Written questions by Fortune.

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 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 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 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 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.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology of the adequacy of the accessibility of the consultation entitled Environmental Assessment Levels for the amine-based carbon capture process, published on 17 January 2025.

The Environment Agency launched the consultation ‘Environmental Assessment Levels for the amine-based carbon capture process’ on 17 January 2025. The consultation is presented on Gov.uk, with a direct link to the consultation on the Citizen Space website: Environmental Assessment Levels for the amine-based carbon capture process - GOV.UK As per the Government’s Publishing Accessible Documents guidance, the consultation document is published in HTML format on Citizen Space, to make it easier to read and to find. The digital survey for users to respond to the consultation is also hosted on an accessible platform. The consultation document is alternatively also available as a PDF on GOV.UK. As stated on the website, users of assistive technology (such as screen readers) can request a copy of the consultation in a more accessible format by emailing enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Users who have queries on the consultation can also contact enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Government Office for Technology Transfer on the AI Opportunities Action Plan before its publication.

The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology engaged in numerous discussions with various stakeholders and government departments as part of the broader effort to ensure the AI Opportunities Action Plan, which was developed by Matt Clifford, was comprehensive and aligned with the government’s ambition for growth. The Government Office for Technology Transfer plays a crucial role in accelerating government innovations towards the market, driving growth, and delivering new products and services for citizens. As Government takes the Plan forward it will continue to engage widely.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with businesses 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 ambitions by laying the foundations for AI growth, driving adoption and building UK capability at the frontier.The Action Plan has been informed by a series of external roundtables with experts from across the AI ecosystem. These discussions covered key areas such as the collaboration between the public and private sectors to create a robust AI ecosystem and to unmask the potential economic impact of AI technologies. As the Government takes the Plan forward, it will continue to engage widely with these stakeholders to ensure its implementation.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the Geospatial Commission 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.The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology engaged in numerous discussions with various stakeholders and government departments as part of the broader effort to ensure the AI Opportunities Action Plan was comprehensive and aligned with the government’s ambition for growth. The Geospatial Commission is part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. Officials in geospatial and AI policy engage regularly, including on the AI Action Plan.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with Innovate UK 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 Biotechnology and Biological 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.

Food and Rural Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the accessibility to people who are digitally excluded of the consultation on Applying Environment Act 2021 civil sanctions.

Online engagement is an efficient and transparent means for sharing proposals and gathering feedback from groups and individuals affected by or interested in proposed changes. It is part of a wider engagement process. The consultation relates to a targeted national audience of business stakeholder interests. Communications to affected stakeholders included emailing numerous key stakeholder businesses and trade associations. People who are unable to respond to the consultation online can request a printed copy of the consultation documents and a response form that can be returned to the Environment Agency by post.

Innovation and Technology, what discussions he had with the UKRI 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 Horizon Europe 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.The Action Plan was informed by a series of external roundtables with experts from across the AI ecosystem including civil society, academia, investors, and industry, including from UKRI. The department also regularly engages with the Horizon Programme and the responsible EU officials. These discussions have informed the action plan and continue to shape our ongoing work.

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 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.

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 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 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 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.