Topical Questions

Question

Local commercial radio, whether in Lancashire or Suffolk, can fill the gap left by the reduction in BBC local radio coverage, but in the Lowestoft and Waveney area it is constrained in doing so, as the local digital audio broadcasting network has not been extended to cover the area. Please can my right hon. and learned Friend arrange for that important infrastructure, which is available throughout most of the UK, to be extended to north-east Suffolk as soon as possible?

Question

Does the Secretary of State agree that, in the media world, content is king, and that that is why we must support our world-leading creative talent? Will she take steps to require artificial intelligence developers to provide songwriters and composers with detailed information as to how their works are being used, including when authorisation has been granted for use of those works as training data?

Question

The Secretary of State will be aware that the Premier League and the English Football League have held meetings, and yet have failed to come up with a solution for a fairer redistribution of funding. Given their inability to come to an agreement, will she get the two sides together round the table—she is probably already doing it—to encourage them to come up with a solution? Failing that, if legislation is necessary, will she consider it, because we do not want to see any clubs going under?

Question

As the Secretary of State will be aware, charities are facing an extremely challenging fundraising environment and, at the same time, are trying to respond to increased demands due to the cost of living crisis. Will she explain why the Government continue to impose sales restrictions on charity lottery fundraising, the removal of which would not cost the Treasury a single penny, but would ensure much-needed additional funds for charitable causes? That would hugely benefit communities in my constituency and across the whole UK.

Question

With both Wealdstone and Uxbridge football clubs embedded in my constituency, grassroots football is incredibly important to the people of Uxbridge and South Ruislip. Clubs like those offer more than just football; they act as vital community hubs and support a significant increase in girls' football through to special educational provision and much more. For the benefit of the clubs and fans across my constituency, will the Minister give the House an update on the progress being made to protect grassroots football, including how television revenues will be distributed, to ensure that those important community assets do not just survive but flourish?

Question

This year, in Scotland, we will have the chance to see the Scottish football team on terrestrial television. That is a rare opportunity—not just because we have qualified, but because Scottish football, like other sports, is becoming increasingly difficult to view, because it is increasingly behind a paywall. That is damaging its attraction to young people who want to see it. Will the Minister tell us what discussions are taking place to try to alleviate that problem?

Question

Given Ofcom's comments on revisiting regulations regarding local radio, does the Minister agree that the mid-term review presents an opportunity to examine how the BBC serves older audiences through local radio?

Question

The Minister will know that Warwick and Leamington enjoys the greatest concentration of games companies globally. Despite acknowledging autumn statement measures, what specific actions are being taken to address the skills shortage?

Question

Can the Minister set out what support is available from the Department or other organisations to help Wallington FC maintain its lease and refurbish its facilities?

Question

Given that performers' intellectual property is not currently regulated under the 1988 act in relation to AI technology, when will the Government take action to protect artists and creatives from such exploitation?

Question

As the Government has accepted most recommendations of the Carney review, can the Secretary of State give an update on how mental health provision needs improvement in women's elite sport?

Question

With the YMCA identifying a 70% cut in funding and loss of 4,500 frontline youth workers since 2010, when will the Government invest in comprehensive youth services?