Topical Questions 2022-05-26
2022-05-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP seeks clarity on her department's responsibilities, especially in light of connectivity issues affecting constituents.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The House of Commons Library confirms that the majority of my Delyn constituency is in the worst 30% for connectivity in the UK, with more than 10% of my constituents still receiving less than 10 megabits per second broadband speeds.
Responses to the recent Welsh market review are being assessed to determine which premises require Government subsidy through Project Gigabit. We will then work out with the Welsh Government how to provide gigabit coverage to as many premises as possible. Further support is available through our gigabit broadband voucher scheme and those unable to access at least 10 megabits per second may be able to request an upgrade through the universal service obligation.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timeline or detailed measures for addressing poor connectivity in Delyn were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP highlights the disparity in football broadcasting between England and Scotland, where fans are required to subscribe to multiple platforms to follow their national teams.
I congratulate St Johnstone on their emphatic premiership play-off win last week and wish Scotland good luck next week against Ukraine. With the awarding of Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish TV rights to Premier Sports and Viaplay, Scottish fans will have to subscribe to four different platforms to follow the game. England fans are able to watch their men's national team free to air through ITV and now Channel 4. Will the Secretary of State meet me to discuss how we can address this inequity without harming Scottish football's financial situation?
I thank the hon. Gentleman for that question. The Minister for Sport, the Under-Secretary of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Mid Worcestershire (Nigel Huddleston), and, I think, probably the Minister for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure would be happy to meet him to discuss that.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP references a Channel 4 consultation where 96% of respondents opposed privatisation. She stresses the importance of Channel 4 in driving the independent sector and its economy.
Further to the comments made by the hon. Member for Manchester Central (Lucy Powell), 96% of the people who responded to the Channel 4 consultation did not support privatisation. Having worked directly in the independent sector with a Channel 4-backed project, I saw for myself the importance of the drive that Channel 4 brings to that particular market, which is vital to our economy. There is no support in the creative sector for privatising Channel 4. Can the Government please explain why they are not paying attention and are determined to privatise Channel 4?
Some 53% of people in a public poll actually thought that Channel 4 was already privately owned. They did not realise—[Interruption.] As my hon. Friend the Minister for Media, Data and Digital Infrastructure has already said, we have to address a rapidly changing broadcasting landscape in the UK at the moment. It is a bad business model for any organisation to depend on one form of revenue.
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Assessment & feedback
The reasons behind the decision were not clearly explained and there was no commitment to reconsider based on public opinion.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP raises concerns about the availability of clean spectrum after 2030 to support radio microphones in the entertainment and film industry.
How can my right hon. Friend ensure the availability of sufficient clean spectrum for programme making and special events, or PMSE, after 2030 to support the use of radio microphones in our vibrant entertainment and film industry?
We are in regular contact with Ofcom and the radio industry on these issues, and I would be happy to meet my hon. Friend to discuss the matter further, so that I understand the interest driving his question.
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Assessment & feedback
The actual measures for ensuring sufficient clean spectrum were not addressed; instead an invitation for a meeting was provided.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP welcomes the Government's intention to strengthen protections for legitimate journalism in the Online Safety Bill and asks about progress.
I welcome the Government's intention to strengthen the protections for legitimate journalism in the Online Safety Bill, but can my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State say when those clauses will be brought forward? Will she extend them to cover specialist publications?
I thank my right hon. Friend for his question and his long-standing interest in this area. Clause 50 of the Online Safety Bill already exempts recognised news publishers from the provisions of the Bill, and in clause 16 there are particular protections for content of journalistic importance.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific timeline or extension to specialist publications was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The issue of breadcrumbing, where abusers move children between platforms to cause harm, is widespread. The Online Safety Bill's effectiveness in addressing this issue has been questioned.
I am concerned about the issue of breadcrumbing, whereby abusers move children from one platform to another to cause them harm. Can the Secretary of State explain exactly how the Government will prevent this abuse through the Online Safety Bill?
The Under-Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport is looking at other platforms where harm exists, including practices like those mentioned. The Government aims to reduce as much harm as possible within the Bill while protecting freedoms of speech and democratic content.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures or commitments on how the Online Safety Bill will prevent breadcrumbing were not provided.
Cannot Fix Everything On The Internet
Open To Discussions
Response accuracy
Q7
Direct Answer
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Context
The sale of Channel 4 is under consideration, with concerns about maintaining British content and public service broadcasting requirements.
Subject to certain conditions, I support the sale of Channel 4. Will my right hon. Friend confirm that any sell-off will be subject to requirements for minimum British content, news content, and innovative programming?
Channel 4 will be sold as a public service broadcaster with criteria for distinctive British content, including provisions on prominence and broadcasting codes to level the playing field for all broadcasters.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
The north-east of England has not been selected to host any games in the upcoming women's European soccer championship, despite significant fan disappointment.
I am disappointed that the north-east will not be home to any 2022 women's Euro football matches. Can the Secretary of State explain why this is and what benefits people from Jarrow and the north-east will gain from the tournament?
The decision to host events is made by organising authorities, but Government works to level up sporting opportunities across the country. The Secretary of State is sorry about this disappointment and willing to discuss future opportunities.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific reasons for not hosting games in the north-east were not provided.
Decisions Are Not Made Directly By Government
Level Up Sporting Opportunities
Response accuracy