House of Commons · Urgent Question
03 June 2025 · 9 other contributors
Opened by Chris Bryant Lab Knowsley
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Chris Bryant raised concerns about data (use and access) bill [lords] 2025-06-03 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
The MP did not pose an urgent question in the traditional sense but instead engaged in a detailed debate regarding the Government's stance on copyright law enforcement and proposed measures to address the issues raised by the creative industries. The concern was about ensuring that there are appropriate mechanisms for enforcing existing laws and bringing forward legislative changes.
Question
The hon. Member for Perth and Kinross-shire asked me about the principles of the noble Baroness Kidron’s amendment... Even if the Minister is not prepared to accept the amendment, could he at least say that he accepts the principles of it and what it requires, and that he will do all he can to bring forward all the provisions it asks for?
Minister reply
I note that I did not respond to the Napster point. Quite a lot of people have made the point to me that we got from Napster to Spotify... We want to be able to legislate in this area as soon as we possibly can, but we also want to have listened to and borne in mind the full panoply of the responses.
Question
My hon. Friend is entirely right about the issue of enforcement... All this has to be done in the round...
Minister reply
I am trying to be tidy in the way I respond to people, so first, I note that I did not respond to the Napster point...
Question
As for the consideration of working groups... May I urge this Government please to ensure that both voices hear each other?
Minister reply
I agree 100%. There would be absolutely no point in not having both sides—indeed, I would say several sides—of the argument in the room at the same time...
Question
The Minister is being extremely generous... When?
Minister reply
“As soon as possible”, I am afraid. I know that there are lots of parliamentary terms for these matters, such as “imminently” and “soon” and so on.
Question
I thank the Minister for giving way again... Does he think that that could be a problem this time?
Minister reply
We will make sure that they engage. In a strange way, I think that the campaign that has been led by the hon. Lady and others...
Question
The Government needs to listen to the concerns raised by Members of both Houses and acknowledge the Lords amendments as an opportunity rather than a nuisance. Can the Minister commit to re-evaluating their position on these amendments?
Minister reply
We have heard the arguments from across the House, but our priority is to ensure that the current Bill progresses without further delays which could undermine its economic benefits. We will continue to engage with stakeholders to address any concerns raised.
Question
The recent developments in AI technology highlight the urgency of protecting creators' rights. Will the Minister commit to a timeline for bringing forward legislation that addresses these issues comprehensively?
Minister reply
We are committed to working closely with stakeholders, including creatives and tech firms, to address any concerns arising from the development of AI technologies. While there is no specific timeline at this stage, we will aim to bring forward measures as soon as feasible.
Question
Why is the Government refusing to compromise with the House of Lords on this issue, when doing so would provide reassurance to a key UK sector and demonstrate respect for another Chamber of Parliament?
Government Response
I can confirm £50 million has been allocated for 2025-26... While again I understand the desire for us to move as swiftly as possible, I reiterate that I think it is better for us to legislate in the round, taking all of the subject matter into consideration. Some matters have not even been mentioned in this debate, such as what we do about the copyright that pertains to AI-created material...