Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Innovation: Hertfordshire

Wednesday 14 May 2025 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Government is committed to the highest standards for business innovation and safety in the UK tech sector
  • Minister recently visited Northern Ireland for the second time to support the cyber-security industry
  • Government budgets for cyber-security are applied across the United Kingdom

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Taylor Lab Hemel Hempstead
Science & Technology
Context

The question follows the Secretary of State's statement about investment in research and development. The MP references a visit to the British Standards Institution (BSI) in Hemel Hempstead, which found that 78% of UK companies increase turnover and productivity due to BSI standards.

Question

What steps are the Government taking to support more companies to adopt and certify standards such as the BSI’s AI management systems standards so that we can grow the UK tech sector and enable innovation and collaboration safely and securely?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)

I am extremely grateful for my hon. Friend’s question; it shows how diligently and assiduously he is working for the businesses in his constituency. I can assure him that high standards lead to their adoption, and this Government are committed to the very highest of standards.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary did not provide specific actions or funding details on encouraging companies to adopt BSI’s AI management systems standards.

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Q2 Jim Shannon DUP Strangford
Northern Ireland Science & Technology
Context

The Minister previously visited Northern Ireland and showed a personal interest in cyber-security there. This question seeks information on the opportunities for collaboration between Hertfordshire and Northern Ireland.

Question

Has he had the opportunity to interact with companies in Northern Ireland to ensure that we can benefit from the expansion of the cyber-security industry?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)

I am grateful for the hon. Gentleman’s recognition that I have a personal commitment to Northern Ireland, which I recently visited for the second time. This Government are committed to cyber-security right across the United Kingdom. The budgets for it and their application are subject to Barnett consequentials. I know that he will be working with the devolved Administration to ensure that that money is spent wisely, and in central Government they will have the partner they need.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary mentioned a general commitment to cyber-security without providing specific details on interactions or opportunities for collaboration between Hertfordshire and Northern Ireland firms.

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