Written questions by Fortune.

Innovation and Technology, how much funding the Government provided for research into primary sclerosing cholangitis in the 2023-24 financial year; and which public bodies provided that funding.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). NIHR funds, enables, and delivers high-quality research to improve patient care and public health and supports liver research through a range of funding programmes, training, support for researchers and facilities. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes biological, physiological, mechanistic and clinical studies to investigate the causes and underpin the development of treatments for a variety of liver conditions/diseases. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: UIN NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in FY 2023/2428175Hepatitis BNIHR allocated £220,741 for research concerning Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C research in 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for Hepatitis B research was £1,810,412 for 2 awards from MRC.28176Hepatitis C UKRI did not commit any specific funding for obstructive Hepatitis C research in 2023-24.28177Hepatocellular carcinomaNIHR allocated £1,633,698 for research concerning hepatocellular carcinoma research in 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for hepatocellular carcinoma research was £2,758,044 for 5 awards (1 award from MRC and 4 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).28178CholangiocarcinomaNIHR did not allocate any funds concerning cholangiocarcinoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for cholangiocarcinoma research was £187,096 (1 award from centrally managed UKRI schemes). The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) committed £17,595 in 2023-24 for cholangiocarcinoma research for 1 award.28179Biliary cirrhosisNIHR did not allocate any funds concerning primary biliary cirrhosis research in 2023-24UKRI did not commit any funding for primary biliary cirrhosis research in 2023-24.28180Sclerosing cholangitisNIHR did not allocate any funds concerning primary sclerosing cholangitis research in 2023-24UKRI did not commit any funding for primary sclerosing cholangitis research in 2023-24.28181Autoimmune hepatitisNIHR did not allocate any funds concerning autoimmune hepatitis research in 2023-24UKRI did not commit any funding for autoimmune hepatitis research in 2023-24.28182Non-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseNIHR allocated £151,511 for research concerning non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease research in 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease research was £3,647,138 for 4 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC, 1 award from centrally managed UKRI schemes).28183Alcoholic fatty liver diseaseUKRI did not commit any funding for alcoholic fatty liver disease research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, how much funding the Government provided for research into Hepatitis C in the 2023-24 financial year; and which public bodies provided that funding.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) funds medical research through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). NIHR funds, enables, and delivers high-quality research to improve patient care and public health and supports liver research through a range of funding programmes, training, support for researchers and facilities. UKRI delivers a substantial portfolio of researcher-led projects. This includes biological, physiological, mechanistic and clinical studies to investigate the causes and underpin the development of treatments for a variety of liver conditions/diseases. Details of UKRI and NIHR funding on specific areas is provided in the table below: UIN NIHR funding in FY 2023/24UKRI Funding in FY 2023/2428175Hepatitis BNIHR allocated £220,741 for research concerning Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C research in 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for Hepatitis B research was £1,810,412 for 2 awards from MRC.28176Hepatitis C UKRI did not commit any specific funding for obstructive Hepatitis C research in 2023-24.28177Hepatocellular carcinomaNIHR allocated £1,633,698 for research concerning hepatocellular carcinoma research in 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for hepatocellular carcinoma research was £2,758,044 for 5 awards (1 award from MRC and 4 awards from centrally managed UKRI schemes).28178CholangiocarcinomaNIHR did not allocate any funds concerning cholangiocarcinoma research in 2023-24The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for cholangiocarcinoma research was £187,096 (1 award from centrally managed UKRI schemes). The National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) committed £17,595 in 2023-24 for cholangiocarcinoma research for 1 award.28179Biliary cirrhosisNIHR did not allocate any funds concerning primary biliary cirrhosis research in 2023-24UKRI did not commit any funding for primary biliary cirrhosis research in 2023-24.28180Sclerosing cholangitisNIHR did not allocate any funds concerning primary sclerosing cholangitis research in 2023-24UKRI did not commit any funding for primary sclerosing cholangitis research in 2023-24.28181Autoimmune hepatitisNIHR did not allocate any funds concerning autoimmune hepatitis research in 2023-24UKRI did not commit any funding for autoimmune hepatitis research in 2023-24.28182Non-alcoholic fatty liver diseaseNIHR allocated £151,511 for research concerning non-alcoholic and alcoholic fatty liver disease research in 2023-24.The total commitment across UKRI in 2023-24 for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease research was £3,647,138 for 4 awards (1 award from Innovate UK; 2 awards from MRC, 1 award from centrally managed UKRI schemes).28183Alcoholic fatty liver diseaseUKRI did not commit any funding for alcoholic fatty liver disease research in 2023-24.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Arts and Humanities Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with Innovate UK on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Geospatial Commission on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Natural Environment Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Science and Technology Facilities Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Advanced Research and Invention Agency on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the Economic and Social Research Council on their (a) cybersecurity and (b) procedures to prevent cyber and ransomware attacks since July 2024; and how many such incidents have occurred since July 2024.

Ministers and officials meet regularly with industry stakeholders and public bodies to discuss cyber security and bolstering cyber resilience. The National Cyber Security Centre offers range of support and guidance showing businesses, agencies and government departments how to protect against cyber attacks. The Cyber Breaches Survey 2024 shows that 50% of businesses report having experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last 12 months. The Government recognises the importance of strengthening the UK’s cyber resilience and protecting the digital economy to deliver growth. To address this, the Government is introducing a Cyber Security and Resilience Bill. The Bill will strengthen the UK’s cyber defences and ensure that more essential digital services than ever before are protected. On 14 January the government published a consultation on proposals to further protect businesses and public services from ransomware attacks.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Science and Technology Facilities Council on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Natural Environment Research Council on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Arts and Humanities Research Council on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Advanced Research and Invention Agency on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with universities on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, has been informed by a series of external roundtables with experts from across the AI ecosystem, including civil society, academia, investors, and industry. As the plan moves forward, it will continue to engage widely with these stakeholders to ensure its implementation.The Action Plan also includes new initiatives, such as expanding the Turing AI Fellowships offer and doubling the capacity of the AI Research Resource. The UK’s publicly funded portfolio of AI R&D investments is worth £1 billion, including investments in centres for doctoral training, the Alan Turing Institute, Bridge AI, Responsible AI UK, and AI hubs.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Medical Research Council on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with Research England on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Economic and Social Research Council on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, sets out how we will achieve our AI ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier. UKRI representatives, including research councils, have been engaged throughout the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan. We are committed to working closely with the UKRI who are a critical delivery partner for key elements of the Action plan. We will continue to engage widely across the AI ecosystem as government takes the Action Plan forward.