Topical Questions 2025-09-10
2025-09-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question follows a previous statement by Liz Kendall about strengthening laws against dangerous self-harm material online. It references her predecessor's warning about the risks of unregulated AI.
I, too, welcome the right hon. Member to her place. Her predecessor, the right hon. Member for Hove and Portslade (Peter Kyle), warned that losing control of artificial general intelligence would be catastrophic, yet he failed to deliver legislation to protect the public. Will the new Secretary of State deliver on an artificial intelligence Bill, and ensure that the British people benefit from the advantages of AI, without becoming its victims?
I want to ensure that people, businesses and creatives throughout the country can benefit from the huge opportunities that technological developments in AI promise, and that people are protected, too. It is early days in this job, and I am listening carefully to all those involved, but wherever action is required, I will take it.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not commit to delivering an AI Bill specifically
Listening Carefully
Action As Needed
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question focuses on the support provided by UK Research and Innovation for new sustainable transport technologies, and how it can benefit constituencies.
What conversations have taken place with UK Research and Innovation on the support and development of new sustainable transport technologies, and on how they might benefit constituencies such as mine, Crawley?
My hon. Friend will know that the UK is a world leader in research and innovation. Over the spending review period, we are delivering £86 billion for research and development—a record amount. UKRI invests more than £300 million a year in transport innovation, and sustainability is a key focus. Projects include work to develop new aviation fuel production technologies that could reduce emissions by up to 80%. There is more that we can do. I know he is passionate about this issue, and either I or my Ministers will be very happy to meet him to talk more about what we can do.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The question addresses the poor mobile signal in Lichfield, Burntwood, and rural areas. It seeks information on steps taken to improve this situation.
Too many of my constituents in Lichfield, Burntwood and the villages are struggling with appalling mobile signal. It is a problem we see across the country, and it is often worse in rural areas. What steps are the ministerial team taking to ensure that the Government’s review of the mobile market leads to a faster roll-out of 5G?
We cannot ensure that everybody in this country benefits from being online and from developments unless everybody is joined up to fast broadband. We have put £1.8 billion over the spending review period into making connectivity work. I am working closely with Building Digital UK; if my hon. Friend has concerns about his constituents, he should come and meet me and Building Digital UK to get them online, because that is how they will seize the opportunities of the future.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy