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I am very grateful to the Minister for suggesting that there will be some consideration of the gap, as she put it, and I look forward to that. I want to raise one thing, which is that I was very struck by her reference to a small number of companies...
I am very grateful to the Minister for suggesting that there will be some consideration of the gap, as she put it, and I look forward to that. I want to raise one thing, which is that I was very struck by her reference to a small number of companies...
The purpose of the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and information Systems) Bill is to further enhance the scope and powers we have to protect essential services connected through network and information services. The market as it exists today is as I described. What is within the scope is not...
The purpose of the Cyber Security and Resilience (Network and information Systems) Bill is to further enhance the scope and powers we have to protect essential services connected through network and information services. The market as it exists today is as I described. What is within the scope is not...
Moved by
Baroness Lloyd of Effra
4: Clause 6, page 4, line 31, after “controller” insert “—
(a) which carries on activities for system-balancing purposes (whether or not it also carries on other activities), and”
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment would ensure that the threshold requirement relating to the essential service of load control, inserted...
Moved by
Baroness Lloyd of Effra
4: Clause 6, page 4, line 31, after “controller” insert “—
(a) which carries on activities for system-balancing purposes (whether or not it also carries on other activities), and”
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment would ensure that the threshold requirement relating to the essential service of load control, inserted...
Moved by
Baroness Kidron
6: Clause 7, page 6, line 31, after “engine” insert “, an AI product or service”
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment probes whether the definition of “relevant digital service” being inserted into the NIS Regulations by this bill includes generative-AI models, including but not limited to AI agents and large...
Moved by
Baroness Kidron
6: Clause 7, page 6, line 31, after “engine” insert “, an AI product or service”
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment probes whether the definition of “relevant digital service” being inserted into the NIS Regulations by this bill includes generative-AI models, including but not limited to AI agents and large...
My Lords, in moving this amendment, I shall speak also to Amendment 75 in my name; I thank those noble Lords who have added their names in support. I was glad to add my name to Amendments 12, 85 and 86 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Tarassenko,...
My Lords, in moving this amendment, I shall speak also to Amendment 75 in my name; I thank those noble Lords who have added their names in support. I was glad to add my name to Amendments 12, 85 and 86 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Tarassenko,...
My Lords, I will speak to Amendments 12, 85 and 86 in my name, and in support of Amendment 6 in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Kidron, to which I have also added my name.
At Second Reading, several noble Lords spoke about the AI-shaped hole in the Bill....
My Lords, I will speak to Amendments 12, 85 and 86 in my name, and in support of Amendment 6 in the name of the noble Baroness, Lady Kidron, to which I have also added my name.
At Second Reading, several noble Lords spoke about the AI-shaped hole in the Bill....
My Lords, I support Amendment 75 from the noble Baroness, Lady Kidron, and Amendment 84 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Clement-Jones, both of which I have added my name to, but I also support all the amendments in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Tarassenko, that...
My Lords, I support Amendment 75 from the noble Baroness, Lady Kidron, and Amendment 84 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Clement-Jones, both of which I have added my name to, but I also support all the amendments in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Tarassenko, that...
My Lords, it is a pleasure to support all the amendments in this group. In one set of amendments in Committee, we have more on AI than in not just the cyber Bill but across most government legislation—past, present and, tragically, probably largely future.
As has already been mentioned and was...
My Lords, it is a pleasure to support all the amendments in this group. In one set of amendments in Committee, we have more on AI than in not just the cyber Bill but across most government legislation—past, present and, tragically, probably largely future.
As has already been mentioned and was...
My Lords, I will briefly speak to the amendments from the point of view of anti-terrorism and national security. I do so with trepidation, having listened to the wonderful speeches that have been made thus far.
I find it difficult to understand why there is an unwillingness to give the clarity...
My Lords, I will briefly speak to the amendments from the point of view of anti-terrorism and national security. I do so with trepidation, having listened to the wonderful speeches that have been made thus far.
I find it difficult to understand why there is an unwillingness to give the clarity...
My Lords, I will briefly add my support to the amendments in this group, particularly the “red lines” amendment and the “last resort” amendment. Nobody who has read the report on the Hugging Face incident can fail to think that we need legislation now to deal with these kinds of...
My Lords, I will briefly add my support to the amendments in this group, particularly the “red lines” amendment and the “last resort” amendment. Nobody who has read the report on the Hugging Face incident can fail to think that we need legislation now to deal with these kinds of...
My Lords, we have had some excellent speeches in this group. I hope that the Minister has taken on board some of the points made by people who really know what they are talking about in the AI field. I will speak to my Amendment 84 and in strong support...
My Lords, we have had some excellent speeches in this group. I hope that the Minister has taken on board some of the points made by people who really know what they are talking about in the AI field. I will speak to my Amendment 84 and in strong support...
My Lords, I shall begin with Amendment 12 in the names of the noble Lord, Lord Tarassenko, and the noble Baroness, Lady Kidron. I completely understand the necessity and urgency of taking action on these things. The noble Lord, Lord Tarassenko, set out the absolute urgency and the growing weight...
My Lords, I shall begin with Amendment 12 in the names of the noble Lord, Lord Tarassenko, and the noble Baroness, Lady Kidron. I completely understand the necessity and urgency of taking action on these things. The noble Lord, Lord Tarassenko, set out the absolute urgency and the growing weight...
I thank noble Lords for their amendments, and I recognise the concerns that have been expressed. Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and it is important that we harness the benefits and, equally, protect against the risks it may pose.
The noble Lord, Lord Holmes of Richmond, asked about the...
I thank noble Lords for their amendments, and I recognise the concerns that have been expressed. Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, and it is important that we harness the benefits and, equally, protect against the risks it may pose.
The noble Lord, Lord Holmes of Richmond, asked about the...
If I have understood what the Minister said, the NHS must protect itself, but the AI that is attacking it has no duties or obligations under the Bill to check itself before it is used in those ways. That is what I think is the Government’s position, and I would...
If I have understood what the Minister said, the NHS must protect itself, but the AI that is attacking it has no duties or obligations under the Bill to check itself before it is used in those ways. That is what I think is the Government’s position, and I would...
It is 5 trillion a year.
It is 5 trillion a year.
Five trillion, a year. I am grateful to the Minister for answering my question because, very often, that does not happen. That really points at a problem.
5.45 pm
Finally, on the AISI point—we will probably come back to it a little bit in the next group—a few months ago AISI dropped...
Five trillion, a year. I am grateful to the Minister for answering my question because, very often, that does not happen. That really points at a problem.
5.45 pm
Finally, on the AISI point—we will probably come back to it a little bit in the next group—a few months ago AISI dropped...
To respond to the question about how the Bill approaches certain AI products and services, as I mentioned in respect of Amendment 6, were AI services to be brought into the ambit of the Bill as proposed in Amendment 6, that would not address some of the harms that the...
To respond to the question about how the Bill approaches certain AI products and services, as I mentioned in respect of Amendment 6, were AI services to be brought into the ambit of the Bill as proposed in Amendment 6, that would not address some of the harms that the...
Moved by
Lord Birt
7: Clause 7, page 6, line 31, after “engine” insert “, software or a digital platform,”
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Birt, seek to include software and platform providers in the definition of a relevant digital service provider.
Moved by
Lord Birt
7: Clause 7, page 6, line 31, after “engine” insert “, software or a digital platform,”
Member’s explanatory statement
This amendment, and others in the name of Lord Birt, seek to include software and platform providers in the definition of a relevant digital service provider.
My Lords, I will also speak to all the other amendments in my name, which are all supported by the noble Lord, Lord Londesborough, and some by others of your Lordships.
The Bill in its present form, as others have already said, is extraordinarily limited in scope and ambition—well short, for...
My Lords, I will also speak to all the other amendments in my name, which are all supported by the noble Lord, Lord Londesborough, and some by others of your Lordships.
The Bill in its present form, as others have already said, is extraordinarily limited in scope and ambition—well short, for...
My Lords, I shall speak to Amendments 7, 9, 11, 76, 77 and 88 to 91 in the name of my noble friend Lord Birt, each of which I have added my name to, and to Amendment 87 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Clement-Jones.
6 pm
Since Second Reading,...
My Lords, I shall speak to Amendments 7, 9, 11, 76, 77 and 88 to 91 in the name of my noble friend Lord Birt, each of which I have added my name to, and to Amendment 87 in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Clement-Jones.
6 pm
Since Second Reading,...
My Lords, it is a pleasure to speak to this group of amendments; I was certainly delighted to sign those in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Birt. Before turning to the specific subject matter, I say that the point he raised about JLR is germane to our broader...
My Lords, it is a pleasure to speak to this group of amendments; I was certainly delighted to sign those in the name of the noble Lord, Lord Birt. Before turning to the specific subject matter, I say that the point he raised about JLR is germane to our broader...
My Lords, the last two interventions seemed to raise two issues, not one. The first is the question of how many regulators and the second is their coverage. Who will they regulate? Will they regulate just, say, the public sector, or will they regulate, in effect, the whole of the...
My Lords, the last two interventions seemed to raise two issues, not one. The first is the question of how many regulators and the second is their coverage. Who will they regulate? Will they regulate just, say, the public sector, or will they regulate, in effect, the whole of the...
My Lords, I first congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Birt, on what is a really comprehensive vision expressed in this group of amendments. I speak in strong support of those amendments, on which both he and the noble Lord, Lord Londesborough, have spoken so cogently. Together, they address one of...
My Lords, I first congratulate the noble Lord, Lord Birt, on what is a really comprehensive vision expressed in this group of amendments. I speak in strong support of those amendments, on which both he and the noble Lord, Lord Londesborough, have spoken so cogently. Together, they address one of...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Birt, for introducing this debate and all noble Lords who have spoken. I appreciate the rigorous strategic thinking that the noble Lords, Lord Birt and Lord Londesborough, have put into the proposal for an office for cyber resilience, but I will try...
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord, Lord Birt, for introducing this debate and all noble Lords who have spoken. I appreciate the rigorous strategic thinking that the noble Lords, Lord Birt and Lord Londesborough, have put into the proposal for an office for cyber resilience, but I will try...
I thank the noble Lords, Lord Birt and Lord Clement-Jones, for their introduction to this section and for setting out the motivation behind a single cyber regulator.
As others have pointed out, this is a question of sectoral expertise and cyber expertise. It is my view that, given the complex cyber...
I thank the noble Lords, Lord Birt and Lord Clement-Jones, for their introduction to this section and for setting out the motivation behind a single cyber regulator.
As others have pointed out, this is a question of sectoral expertise and cyber expertise. It is my view that, given the complex cyber...
In this recovery regime, will whatever organisations that are to be regulated be levied for the service of regulation that will be provided, or will the revenue come as a result of fines? If that is the case, I hope they will not raise the revenue by finding fault. What...
In this recovery regime, will whatever organisations that are to be regulated be levied for the service of regulation that will be provided, or will the revenue come as a result of fines? If that is the case, I hope they will not raise the revenue by finding fault. What...
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the cost of their proposal to maintain a fully iOS native, a fully Android native, and a computer/web browser version of the NHS app, by comparison to the current arrangements.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the cost of their proposal to maintain a fully iOS native, a fully Android native, and a computer/web browser version of the NHS app, by comparison to the current arrangements.
NHS England routinely assesses options for the future technological development of the NHS App. This includes due regard to cost, appropriate use of artificial intelligence, and most importantly how changes will best enhance the service for patients.
A roadmap of future developments is available at the NHS.UK website, in an online only format.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 22 June (HL816), how the "similar functionality" commitment applies to (1) the "native code and native interfaces" re-implementation of the NHS app with any new minimal compatibility requirements; (2) services in the current NHS app; and...
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Merron on 22 June (HL816), how the "similar functionality" commitment applies to (1) the "native code and native interfaces" re-implementation of the NHS app with any new minimal compatibility requirements; (2) services in the current NHS app; and...
The Government is fully committed to developing the NHS App for the benefit of patients and services in the National Health Service, in line with the 10-Year Health Plan.
We have consistently minimised any divergence between code bases and will continue to do so in the future as we develop the NHS App. This helps to optimise the service for patients.
We are continuing to fully develop the NHS App for users as an iOS app, an Android app, and as a website. Where there are any differences between these formats, this can be due to natural differences in design due to different operating systems and conventions or it can also occur as new features are rolled out across formats, one at a time. In the case of the latter, this means any differences may only be temporary.
We are committed to making the NHS App as accessible as possible, whilst at the same time ensuring the software remains safe and secure for use by patients. We review the operating system and browser version policy annually, to determine how best to strike this balance.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Social Market Foundation, Clearing the Air, published on 3 July 2024, which suggested that restrictive software licensing practices may cost the UK public sector £60 million a year.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the report by the Social Market Foundation, Clearing the Air, published on 3 July 2024, which suggested that restrictive software licensing practices may cost the UK public sector £60 million a year.
While HMG has not issued a formal, comprehensive assessment of the Social Market Foundation's July 2024 report, Clearing the Air, its findings remain highly pertinent to ongoing digital market regulatory efforts.
This report was submitted as evidence to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to support its in-depth investigation into competition within the UK's public cloud infrastructure services market. These insights are currently being reviewed to help shape future public sector commercial practices and guidance.
Furthermore, public sector procurement continues to align with the Digital, Data and Technology (DDaT) Playbook. The playbook establishes essential policy reforms aimed at safeguarding against vendor lock-in and maximizing value for money.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the safeguards required for the use of artificial intelligence to triage patients through the NHS app.
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the safeguards required for the use of artificial intelligence to triage patients through the NHS app.
The Government is committed to safeguarding patients as part of the shift from analogue to digital National Health Services, as set out in the 10-Year Health Plan.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency regulates artificial intelligence (AI) tools that provide clinical assessment to ensure they are safe for patient use in the NHS. NHS organisations deploying such tools must also comply with risk management standards and with the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria.
NHS England is developing national triage standards setting out the clinical principles, urgency thresholds, and performance expectations against which any AI-enabled triage will be assured before use and continuously evaluated against.
The Government has also established the National Commission into the regulation of AI in healthcare, which will advise on the future regulatory framework of AI.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Cabinet Office will be providing evidence on Microsoft licensing practices and other related matters to the Competition and Markets Authority for its Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether the Cabinet Office will be providing evidence on Microsoft licensing practices and other related matters to the Competition and Markets Authority for its Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is responsible for gathering evidence relevant to its Strategic Market Status investigations and engages with a wide range of stakeholders. Government departments will assist the CMA as far as possible where the CMA requests that they do so, including providing evidence to the CMA where appropriate.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will advise the Competition and Markets Authority to publish a public roadmap for the Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem; and what steps they are taking to ensure that the investigation is delivered at pace.
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will advise the Competition and Markets Authority to publish a public roadmap for the Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem; and what steps they are taking to ensure that the investigation is delivered at pace.
The Competition and Markets Authority is responsible for operating the digital markets regime. The length of Strategic Market Status investigations can vary due to a number of factors but must be completed within the statutory time limits imposed by the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2025. The CMA has stated its intention to publish a roadmap.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the Competition and Markets Authority develops potential conduct requirements in parallel with the Strategic Market Status investigation, to ensure remedies for anti-competitive licensing are implemented immediately upon any designation.
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure the Competition and Markets Authority develops potential conduct requirements in parallel with the Strategic Market Status investigation, to ensure remedies for anti-competitive licensing are implemented immediately upon any designation.
The Competition and Markets Authority is responsible for operating the digital markets regime, including when to implement any conduct requirements. The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 does not prevent the CMA from designing remedies in parallel with Strategic Market Status investigations.
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Competition and Markets Authority’s Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem, what assessment they have made of (1) the extent to which software licensing restrictions and cloud lock-in may influence public sector choice of enterprise AI tools, and (2) any...
To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Competition and Markets Authority’s Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem, what assessment they have made of (1) the extent to which software licensing restrictions and cloud lock-in may influence public sector choice of enterprise AI tools, and (2) any...
The CMA expects to publish its final decision report on the Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft’s business software by February 2027. The CMA has already taken action in the cloud market outside of the investigation and secured voluntary commitments from Amazon and Microsoft, which will improve interoperability, reduce data egress fees and make switching easier in cloud services.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of the Gambling Commission’s licensing checks in identifying whether gambling software providers supply unlicensed gambling websites.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of the Gambling Commission’s licensing checks in identifying whether gambling software providers supply unlicensed gambling websites.
The Gambling Commission, as the independent regulator for gambling, has responsibility for making decisions around licensing.
As part of its regulatory approach, the Gambling Commission assesses applicants against the statutory licensing objectives and may take compliance and enforcement action where it identifies evidence of breaches of licence conditions or other regulatory requirements. This includes where operators or gambling software licensees are found to be supplying the illegal gambling market.
To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether any Open Source software is used in the House of Commons.
To ask the hon. Member for Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney, representing the House of Commons Commission, whether any Open Source software is used in the House of Commons.
In supporting the work of Parliament, the Parliamentary Digital Service makes extensive use of open source software, and in particular in bespoke procedural systems. Where appropriate and subject to licensing requirements, open source solutions are generally preferred. We also seek to ensure that systems remain portable across hosting platforms and avoid unnecessary dependence on proprietary technologies.
On 21 May 2026, I issued a written statement updating on progress in delivering the McCloud remedy for affected members of the NHS Pension Scheme. The delivery of the remedy in the NHS Pension Scheme is a hugely complex undertaking across the public sector to address the age discrimination that...
On 21 May 2026, I issued a written statement updating on progress in delivering the McCloud remedy for affected members of the NHS Pension Scheme. The delivery of the remedy in the NHS Pension Scheme is a hugely complex undertaking across the public sector to address the age discrimination that...
My Honourable Friend the Minister of State for Health (Karin Smyth MP) has made the following statement:
On 21 May 2026, I issued a written statement updating on progress in delivering the McCloud remedy for affected members of the NHS Pension Scheme. The delivery of the remedy in the NHS Pension...
My Honourable Friend the Minister of State for Health (Karin Smyth MP) has made the following statement:
On 21 May 2026, I issued a written statement updating on progress in delivering the McCloud remedy for affected members of the NHS Pension Scheme. The delivery of the remedy in the NHS Pension...
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to stop illegal gambling apps that are using registration; and what support will be put in place for victims of these apps.
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to stop illegal gambling apps that are using registration; and what support will be put in place for victims of these apps.
The issue of illegal gambling is a concern for this government. We are committed to working closely with the Gambling Commission to ensure that illegal gambling, in all its forms, is addressed.
As part of the 2025 Budget, the Treasury announced that the Gambling Commission will receive an additional £26 million across three years to increase investment, resources and capacity to tackle the illegal market. In addition, the Crime and Policing Act, which received Royal Assent in April 2026, enables the Commission to apply for new powers to obtain orders to suspend internet protocol addresses and internet domain names linked to illegal gambling. We also launched the Illegal Gambling Taskforce at the beginning of this year which brings together a wide range of stakeholders to take action against the illegal market.
We also recognise the impact that harmful gambling can have on individuals, families and communities and are committed to further strengthening measures to protect those at risk. The statutory gambling levy, established last year, provides independent and sustainable funding for the research, prevention and treatment of gambling-related harm. Approximately 50% of this funding will go to NHS England and Scottish and Welsh Governments to work with providers, including the third sector, to increase access to treatment and support for those experiencing gambling-related harm.
This Government is committed to ensuring the safe, reliable and effective operation of our critical national infrastructure and our National Health Service.
Under the Medical Devices Regulations 2002, NHS England is currently the legal manufacturer for software medical devices that underpin essential national services, including systems supporting urgent and emergency care...
This Government is committed to ensuring the safe, reliable and effective operation of our critical national infrastructure and our National Health Service.
Under the Medical Devices Regulations 2002, NHS England is currently the legal manufacturer for software medical devices that underpin essential national services, including systems supporting urgent and emergency care...
My Honourable Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Preet Kaur Gill MP) has made the following statement:
This Government is committed to ensuring the safe, reliable and effective operation of our critical national infrastructure and our National Health Service.
Under the Medical Devices Regulations 2002, NHS England is currently the legal manufacturer...
My Honourable Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Preet Kaur Gill MP) has made the following statement:
This Government is committed to ensuring the safe, reliable and effective operation of our critical national infrastructure and our National Health Service.
Under the Medical Devices Regulations 2002, NHS England is currently the legal manufacturer...
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has had discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority on the potential merits of reviewing Apple and Googles app store control over mobile phone downloads, including whether alternative 'pay to download' structures could be made available for...
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether his Department has had discussions with the Competition and Markets Authority on the potential merits of reviewing Apple and Googles app store control over mobile phone downloads, including whether alternative 'pay to download' structures could be made available for...
The CMA is currently taking forward work as part of its Strategic Market Status investigations into Apple and Google’s mobile ecosystems. As the UK’s independent competition authority, it is for the CMA to determine the scope of its investigations and any potential interventions.
Amendment 70 to clause 47 negatived on division (6 to 7). Amendment 48 to clause 47 negatived on division (6 to 7). Amendment 49 to clause 47 negatived on division (6 to 7). Clause 47, discussed with new clauses 7 and 8, agreed to. Clauses 48 to 50 agreed to. Amendment 6 to schedule 7 negatived on division (2 to 8). Schedule 7 agreed to. Clauses 51 to 57 agreed to. Written evidence reported to the House.
Amendment 70 to clause 47 negatived on division (6 to 7). Amendment 48 to clause 47 negatived on division (6 to 7). Amendment 49 to clause 47 negatived on division (6 to 7). Clause 47, discussed with new clauses 7 and 8, agreed to. Clauses 48 to 50 agreed to....
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make it his policy to publish the statistics his department collates on local authorities in an accessible open data format through an API interface.
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, if he will make it his policy to publish the statistics his department collates on local authorities in an accessible open data format through an API interface.
The department publishes most of its statistics in open, accessible formats such as OpenDocument Spreadsheet (ODS) files, in line with Government Statistical Service standards. The department keeps its approach to dissemination under review, including opportunities to improve machine-readability and access through API interfaces where there is clear user need and this represents value for money.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his department tracks current levels of NHS app usage across different patient groups.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether his department tracks current levels of NHS app usage across different patient groups.
We track current levels of NHS App usage through the NHS App Management Information monthly publication. This is broken down by integrated care board and region, rather than demographic or patient group.
Future work will explore how to get more detailed data from the NHS App and use it to support decision-making.
To ask His Majesty's Government what the expected timeline for implementing the commitment in the 10-Year Health Plan to provide self-care support and guidance via the NHS App is; and how they will report the impact of this commitment.
To ask His Majesty's Government what the expected timeline for implementing the commitment in the 10-Year Health Plan to provide self-care support and guidance via the NHS App is; and how they will report the impact of this commitment.
We are planning for the delivery of self-care support and guidance via the NHS App to be implemented on a phased basis over the lifetime of the 10-Year Health Plan, and will be piloting artificial intelligence triage into self-care support and guidance via the NHS App in 2027.
Initial capabilities, namely providing trusted health information, symptom guidance, and signposting to appropriate services, will continue to be expanded in the near term, with further enhancements introduced over time. These will include more personalised advice, improved integration with local services, and support for prevention and long-term condition management. The aim for the NHS App is to be routinely used front door for self-care and early intervention during the early years of the Plan.
The Government will monitor the impact of this commitment through a combination of usage metrics, patient outcomes, service impact, and equity of access. Progress will be reported through existing National Health Service performance reporting mechanisms and updates on delivery of the 10-Year Health Plan and Medium Term Planning Framework.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help increase use of the NHS app.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to help increase use of the NHS app.
The National Health Service is taking a coordinated approach to increase NHS App use by supporting frontline promotion, and is addressing barriers particularly in deprived communities. Although 29% of people over 13 years old in England access the NHS App every month and over 52% did so in the last year, this is not evenly distributed across all places and communities.
To address this, new funding and plans have been put in place following the Spending Review and publication of the NHS Medium Term Planning Framework. This includes setting clear national and local adoption targets for national delivery teams, regions, and providers, investing in training and local delivery support, and working with community partners and regional networks to help people who face digital exclusion.
Improved data, insights, and governance are being used to identify effective approaches and scale them nationally, ensuring more consistent benefits from digital access for patients. A few examples of local level adoption support include growing the 3,000 strong App Ambassadors across National Health Service organisations, expanding the Public Libraries Partnership that is currently in place across 1,400 sites, and establishing a new partnership with the 15 health innovation networks to support delivery of targeted NHS App adoption plans within each local area.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the proportion of children’s smartphones and tablets that can be covered by device-level protections through operating system updates; whether those protections will apply to existing devices as well as newly sold devices; and what...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the proportion of children’s smartphones and tablets that can be covered by device-level protections through operating system updates; whether those protections will apply to existing devices as well as newly sold devices; and what...
The Prime Minister announced on Monday 8 June that Britain would become the first country in the world to make it impossible for children to take, share and view nude imagery; and that will work with tech companies for three months to ensure that comprehensive nudity detection is implemented at operating system level, with adults able to switch it off by proving they are over-18 through age assurance.
We are currently engaging with industry, with a focus on the primary operating system providers, to ensure that the government’s objective is met. If legislation is necessary in future, we will draft legislation to be effective and proportionate, applying appropriately to relevant parts of industry; and ensure maximum coverage of devices already in circulation.
This period of engagement with industry will focus on further refining technical solutions to prevent nude imagery from being taken, shared or viewed; which will include consideration of accuracy thresholds.
The Government has considered risks and workarounds during our development of this policy which is precisely why the Government considers action at operating system can provide the most comprehensive coverage to protect children from sending, viewing and sharing nude imagery. By engaging with industry we will continue to consider potential circumventions, and ensure that protections are as effective as possible in response, and that guidance is produced if necessary.
This policy currently applies to smartphone and tablet operating systems, and will apply to newly sold and existing devices – through operating system updates to supported devices.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the UK automotive industry in the context of increasing reliance on software-defined vehicle technologies.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his Department is taking to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the UK automotive industry in the context of increasing reliance on software-defined vehicle technologies.
This Government is supporting the long-term competitiveness of the UK automotive industry by backing the technologies that will shape the next generation of vehicles. Our flagship DRIVE35 initiative is supporting research and development in zero emission vehicle technologies including software defined vehicle technologies, accelerating commercial scale up, and attracting investment in manufacturing.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the funding her Department has provided to law enforcement agencies for the purpose of purchasing software licenses to obtain and analyse data from websites advertising prostitution since 2017.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what estimate she has made of the funding her Department has provided to law enforcement agencies for the purpose of purchasing software licenses to obtain and analyse data from websites advertising prostitution since 2017.
The Government recognises that online platforms are significant enablers of sexual exploitation. They must be responsible and held accountable for content on their sites, including taking proactive steps to prevent their sites being used by criminals. Victims of sexual exploitation make up a notable proportion of referrals to the National Referral Mechanism. The most recent annual statistics show that in 2025, sexual exploitation (either partly or wholly) accounted for 15% (3,607) of all referrals.
In December 2025, the Government committed within the “Freedom from Violence and Abuse: a cross-government strategy to build a safer society for women and girls”, to address many aspects of prostitution and sexual exploitation within England and Wales. Commitments include reviewing legislation, raising awareness among frontline agencies of what constitutes adult sexual exploitation, and strengthening police disruption of sexual exploitation. Further details on each of these commitments will be announced in due course.
The Government is also working closely with law enforcement to tackle the drivers of trafficking for sexual exploitation, including through operational activity aimed at tackling modern slavery threats, ensuring they have the tools they need to disrupt sexual exploitation facilitated online and targeting prolific perpetrators.
This financial year (2026/2027) the Home Office is providing over £10.7m to the Tackling Organised Exploitation (TOEX) Programme to improve the law enforcement response across a number of threat areas, including modern slavery and human trafficking, organised immigration crime, county lines, adult and child sexual abuse and exploitation. This funding is used to deliver a range of specialist intelligence and analytical capabilities across threats, including supporting law enforcement partners with an adult service website referral pilot, where adverts are referred to TOEX to support operational activity.
The Online Enablers Working Group, previously the Adult Services Website Working Group, is a multi-agency working group. The working group comprises of law enforcement, policing, policy officials and regulators, including the National Crime Agency, Home Office officials, police officers, TOEX and Ofcom. The Home Office does not intend to publish information or documents from meetings, as this could undermine future policy development.
The Home Office has provided dedicated funding to support law enforcement agencies to purchase software licenses to identify and tackle sexual exploitation as part of routine work and project work in the following financial years:
- In 2021/2022- £100,000 was made available to police forces in England and Wales
- Between 2022 and 2026, the Modern Slavery Fund supported the provision of software licences to international law enforcement partners in Romania and Brazil, with a total of £98,608 (mostly Official Development Assistance) allocated over this period. This activity aimed to strengthen the ability of law enforcement agencies to conduct more effective and timely investigations, improving the identification and safeguarding of victims of sexual exploitation trafficked across routes linking Brazil, Romania and the UK.
- In 2025/2026 – £356,000 was given to Bedfordshire police to pilot a national law enforcement hub for tackling sexual exploitation. Approximately £7,000 of this was made available to spend on licenses.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will introduce mandatory minimum service and functionality periods for smart home devices to prevent sudden product obsolescence.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, if he will introduce mandatory minimum service and functionality periods for smart home devices to prevent sudden product obsolescence.
The department considers the current consumer protection framework to be adequate in providing protection against unfair practices.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods or digital content must be of satisfactory quality, fit for a particular purpose and as described by the seller. A trader can upgrade, fix, and improve the features of, or add new features to, digital content so long as it continues to match any description given by the trader. It must also continue to conform with any pre-contract information as to main characteristics, functionality, and compatibility provided by the trader.
Government has also recently given the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) new powers to ensure designated digital firms provide services on fair and reasonable terms. These powers focus on the most powerful firms, supporting competition and tackling harmful practices in UK digital markets. In May, the CMA launched a Strategic Market Status designation investigation into Microsoft's business software, including cloud. This investigation is expected to conclude in February 2027.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of consumer protection legislation regarding forced obsolescence where manufacturers intentionally terminate (a) software and (b) cloud infrastructure required for physical consumer products to function.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of consumer protection legislation regarding forced obsolescence where manufacturers intentionally terminate (a) software and (b) cloud infrastructure required for physical consumer products to function.
The department considers the current consumer protection framework to be adequate in providing protection against unfair practices.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, goods or digital content must be of satisfactory quality, fit for a particular purpose and as described by the seller. A trader can upgrade, fix, and improve the features of, or add new features to, digital content so long as it continues to match any description given by the trader. It must also continue to conform with any pre-contract information as to main characteristics, functionality, and compatibility provided by the trader.
Government has also recently given the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) new powers to ensure designated digital firms provide services on fair and reasonable terms. These powers focus on the most powerful firms, supporting competition and tackling harmful practices in UK digital markets. In May, the CMA launched a Strategic Market Status designation investigation into Microsoft's business software, including cloud. This investigation is expected to conclude in February 2027.
My honourable friend the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Dan Tomlinson) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
Today the government sets out further reforms to simplify and modernise the tax and customs system, building on the commitment first made in the HMRC Transformation Roadmap published in July 2025 and...
My honourable friend the Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Dan Tomlinson) has today made the following Written Ministerial Statement.
Today the government sets out further reforms to simplify and modernise the tax and customs system, building on the commitment first made in the HMRC Transformation Roadmap published in July 2025 and...
Today the government sets out further reforms to simplify and modernise the tax and customs system, building on the commitment first made in the HMRC Transformation Roadmap published in July 2025 and confirmed at Budget 2025.
The measures announced today simplify rules, improve taxpayer guidance, and ensure more taxpayers can...
Today the government sets out further reforms to simplify and modernise the tax and customs system, building on the commitment first made in the HMRC Transformation Roadmap published in July 2025 and confirmed at Budget 2025.
The measures announced today simplify rules, improve taxpayer guidance, and ensure more taxpayers can...
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to develop the NHS App to run on HarmonyOS for devices that do not have access to the Google Play store; and what assessment they have made of how patients who have purchased such devices can access all the digital services...
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to develop the NHS App to run on HarmonyOS for devices that do not have access to the Google Play store; and what assessment they have made of how patients who have purchased such devices can access all the digital services...
The NHS App is the digital front door to the National Health Service, giving patients greater control and choice over their healthcare and better access to services. The Government currently has no plans to develop the NHS App using the Harmony Operating System (OS) or to assess related devices for accessibility.
Current United Kingdom levels of adoption to HarmonyOS are considered very low when compared to other mobile operating systems and we expect to continue using those systems that are the most accessible and helpful to patients. The NHS App is available through a web browser which provides similar functionality for people who can't directly use the NHS App.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reason his Department ceased using Palantir software; and on what date the contract ended.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, for what reason his Department ceased using Palantir software; and on what date the contract ended.
The previous government signed a contract with Palantir between 31 August 2020 and 31 August 2024 for the development and delivery of a Border Flow Tool. The service was for the provision of data to support decision making for the EU exit transition period, which concluded with the introduction of the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM).
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment the Government has made of calls to ban the sale and delivery of alcohol through online delivery apps; and what steps are being taken to strengthen age verification requirements and protect vulnerable people, including those with alcohol dependency,...
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment the Government has made of calls to ban the sale and delivery of alcohol through online delivery apps; and what steps are being taken to strengthen age verification requirements and protect vulnerable people, including those with alcohol dependency,...
The Licensing Act 2003 provides the legal framework for the sale and supply of alcohol in England and Wales. It is already an offence, under section 141 of the Act, for a person to knowingly sell or attempt to sell alcohol to a person who is drunk or underage, or to allow alcohol to be sold to such a person.
The Government recognises that consumer purchasing habits have evolved in recent years, particularly with a notable growth in alcohol sales made via online platforms and rapid delivery services. The Department for Health and Social Care, which has responsibility for policy on health harms, and the Home Office are looking at how current licensing rules apply to these services to ensure these are effective. This includes seeking the views of experts, those with lived experience and other stakeholders and evaluating emerging evidence on the impact this may be having on people’s health and the upholding of the licensing objectives.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the use of private hiring booking apps and navigation applications by taxi and private hire vehicle drivers on (a) road safety and (b) driver distraction.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of the use of private hiring booking apps and navigation applications by taxi and private hire vehicle drivers on (a) road safety and (b) driver distraction.
The Department for Transport has not issued specific guidance to developers of navigation or private hire applications but engages with industry and monitors how these technologies are used in practice.
The law is clear; drivers are responsible for maintaining proper control of their vehicle and always paying attention to the road. It is illegal to hold and use a mobile phone or similar device whilst driving, including when a vehicle is stopped in traffic or at traffic lights. Where a driver is distracted or not in proper control of their vehicle, enforcement is an operational matter for the police.
The Government will continue to assess the benefits of such technologies while supporting the development of safer, distraction‑minimising systems.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has advised any police forces not to activate facial recognition functions within surveillance software.
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department has advised any police forces not to activate facial recognition functions within surveillance software.
The Home Office has not issued advice to police forces on the activation of specific facial recognition functions within surveillance software.
The use of facial recognition technology by police forces is an operational matter for chief constables, who are responsible for deciding how and when to deploy capabilities in accordance with the law and relevant guidance.
Police use of facial recognition is governed by a legal framework which includes data protection, equality, human rights laws, national guidance issued by the College of Policing, a surveillance camera code of practice and forces’ own published policies. Their use of the technology must be for a policing purpose and be necessary, proportionate and fair.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with technology companies, including developers of navigation applications and private hire bookings, on improving safety features to reduce the need for driver interaction while vehicles are in motion.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what discussions she has had with technology companies, including developers of navigation applications and private hire bookings, on improving safety features to reduce the need for driver interaction while vehicles are in motion.
The Department for Transport has not issued specific guidance to developers of navigation or private hire applications but engages with industry and monitors how these technologies are used in practice.
The law is clear; drivers are responsible for maintaining proper control of their vehicle and always paying attention to the road. It is illegal to hold and use a mobile phone or similar device whilst driving, including when a vehicle is stopped in traffic or at traffic lights. Where a driver is distracted or not in proper control of their vehicle, enforcement is an operational matter for the police.
The Government will continue to assess the benefits of such technologies while supporting the development of safer, distraction‑minimising systems.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department (a) has issued and (b) plans to issue guidance to developers of private hire booking apps and navigation applications on ensuring that such applications can be operated in a hands-free and distraction-minimising manner while driving.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department (a) has issued and (b) plans to issue guidance to developers of private hire booking apps and navigation applications on ensuring that such applications can be operated in a hands-free and distraction-minimising manner while driving.
The Department for Transport has not issued specific guidance to developers of navigation or private hire applications but engages with industry and monitors how these technologies are used in practice.
The law is clear; drivers are responsible for maintaining proper control of their vehicle and always paying attention to the road. It is illegal to hold and use a mobile phone or similar device whilst driving, including when a vehicle is stopped in traffic or at traffic lights. Where a driver is distracted or not in proper control of their vehicle, enforcement is an operational matter for the police.
The Government will continue to assess the benefits of such technologies while supporting the development of safer, distraction‑minimising systems.
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has assessed the most popular smartphone applications used by 8 to 14-year-olds after (a) 21:00 and (b) 23:00.
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has assessed the most popular smartphone applications used by 8 to 14-year-olds after (a) 21:00 and (b) 23:00.
Protecting children online is a priority for the Secretary of State and this government. That is why we published the ‘Growing up in the Online World’ consultation, accompanied by a National Conversation on 2 March 2026.
The consultation asked for views on children’s use of social media, including questions on screen time and the impact on children’s health. The government published a progress report on the consultation on 15 June, outlining plans to restrict social media services from providing access to under 16s alongside restrictions on functionalities for wider services. Further details will be published in July.
Ofcom also published research in May 2026 of children’s usage of online services after 9 PM, including apps on phones. Ofcom’s research continues to inform the government’s next steps for online safety.
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the answer of 22 May 2026 to question 477 on Public Sector: ICT, if her Department will consider the use of open source software for the public sector to move away from reliance on large tech companies.
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the answer of 22 May 2026 to question 477 on Public Sector: ICT, if her Department will consider the use of open source software for the public sector to move away from reliance on large tech companies.
The Government supports a diverse and competitive technology landscape, including open-source software where it offers value, flexibility and resilience. This is outlined in the Technology Code of Practice, which encourages departments to consider the use of open-source solutions alongside proprietary options.
Departments are responsible for their own procurement decisions, in line with established rules and guidance and must secure value for money through fair and open competition. The Government promotes a diverse supplier base and aims to reduce overreliance on individual suppliers where this limits innovation, resilience and value for money.
Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
Motion to consider. Agreed to on question.
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has made an assessment of the risks posed to UK-developed AI systems by (a) data poisoning, (b) model manipulation and (c) software supply chain compromise; and if she will publish any related guidance.
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has made an assessment of the risks posed to UK-developed AI systems by (a) data poisoning, (b) model manipulation and (c) software supply chain compromise; and if she will publish any related guidance.
For the most advanced AI systems, our world-leading AI Security Institute is a centre of UK expertise, advancing our scientific understanding of their capabilities and the associated risks. AISI has already run a large study on backdoor data poisoning, and conducted the largest AI agent red-teaming study to date, identifying tens of thousands of vulnerabilities across sectors including finance, healthcare and customer support. AISI continues to work hand in hand with developers and with the National Cyber Security Centre to make AI protections stronger.
The government has already published a Code of Practice to set the baseline security requirements for AI models and systems, alongside working with the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) to create a global standard (EN 304 223) that builds on the Code.
This standard is relevant to all organisations and sets out requirements for developers and deployers of AI alongside data custodians. To support organisations, we have contributed to the publication of an implementation guide (TR 104 128) and we are now working to produce a conformity assessment in ETSI (TS 104 216). The government has also recently completed some pilot training workshops with various professions, including small businesses and published the Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2025-2026 which examined adoption and security approaches by UK organisations to AI. The findings are being used to determine if additional guidance is needed. SMEs should consider this standard when adopting AI-enabled tools and services.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by when does he expect the combat capable release of new software for the F-35B to be available to the UK Lightning Force.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by when does he expect the combat capable release of new software for the F-35B to be available to the UK Lightning Force.
The F-35B is an operationally deployable combat aircraft. Capability is enhanced through regular, incremental software releases delivered through the global F-35 programme, rather than a single combat capable release.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will investigate whether Google Docs is being used to exchange information outside corporate communication controls.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will investigate whether Google Docs is being used to exchange information outside corporate communication controls.
The Member for Kingswinford and South Staffordshire will be aware that the Government is planning an independent strategic review into the use of non-corporate communications channels. This will consider any non-corporate means of communication.
Particularly for people with a very low body mass index or an eating disorder, the use of app-based fitness classes for hours of ultra-high-intensity exercise every day can lead to addiction. When I wrote to one brand to ask about implementing access limitation tools in its app, it was dismissive. Will the Secretary of State consider reviewing whether such tools could be mandated to support those with eating disorders?
Particularly for people with a very low body mass index or an eating disorder, the use of app-based fitness classes for hours of ultra-high-intensity exercise every day can lead to addiction. When I wrote to one brand to ask about implementing access limitation tools in its app, it was dismissive. Will the Secretary of State consider reviewing whether such tools could be mandated to support those with eating disorders?
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that issue—it is an important angle on a problem of which we are all aware, but in a slightly different context, given some of the modern features that are available on the devices in our pockets. I will look into it further and pick it up with him in due course.
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that issue—it is an important angle on a problem of which we are all aware, but in a slightly different context, given some of the modern features that are available on the devices in our pockets. I will look into it further and pick it up with him in due course.
I thank my hon. Friend for raising that issue—it is an important angle on a problem of which we are all aware, but in a slightly different context, given some of the modern features that are available on the devices in our pockets. I will look into it further and pick it up with him in due course.
Particularly for people with a very low body mass index or an eating disorder, the use of app-based fitness classes for hours of ultra-high-intensity exercise every day can lead to addiction. When I wrote to one brand to ask about implementing access limitation tools in its app, it was dismissive. Will the Secretary of State consider reviewing whether such tools could be mandated to support those with eating disorders?
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment the National Cyber Security Centre has made of the impact on national security of awarding software contracts to Palantir.
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment the National Cyber Security Centre has made of the impact on national security of awarding software contracts to Palantir.
The UK supports the open, responsible, secure and resilient development of technologies globally and the Government takes the security of its data and digital systems very seriously. The Cabinet Office sets the framework for government procurement. All procurement is required to comply with applicable government security frameworks and is subject to robust risk assessments. The National Cyber Security Centre provides expert guidance to support secure procurement and the management of cyber risks from third party suppliers.
To ask His Majesty's Government, for each month since UK Biobank first detected de-identified participant data on GitHub in 2022, (1) how many instances there have been of participant-level UK Biobank data being identified on GitHub, and (2) in each case, what estimate has been made of the length of...
To ask His Majesty's Government, for each month since UK Biobank first detected de-identified participant data on GitHub in 2022, (1) how many instances there have been of participant-level UK Biobank data being identified on GitHub, and (2) in each case, what estimate has been made of the length of...
UK Biobank is a charity and operationally independent of government. The Government has been working closely with UK Biobank in its response to the data breach which it reported to the Government on 20 April 2026. Measures taken so far have included the suspension of access to their research analysis platform, revocation of access permissions from the institutions involved, rapid removal of the listings from the e-commerce platform, self‑referral to the Information Commissioners Office, and urgent work to introduce technical barriers to prevent download of participant‑level data.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the recent decision by the French Government to switch from using Microsoft Windows to Linux on government devices.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of the recent decision by the French Government to switch from using Microsoft Windows to Linux on government devices.
The Ministry of Defence keeps its approach to digital technology, including the selection and use of operating systems on its devices, under continual review and regularly assesses developments in the wider international environment.
Decisions on platforms are based on operational requirements, security, resilience and value for money, and are subject to robust governance and assurance processes.
Defence makes decisions based on its own requirements, while taking account of relevant international developments where appropriate. All technology choices within Defence must comply with strict security and device management policies, ensuring systems can be managed effectively at an enterprise level and meet mandated cyber security standards.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Microsoft's bundling of Copilot into software licensing contracts on (a) competition in the software market and (b) costs for small and medium-sized enterprises.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Microsoft's bundling of Copilot into software licensing contracts on (a) competition in the software market and (b) costs for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is currently conducting a Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem. As part of this investigation, the CMA is considering a range of issues, including software bundling practices, interoperability, licensing arrangements, and their potential impacts on competition, including for small and medium-sized enterprises.
The Government has not made a separate assessment of these impacts. It is for the CMA, as the UK’s independent competition authority, to assess the evidence and determine whether any interventions are necessary.
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the CMA's finding, published 31 March 2026, that the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into Microsoft's business software ecosystem creates risks of distorting competition in...
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the CMA's finding, published 31 March 2026, that the rapid integration of artificial intelligence into Microsoft's business software ecosystem creates risks of distorting competition in...
The Government is committed to promoting a competitive and innovative digital economy, which is why we prioritised the commencement of the CMA’s new powers in digital markets last year.
The CMA operates independently of Government, and decisions on the scope of its investigations rest solely with the CMA.
The CMA launched its investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem on 14 May 2026. The CMA has invited views on the details of this investigation until 4 June 2026. The proposed scope includes the integrated use of AI tools in business software to help ensure that UK businesses and public sector organisations can choose the tools that deliver the greatest productivity gains. The CMA will consider responses to its consultation and confirm its position in due course.
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the Competition and Markets Authority's decision of 31 March 2026 to launch a Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft's business software ecosystem; and what steps...
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the Competition and Markets Authority's decision of 31 March 2026 to launch a Strategic Market Status investigation into Microsoft's business software ecosystem; and what steps...
This Government is committed to promoting a competitive and innovative digital economy, which is why we prioritised the commencement of the CMA’s new powers in digital markets last year.
The CMA launched its Strategic Market Status designation investigation into Microsoft’s business software ecosystem on the 14 May 2026, this investigation must be completed within 9 months. An indicative timetable of this investigation is published on the CMA’s website. The CMA operates independently of Government, and decisions on which firms to investigate, and how these investigations are conducted rest solely with the CMA.
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department reviewed the Crown Commercial Service's approximately £9 billion Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft, signed in November 2024, in light of the CMA's findings that Microsoft's software licensing practices reduce competition in UK cloud markets and impose...
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether her Department reviewed the Crown Commercial Service's approximately £9 billion Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft, signed in November 2024, in light of the CMA's findings that Microsoft's software licensing practices reduce competition in UK cloud markets and impose...
DSIT has not formally reviewed the SPA24 Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft. This agreement does not represent a commitment to spend, but instead provides eligible public sector organisations with access to discounted pricing. Decisions on whether to purchase goods and services are made by individual organisations in line with procurement regulations.
The Government Commercial Agency (GCA), formerly Crown Commercial Service (CCS), manages SPA24 with Microsoft to ensure that it continues to deliver against its objectives.
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of HMRC-recognised software available for the Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment, including the availability of free and low-cost options; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of...
To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether her Department has made an assessment of the adequacy of HMRC-recognised software available for the Making Tax Digital for Income Tax Self-Assessment, including the availability of free and low-cost options; and whether she has made an assessment of the potential merits of...
The government has worked closely with the software industry to ensure the availability of a broad range of MTD-compatible products to suit different needs and budgets.
This includes free products supporting those with the simplest affairs, low-cost bridging software for those who prefer to continue using spreadsheets and more sophisticated products that integrate with other business software.
Currently, there are more than 20 free products (excluding free trials) covering a range of different scenarios including bookkeeping, quarterly updates and end-of-year submissions.
HMRC is not providing its own MTD solution because commercial software providers are able to provide a broad range of products to meet the differing needs of businesses and landlords, in a way that HMRC is not.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of vaccinations delivered through school-age immunisation services are visible within the NHS App.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what proportion of vaccinations delivered through school-age immunisation services are visible within the NHS App.
In line with our commitment in the 10-Year Health Plan, we are continuing to develop a dedicated ‘My Vaccines’ tool in the NHS App. This will provide people with their and their children’s personal vaccination history and eligibility as well as the ability to book services and to receive reminder notifications in one place. In December 2025, we commenced a private beta of My Vaccines for the RSV vaccination programme which includes over 300,000 users. Moving forward, the ambition is for ‘My Vaccines’ users to have access to information for all NHS vaccinations, including children’s vaccination programmes. Vaccination records are or will only be shown in the NHS App when they are recorded in the general practice (GP) record and the GP has enabled both detailed record sharing and proxy access.
School Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS) providers are the data controllers for SAIS vaccination records. Therefore, neither the Department nor NHS England currently assess the adequacy of SAIS vaccination records that flow to the GP record, and therefore potentially into the NHS App. With the expansion of the Manage a Vaccination In School (MAVIS) digital tool across SAIS providers, we are improving the accuracy and quality of SAIS vaccination records. For ‘My Vaccines’ in the NHS App, NHS England has received zero complaints and 110 enquiries. From those we have had two reported issues regarding missing or incomplete vaccination records. Vaccination Digital Services did not hold information centrally prior to the development of My Vaccines.
For school-age immunisation providers using the MAVIS system, all vaccinations are automatically sent to GP records overnight, including human papilloma virus (HPV), MenACWY protecting against meningococcal strains, Td/IPV protecting against tetanus, diphtheria and polio, school-age flu, and catch-up doses to protect against measles, mumps and rubella. For providers not using MAVIS, HPV and school-age flu vaccinations are sent to GP records via NHS England. The service level agreement for reporting to GPs is 48 hours for both school aged flu and HPV.
As My Vaccines is only at private beta stage for the RSV vaccination programme as described above, the proportion of school-age vaccinations visible in the NHS App will be limited for the time being until My Vaccines is rolled out more fully.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many (a) complaints and (b) reports NHS England has received regarding (i) missing and (ii) incomplete vaccination histories on the NHS App in the last three years.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, how many (a) complaints and (b) reports NHS England has received regarding (i) missing and (ii) incomplete vaccination histories on the NHS App in the last three years.
In line with our commitment in the 10-Year Health Plan, we are continuing to develop a dedicated ‘My Vaccines’ tool in the NHS App. This will provide people with their and their children’s personal vaccination history and eligibility as well as the ability to book services and to receive reminder notifications in one place. In December 2025, we commenced a private beta of My Vaccines for the RSV vaccination programme which includes over 300,000 users. Moving forward, the ambition is for ‘My Vaccines’ users to have access to information for all NHS vaccinations, including children’s vaccination programmes. Vaccination records are or will only be shown in the NHS App when they are recorded in the general practice (GP) record and the GP has enabled both detailed record sharing and proxy access.
School Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS) providers are the data controllers for SAIS vaccination records. Therefore, neither the Department nor NHS England currently assess the adequacy of SAIS vaccination records that flow to the GP record, and therefore potentially into the NHS App. With the expansion of the Manage a Vaccination In School (MAVIS) digital tool across SAIS providers, we are improving the accuracy and quality of SAIS vaccination records. For ‘My Vaccines’ in the NHS App, NHS England has received zero complaints and 110 enquiries. From those we have had two reported issues regarding missing or incomplete vaccination records. Vaccination Digital Services did not hold information centrally prior to the development of My Vaccines.
For school-age immunisation providers using the MAVIS system, all vaccinations are automatically sent to GP records overnight, including human papilloma virus (HPV), MenACWY protecting against meningococcal strains, Td/IPV protecting against tetanus, diphtheria and polio, school-age flu, and catch-up doses to protect against measles, mumps and rubella. For providers not using MAVIS, HPV and school-age flu vaccinations are sent to GP records via NHS England. The service level agreement for reporting to GPs is 48 hours for both school aged flu and HPV.
As My Vaccines is only at private beta stage for the RSV vaccination programme as described above, the proportion of school-age vaccinations visible in the NHS App will be limited for the time being until My Vaccines is rolled out more fully.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of vaccination records displayed on the NHS App for vaccinations administered through school immunisation programs.
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of vaccination records displayed on the NHS App for vaccinations administered through school immunisation programs.
In line with our commitment in the 10-Year Health Plan, we are continuing to develop a dedicated ‘My Vaccines’ tool in the NHS App. This will provide people with their and their children’s personal vaccination history and eligibility as well as the ability to book services and to receive reminder notifications in one place. In December 2025, we commenced a private beta of My Vaccines for the RSV vaccination programme which includes over 300,000 users. Moving forward, the ambition is for ‘My Vaccines’ users to have access to information for all NHS vaccinations, including children’s vaccination programmes. Vaccination records are or will only be shown in the NHS App when they are recorded in the general practice (GP) record and the GP has enabled both detailed record sharing and proxy access.
School Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS) providers are the data controllers for SAIS vaccination records. Therefore, neither the Department nor NHS England currently assess the adequacy of SAIS vaccination records that flow to the GP record, and therefore potentially into the NHS App. With the expansion of the Manage a Vaccination In School (MAVIS) digital tool across SAIS providers, we are improving the accuracy and quality of SAIS vaccination records. For ‘My Vaccines’ in the NHS App, NHS England has received zero complaints and 110 enquiries. From those we have had two reported issues regarding missing or incomplete vaccination records. Vaccination Digital Services did not hold information centrally prior to the development of My Vaccines.
For school-age immunisation providers using the MAVIS system, all vaccinations are automatically sent to GP records overnight, including human papilloma virus (HPV), MenACWY protecting against meningococcal strains, Td/IPV protecting against tetanus, diphtheria and polio, school-age flu, and catch-up doses to protect against measles, mumps and rubella. For providers not using MAVIS, HPV and school-age flu vaccinations are sent to GP records via NHS England. The service level agreement for reporting to GPs is 48 hours for both school aged flu and HPV.
As My Vaccines is only at private beta stage for the RSV vaccination programme as described above, the proportion of school-age vaccinations visible in the NHS App will be limited for the time being until My Vaccines is rolled out more fully.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he will provide guidance to businesses who sell to consumers in (a) the EU and (b) Northern Ireland prior to the EU Product Directive 2024/2853 coming into effect.
To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he will provide guidance to businesses who sell to consumers in (a) the EU and (b) Northern Ireland prior to the EU Product Directive 2024/2853 coming into effect.
My Department is working with the Northern Ireland Government on the transposition of the new Product Liability Directive, which will include working with them to consider whether guidance may potentially be helpful to businesses in understanding the new product liability framework. However, it should be noted that the Directive does not impose any additional rules on businesses governing which products may be placed on the EU or Northern Ireland markets, or the safety requirements they must meet.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve access to defence research and development funding for small and medium‑sized businesses specialising in software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve access to defence research and development funding for small and medium‑sized businesses specialising in software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has been established to harness UK ingenuity and boost military technology, as part of the Government’s drive to turbocharge innovation in defence and deliver growth as part of the Plan for Change.
UKDI will be fully operational by July 2026 and will have a ringfenced budget of at least £400 million from financial year 2025-26 with the ambition for this to rise as UKDI becomes established.
The Ministry of Defence works closely with UK industry and academia, including Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME), to identify and invest in innovative technologies that address our most pressing capability challenges. This includes businesses specialising in software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the role of software firms in advancing defence research and development, compared to traditional prime defence contractors.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the role of software firms in advancing defence research and development, compared to traditional prime defence contractors.
The Department recognises that software firms are increasingly vital to defence research and development, providing specialised expertise and innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. While traditional prime contractors continue to play a key role in large-scale system integration and delivery, software companies complement this by accelerating technological advancement and agility.
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Answer of 21 January 2026 to Question 105431, whether the Department will provide an update on the proposed Great British Railways app and website; whether the Department expects to launch a tender process for the app and website;...
To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, with reference to the Answer of 21 January 2026 to Question 105431, whether the Department will provide an update on the proposed Great British Railways app and website; whether the Department expects to launch a tender process for the app and website;...
The proposition for the Great British Railways retail app and website is still being developed. We expect to launch the tender process in the coming months once the final proposition is confirmed.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what changes his Department has made to defence procurement since 2024 to reduce barriers to entry for non‑traditional defence suppliers, including businesses specialising in software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what changes his Department has made to defence procurement since 2024 to reduce barriers to entry for non‑traditional defence suppliers, including businesses specialising in software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has taken significant strides in our approach to defence procurement since 2024, as laid out in both the Defence Industrial Strategy and in a recent Gov.UK notice titled “Ministry of Defence small and medium-sized enterprise engagement”.
The establishment of UK Defence Innovation in 2025, as well as the continued efforts of Commercial X including the new Defence Unicorn Fund from earlier this year, are helping our Armed Forces obtain innovative, ground-breaking technologies faster, speeding up procurement cycles, and simplifying terms & conditions where needed. This includes working with non-traditional players in areas such as software, AI, and data analytics.
Potential suppliers are also welcome to join the Defence Sourcing Portal, the Neutral Vendor Framework, the Dynamic Marketplace, and the Defence Innovation Marketplace, as appropriate, as a means to promote their services to the MOD.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 120844 on Google: Special Advisers, what assessment he has made of whether information is being exchanged between special advisers via Google Docs outside the retention policy required by Freedom of Information...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, with reference to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 120844 on Google: Special Advisers, what assessment he has made of whether information is being exchanged between special advisers via Google Docs outside the retention policy required by Freedom of Information...
No specific guidance has been issued centrally from the Cabinet Office to special advisers on using Google Docs.
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 120844 on Google: Special Advisers, what assessment he has made of whether information is being exchanged between special advisers via Google Docs outside the retention policy required by Freedom of Information Act...
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 120844 on Google: Special Advisers, what assessment he has made of whether information is being exchanged between special advisers via Google Docs outside the retention policy required by Freedom of Information Act...
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to her Department's consultation document entitled Assistive software funded through Disabled Students’ Allowance, published on 26 March 2026, what steps she is taking to ensure that any restrictions to access to specialist software will not be detrimental to student learning.
To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to her Department's consultation document entitled Assistive software funded through Disabled Students’ Allowance, published on 26 March 2026, what steps she is taking to ensure that any restrictions to access to specialist software will not be detrimental to student learning.
The department’s consultation on assistive software funded through Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) seeks to gather evidence on how best to modernise the support provided to take into account the huge advances in technology over recent years. As part of this, the consultation explores how the widespread availability of built‑in and free-to-access accessibility tools can meet some students’ needs without the use of specific specialist software products funded through DSA. The proposals in the consultation envisage that assistive software will continue to be funded through DSA where there is an additional disability-related need for it that cannot be met by any other software available to the student free of charge.
No policy decisions have yet been made. The consultation remains live until 18 June, and responses will inform final policy decisions following the consultation.
To ask His Majesty's Government what is their expected timetable for the rollout of the National Parking Platform.
To ask His Majesty's Government what is their expected timetable for the rollout of the National Parking Platform.
The National Parking Platform was launched in 2021 and is live now. Each Local Authority will make its own decision on whether, and when, to sign up and implement the service in its area. We are encouraging local transport authorities in England to support roll out of the platform.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of how online challenger banks assess and process new applications for accounts.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of how online challenger banks assess and process new applications for accounts.
My Lords, the decision to provide banking services is largely a commercial one. Banks have strict obligations to ensure the legitimacy of a new customer and to protect against financial crime, and all new customers opening an account must be subject to due diligence under the money laundering regulations. The regulations are not prescriptive about how this should be done. The FCA expects banks to treat customers fairly and to take a proportionate approach commensurate with their assessment of the risk.
My Lords, the decision to provide banking services is largely a commercial one. Banks have strict obligations to ensure the legitimacy of a new customer and to protect against financial crime, and all new customers opening an account must be subject to due diligence under the money laundering regulations. The regulations are not prescriptive about how this should be done. The FCA expects banks to treat customers fairly and to take a proportionate approach commensurate with their assessment of the risk.
My Lords, the decision to provide banking services is largely a commercial one. Banks have strict obligations to ensure the legitimacy of a new customer and to protect against financial crime, and all new customers opening an account must be subject to due diligence under the money laundering regulations. The regulations are not prescriptive about how this should be done. The FCA expects banks to treat customers fairly and to take a proportionate approach commensurate with their assessment of the risk.
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of how online challenger banks assess and process new applications for accounts.
My Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer. I welcome the support and the need for regulation of new challenger banks—and all banks—but, in my career of delivering public services with innovation, I have noticed the need to balance innovation with fairness. From personal experience, and more from what I have heard from a great many members of the public, this balance does not seem to be right at the moment in a sector that I really feel we want to champion: fintechs and challenger banks. So does the Minister feel that the balance between the innovation and the growth we are looking to see is right, when we see services providing no explanation or opportunity for engagement when making decisions such as offering banking services, especially as we are now looking at an era of digital assets and agentic banking, where we would like to see fairer digital services for all?
My Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer. I welcome the support and the need for regulation of new challenger banks—and all banks—but, in my career of delivering public services with innovation, I have noticed the need to balance innovation with fairness. From personal experience, and more from what I have heard from a great many members of the public, this balance does not seem to be right at the moment in a sector that I really feel we want to champion: fintechs and challenger banks. So does the Minister feel that the balance between the innovation and the growth we are looking to see is right, when we see services providing no explanation or opportunity for engagement when making decisions such as offering banking services, especially as we are now looking at an era of digital assets and agentic banking, where we would like to see fairer digital services for all?
I am grateful to the noble Lord for his question and for our brief conversation last week about some of the issues he has experienced. He will be aware that many of the issues he raises are ultimately commercial decisions for individual financial institutions, and how they choose to communicate with their customers and potential customers are largely decisions for themselves. He will know that, where a bank decides not to allow an account, it can disclose why it has made that decision, but it is not generally required to do so or to provide detailed reasons. In some cases, banks are legally constrained in what they can or are able to say. I think the noble Lord is interested in the use of AI in some of these decisions. The FCA is clear that automation does not remove a firm’s responsibility; it must retain effective oversight of automated decisions and ensure that decisions are fair and made in accordance with regulatory requirements.
But, as I say, the decision about how and whether to communicate that is largely a commercial one for the individual financial institution.
I am grateful to the noble Lord for his question and for our brief conversation last week about some of the issues he has experienced. He will be aware that many of the issues he raises are ultimately commercial decisions for individual financial institutions, and how they choose to communicate with their customers and potential customers are largely decisions for themselves. He will know that, where a bank decides not to allow an account, it can disclose why it has made that decision, but it is not generally required to do so or to provide detailed reasons. In some cases, banks are legally constrained in what they can or are able to say. I think the noble Lord is interested in the use of AI in some of these decisions. The FCA is clear that automation does not remove a firm’s responsibility; it must retain effective oversight of automated decisions and ensure that decisions are fair and made in accordance with regulatory requirements.
But, as I say, the decision about how and whether to communicate that is largely a commercial one for the individual financial institution.
I am grateful to the noble Lord for his question and for our brief conversation last week about some of the issues he has experienced. He will be aware that many of the issues he raises are ultimately commercial decisions for individual financial institutions, and how they choose to communicate with their customers and potential customers are largely decisions for themselves. He will know that, where a bank decides not to allow an account, it can disclose why it has made that decision, but it is not generally required to do so or to provide detailed reasons. In some cases, banks are legally constrained in what they can or are able to say. I think the noble Lord is interested in the use of AI in some of these decisions. The FCA is clear that automation does not remove a firm’s responsibility; it must retain effective oversight of automated decisions and ensure that decisions are fair and made in accordance with regulatory requirements.
But, as I say, the decision about how and whether to communicate that is largely a commercial one for the individual financial institution.
My Lords, I thank the Minister for that Answer. I welcome the support and the need for regulation of new challenger banks—and all banks—but, in my career of delivering public services with innovation, I have noticed the need to balance innovation with fairness. From personal experience, and more from what I have heard from a great many members of the public, this balance does not seem to be right at the moment in a sector that I really feel we want to champion: fintechs and challenger banks. So does the Minister feel that the balance between the innovation and the growth we are looking to see is right, when we see services providing no explanation or opportunity for engagement when making decisions such as offering banking services, especially as we are now looking at an era of digital assets and agentic banking, where we would like to see fairer digital services for all?
My Lords, has the Minister seen reports that members of defence companies are being refused accounts with challenger banks? The whole issue of de-banking, the difficulty that defence companies are having in finding suitable accommodation to rent, and the removal, with the assistance of the Edinburgh Council, of Leonardo’s recruiting advertisements from the city’s trams are all surely indications that ESG concerns are being used for overtly political purposes. Is this not yet another baleful consequence of the Government’s failure to lead a national conversation on defence, which they themselves admitted was so badly required?
My Lords, has the Minister seen reports that members of defence companies are being refused accounts with challenger banks? The whole issue of de-banking, the difficulty that defence companies are having in finding suitable accommodation to rent, and the removal, with the assistance of the Edinburgh Council, of Leonardo’s recruiting advertisements from the city’s trams are all surely indications that ESG concerns are being used for overtly political purposes. Is this not yet another baleful consequence of the Government’s failure to lead a national conversation on defence, which they themselves admitted was so badly required?
I thought I was going to be able to agree with everything the noble and gallant Lord said—right up until the last sentence. I agree with 99% of his question, and I absolutely agree that access to finance for defence firms is incredibly important. The instances that he cites are troubling, and I share his concerns about them. Access to finance is a significant issue for defence firms, particularly SMEs. No company should ever be denied access to financial services solely on the basis that it works in the defence sector, and the banking sector should never take a blanket approach to any one sector. The Government are actively engaging with banks to ensure that they understand the importance of the defence sector and the FCA’s work to understand why banks might close or reject accounts. Where it has found areas in which firms need to improve customer outcomes, the Government expect firms to consider the FCA’s findings.