lasting ceasefire is in place.Most recently, on 9 March, Minister for International Development and Africa, Baroness Chapman, met with a number of NGOs, including diaspora representatives, to discuss how to strengthen humanitarian access and overcome restrictions on the entry of aid, as well as how best to drive forward our work to protect civilians and hold perpetrators to account in Sudan, through the UK-led Coalition for Atrocity Prevention.On 24 February, the UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls, Baroness Harriet Harman, also hosted an event in Berlin to discuss how to stop Violence Against Women and Girls in Sudan, consulting Sudanese activists and diaspora members, civil society representatives, UK and German policymakers and international partners. The event provided a platform for Sudanese women to inform UK and German thinking ahead of the April International Sudan Conference in Berlin.The policy changes raised by the Rt Hon Member are a matter for the Home Office, along with any assessment of their impact.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether her Department has made representations to the Rapid Support Forces on the detention of women and children in Nyala Prison in Darfur, Sudan.

The UK Special Representative for Sudan continues to engage with both warring parties, pressing for unimpeded humanitarian access, a ceasefire and civilian-led transition, and to urge adherence to international law.The Foreign Secretary has consistently condemned the violations of international law being committed across Sudan and used the UK's Presidency of the UN Security Council in February to call for international action - including international criminal investigations - into the mounting evidence of atrocities, including findings of mistreatment of detainees.On 26 February, the UK also launched the Coalition on Atrocity Prevention and Justice in Sudan to empower local peacebuilding and protection initiatives on the ground, lay the foundations for justice, and work to ensure that those who perpetuate atrocities are held to account.

What steps have been taken towards Option 2 from Pavement parking options for change: government response.

On 8 January 2026, I announced the publication of the government’s formal response to the 2020 public consultation 'Pavement parking: options for change' which sets out the legislative measures to tackle pavement parking.In the first instance we will give local authorities powers this year to issue Penalty Charge Notices for vehicles parked in a way that unnecessarily obstructs the pavement. My officials have begun work on secondary legislation and guidance for this option, and associated stakeholder engagement.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations she has made on recent restrictions placed on humanitarian access in South Sudan.

We are deeply concerned by reports of escalating violence and constrained humanitarian access in South Sudan. Alongside international partners, we remain in constant engagement with the Transitional Government to press for de-escalation, sustained aid access, and an inclusive political dialogue, and we have made clear that the Transitional Government, and all those with influence over armed groups, must allow humanitarian operators to operate freely and safely across the country.The Foreign Secretary raised these issues directly with South Sudanese Foreign Minister Semaya Kumba during a bilateral meeting in Addis Ababa on 1 February, and on 6 February, we joined the US, Norway and other likeminded partners, in a joint statement condemning recent attacks on humanitarian operations and calling for unimpeded humanitarian access.

With reference to her oral statement of 17 November 2025 on Asylum Policy, what discussions she has had with her Canadian counterpart on the operation of Named Community Sponsorship schemes.

In the Restoring Order and Control Statement, the Government committed to transforming its approach to safe and legal routes.The Government is working with a range of stakeholders, including civil society, to design and develop the new sponsored pathways to ensure they work for beneficiaries, stakeholders and government. Stakeholder engagement is ongoing throughout the design process.Work is underway to operationalise these new routes and further details will be provided in due course.

With reference to her oral statement of 17 November 2025 on Asylum Policy, what steps her Department has taken to engage civil society in the establishment of a Named Community Sponsorship scheme.

In the Restoring Order and Control Statement, the Government committed to transforming its approach to safe and legal routes.The Government is working with a range of stakeholders, including civil society, to design and develop the new sponsored pathways to ensure they work for beneficiaries, stakeholders and government. Stakeholder engagement is ongoing throughout the design process.Work is underway to operationalise these new routes and further details will be provided in due course.

With reference to her oral statement of 17 November 2025 on Asylum Policy, what her timeline is for establishing a Named Community Sponsorship scheme.

In the Restoring Order and Control Statement, the Government committed to transforming its approach to safe and legal routes.The Government is working with a range of stakeholders, including civil society, to design and develop the new sponsored pathways to ensure they work for beneficiaries, stakeholders and government. Stakeholder engagement is ongoing throughout the design process.Work is underway to operationalise these new routes and further details will be provided in due course.

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to promote equality and inclusion as part of the National Year of Reading.

I refer my hon. Friend, the Member for Oxford East, to the answer of 24 February 2026 to Question 112742.

Media and Sport, what role public libraries will play in the delivery of the National Year of Reading.

Public libraries are central to the success of the National Year of Reading’s campaign to engage people of all ages with reading. The Reading Agency has been appointed to work with sector partners to deliver and support public library engagement. The Summer Reading Challenge in 2026, and World Book Night, the annual celebration of reading for adults on 23 April 2026, will be key moments for libraries during the National Year of Reading 2026. Throughout the year, The Reading Agency will provide public libraries with resources, toolkits, and print and digital materials to support their work and boost engagement.Local authorities such as Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, Hillingdon, Oxfordshire and Nottinghamshire are actively celebrating and participating in the National Year of Reading programmes with various activities and events at their library branches.

What discussions his Department has had with German counterparts concerning lessons from the January Berlin power outage for the UK's civil preparedness.

The Cabinet Office has not directly engaged with German counterparts regarding the January power outage in Berlin. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) is the Lead Government Department for energy resilience. DESNZ officials have closely engaged with the British Embassy Berlin regarding this incident to understand what happened and what lessons can be learnt.

Innovation and Technology, what measures her Department is taking to help prevent the censorship of online information concerning women's health.

The Online Safety Act does not prevent adults or children from accessing legal content about women’s health. Safeguards for freedom of expression have been built in throughout the framework of the Act, which places duties on platforms to protect users’ rights to freedom of expression when introducing safety measures.The largest services regulated by the Act will have additional duties meaning they cannot arbitrarily remove content, and they will need to be clear what content is acceptable on their services and enforce the rules consistently. Users will have access to effective complaints procedures to appeal when content is unduly taken down.

Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to support research institutions in the period before UK Research and Innovation budget allocations are determined.

In December, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) set out how it will deliver its record £38.6 billion funding allocation over the next four years. This is part of the largest ever investment in R&D made by any UK government (£86 billion up to 2029/30) and will help drive new scientific breakthroughs, help create new industries and grow businesses faster, and deliver the growth we need for good jobs and better lives.The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has been in active dialogue with UKRI to ensure that any implications from funding decisions are fully understood and that they reflect both the UK’s strategic research priorities and its global commitments. DSIT has asked UKRI to ensure that its final allocations are informed by meaningful consultation with the research community and a robust assessment of potential consequences for the UK’s scientific capability.

What funding schemes his Department provides for medical researchers.

The Department funds research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). The NIHR funds clinical, public health, and social care research and works in partnership with the National Health Service, universities, local government, other research funders, patients, and the public, and the NIHR also funds global health research. Funding opportunities can be accessed from the NIHR website, at the following link: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/funding-opportunities The NIHR also provides a wide range of applicant‑led funding streams that support high‑quality research across all areas of human health and care which can be accessed at the following link: https://www.nihr.ac.uk/research-funding/funding-programmes