Written questions by Bhatti.

Innovation and Technology, whether he has had discussions with the European Union on the future of EU Adequacy on data protection.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer I gave on 18 October 2024 to Question 8500.

Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to bring forward legislative proposals to require businesses to carry out data protection impact assessments.

Article 35 of the UK GDPR already requires organisations to carry out a data protection impact assessment if the type of processing they are doing is likely to result in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals.

Innovation and Technology, what progress he has made on removing Huawei from 5G networks by the end of 2027.

As he will know, the Designated Vendor Direction issued in October 2022 set out twelve requirements on the removal of Huawei equipment and services that telecoms providers have a legal obligation to meet. We are working closely with providers who received...

With reference to Annex D of FOI2024-00289: Correspondence about the appointment of Emily Middleton, published by his Department on 24 September 2024, if he will publish (a) the letter from Cat Little and (b) ac

I am happy to publish the accompanying annex (b), which was a document entitled "CSC Recruitment Principles". This is available online at https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/02a_RECRUITMENT-PRINCIPLES-Apr...

Innovation and Technology, whether he plans to amend the Research Excellence Framework.

The next Research Excellence Framework (REF) is currently being developed by Research England and the three Devolved higher education funding bodies, in collaboration with the higher education sector.Since the funding bodies initial proposals for REF 2029...

Innovation and Technology, when he will publish a consultation on the potential merits of bringing forward an Artificial Intelligence Bill.

As set out in the King’s Speech, the Government will establish legislation to ensure the safe development of AI models by introducing targeted requirements on companies developing the most powerful AI systems. This legislation will build on the voluntary ...

Innovation and Technology, what areas of discussion have been submitted by parties attending the AI Action Summit in November 2024.

We are looking forward to working with France as they organise the AI Action Summit, taking place on 10 and 11 February 2025. France have outlined there are five tracks for the Summit: Trust in AI, Global Governance, Innovation, Public Interest and Future...

Innovation and Technology, how many universities (a) he and (b) other Ministers in his Department have visited since their appointment.

Since taking office in July, we have visited six universities. I have visited Glasgow University, Queens University Belfast and Imperial College London. Members of the ministerial team have made visits to Northumbria University, Imperial College London an...

Whether his Department has had recent discussions with Northumberland County Council on the construction of an artificial intelligence data centre in Cambois.

Officials within my Department work closely with Northumberland County Council to support investment into the region. This includes collaboration to support Blackstone and QTS’ recently confirmed investment into an artificial intelligence data centre in B...

Innovation and Technology, if he will take steps to develop a digital inclusion strategy.

It is a scandal that the previous government did not introduce a digital inclusion strategy for ten years.Digital inclusion is a priority for my department and for government, and work is ongoing to develop our approach to tackling digital exclusion and c...

Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential contribution of a digital inclusion strategy to (a) stopping the spread of misinformation and (b) increasing public trust in social media.

Digital inclusion is a key priority for the government and it is shocking that the previous government’s out-of-date digital inclusion strategy was published a full decade ago, despite clear evidence that digital exclusion limits economic growth and harms...

Innovation and Technology, what steps his Department is taking to increase digital accessibility for vulnerable people.

It is a scandal that the previous government did not introduce a digital inclusion strategy for ten years.Digital inclusion is a priority for my department and for government, and work is ongoing to develop our approach to tackling digital exclusion and c...

Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to support the digital inclusion of (a) elderly, (b) economically disadvantaged and (c) disabled people.

It is a scandal that the previous government did not introduce a digital inclusion strategy for ten years.Digital inclusion is a priority for my department and for government, and work is ongoing to develop our approach to tackling digital exclusion and c...

Innovation and Technology, if he will ensure that funding is allocated for the creation of a new digital inclusion strategy.

It is a scandal that the previous government did not introduce a digital inclusion strategy for ten years.Digital inclusion is a priority for my department and for government, and work is ongoing to develop our approach to tackling digital exclusion and c...

Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to help tackle online state-sponsored harmful content.

Under the Online Safety Act, companies will be forced to take action against illegal content online. The Foreign Interference Offence, a priority offence in the Act, will require companies to tackle a wide range of state-linked interference online, and pl...

Innovation and Technology, if he will take steps to increase online safety for children.

The government is committed to keeping children safe online and we will continue to work with campaigners, charities, industry, and the regulator to achieve this goal. Our priority is the quick and effective implementation of the Online Safety Act to ensu...

Innovation and Technology, if he will work with technology companies to increase online safety.

The Government is committed to ensuring that the internet, and social media in particular, is safe for UK users, especially children. Whilst technology companies have a key role in accelerating innovation, investment and productivity across the UK, they m...

Innovation and Technology, how much funding has been allocated to ensuring public services are accessible digitally.

The Service Standard and the Technology Code of Practice require government teams to make sure that services are accessible to all users, including disabled people, people with other legally protected characteristics, people who do not have access to the ...

Innovation and Technology, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of developing a digital inclusion strategy on the number of (a) anti-Semitic and (b) anti-Muslim incidents.

It is a scandal that the previous government did not introduce a digital inclusion strategy for ten years.Digital inclusion is a priority for my department and for government, and work is ongoing to develop our approach to tackling digital exclusion and c...

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 6 September 2024 to Question 2163 on Animal Experiments, what his planned timetable is for the work on requirements for phasing out animal testing.

The Government has committed to partnering with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the requirements for phasing out of animal testing and discussions on this subject are already underway. It is not yet possible to replace all anima...