← Back to House of Commons Debates
Data (Use and Access) Bill [Lords] 2025-05-22
22 May 2025
Lead MP
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
Economy
Other Contributors: 17
At a Glance
The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle raised concerns about data (use and access) bill [lords] 2025-05-22 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Economy
Government Statement
Peter Kyle moved that the House disagrees with Lords amendment 49D. He expressed his appreciation for the UK's creative industries while acknowledging their concerns about the future. The Data (Use and Access) Bill aims to harness data for economic growth and improve public services, but was not intended to address AI, intellectual property, or copyright issues. Kyle regretted the timing of the consultation on copyright and AI, which coincided with the Bill's progress through Parliament. He clarified that opting out is now abandoned and emphasised the need for a comprehensive solution rather than addressing only one part of the issue.
Samantha Niblett
Lab
South Derbyshire
Question
Will the Secretary of State meet her and several companies to discuss a potential tech solution?
Minister reply
Peter Kyle expressed his gratitude for Samantha Niblett's intervention, shared her passion for finding a workable solution, and reiterated that formalising insights from technology companies is part of their approach.
Alison Hume
Lab
Scarborough and Whitby
Question
Will the Secretary of State confirm once and for all that the Government’s preferred opt-out for reserving copyright is now abandoned?
Minister reply
Peter Kyle confirmed that opting out was an opportunity to bring both sides together but acknowledged it is no longer viable.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Question
Why does the Government not offer anything to creators, given that the Lords amendment seems reasonable?
Minister reply
Peter Kyle stated that a better way forward is needed to give creatives protections and opportunities for licensing in the future.
James Naish
Lab
Rushcliffe
Question
What reassurances can be given regarding works already scraped by AI models?
Minister reply
Peter Kyle acknowledged that content has been subsumed by AI under current law, illustrating the need for a comprehensive approach.
Gosport
Question
Why is the Government not committed to proactively enforcing copyright law?
Minister reply
Peter Kyle clarified that existing copyright law is certain but not fit for purpose, and emphasised his commitment to giving certainty through legislation.
Polly Billington
Lab
East Thanet
Question
Why are the Government refusing to put notice of backstop powers for transparency in the Bill?
Minister reply
Peter Kyle explained that the amendment is not comprehensive enough and does not tackle needs and opportunities of both sectors.
James Frith
Lab
Bury North
Question
Will he commit to including powers for transparency in secondary legislation if the voluntary approach fails?
Minister reply
Peter Kyle appreciated Mr Frith's tone and engagement, reiterating his commitment to finding a comprehensive solution.
Joe Robertson
Con
Isle of Wight East
Question
The Secretary of State talks about delivering certainty but does he not see that the certainty he is giving is to large multinational tech companies which will be able to get away with scraping original content?
Minister reply
In response to the hon. Member's intervention, I assure him that the Bill before us does not mention AI or copyright and it aims to address both the opportunities and challenges presented by the AI sector while also protecting the creative industries.
Emily Darlington
Lab
Milton Keynes Central
Question
What is the backstop if the voluntary approach does not create the transparency that creators need?
Minister reply
The consultation will help to understand where the concerns are and where tech companies can provide their suggested solutions. We aim to come together as two Houses of Parliament and two separate sectors to find a way forward.
Bayo Alaba
Lab
Southend East and Rochford
Question
When does the Government intend to bring forward the promised AI and IP Bill? Will transparency obligations be prioritised?
Minister reply
We will engage with both sectors, including finding ways of engaging views across the House in the process. The legislative programme is determined by traditions, conventions, and the Leader of the House.
Question
Does the Secretary of State have a case for putting backstop powers on the face of this Bill to create confidence?
Minister reply
The amendment before us does not include powers of enforcement and would lead to great instability in an area where I am determined to create stability. We need comprehensive legislation that both Houses fully endorse.
Sally Jameson
Lab/Co-op
Doncaster Central
Question
Will the Secretary of State commit to chairing a cross-sector working group with AI industries and creative sector?
Minister reply
I am now setting up a series of expert working groups to bring together people from both sectors on issues such as transparency, licensing, and technical standards.
Catherine Fookes
Lab
Monmouthshire
Minister reply
I am going to make some progress. I will try to give way a bit later.
Julian Lewis
Con
New Forest East
Question
Would the Secretary of State like to say a word of praise for the upper House?
Minister reply
The Secretary of State acknowledges the work of the upper House and its constructive role in revisiting disagreements on other parts of the Bill.
Question
I acknowledge the point that the right hon. Gentleman makes.
Minister reply
Acknowledges previous statements made and commits to resolving contentious issues effectively through collaboration with both sectors.
Question
True leadership in AI means building on respect for creativity, including in the House of Commons, not exploitation. We can build an AI-powered future where technology and human ingenuity flourish together, but only if we start with transparency... I invite all colleagues from all parties to join us today in supporting amendment 49D, to set that direction and to stand up for transparency for our creators and for the principle that, in the age of AI, human creativity still matters.
Question
I have to say that I am slightly surprised that no Labour Back Bencher is willing to speak in support of the Government’s position... On the Order Paper, the Government have said that Lords amendment 49D “engages financial privilege”. The amendment use the word “may”, so it does not contain any requirement on the Government to indulge in financial expenditure. It is a worrying precedent if the Government are going to avoid debate on policy by suggesting that... I understand the Secretary of State’s keenness to attract investment from tech companies.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About House of Commons Debates
House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.