Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 10 September 2025 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Susan Murray asked the new Secretary of State about AI legislation, and the Secretary responded by stating the intent to ensure public benefits and protection from AI advancements.
  • Peter Lamb inquired about UK Research and Innovation's involvement in sustainable transport technologies, and the response highlighted a 300 million yearly investment by UKRI in transport innovation.
  • Dave Robertson raised concerns about poor mobile signal coverage in rural areas, particularly in Lichfield and Burntwood, and the response noted the Government's commitment to improving broadband connectivity with 1.8 billion allocated over the spending review period.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Susan Murray Lib Dem Mid Dunbartonshire
Science & Technology
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.

Question

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?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not commit to delivering an AI Bill specifically

How: Listening Carefully, Action As Needed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Peter Lamb Lab Crawley
Transport Science & Technology
Context

The question focuses on the support provided by UK Research and Innovation for new sustainable transport technologies, and how it can benefit constituencies.

Question

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?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q3 Dave Robertson Lab Lichfield
Science & Technology
Context

The question addresses the poor mobile signal in Lichfield, Burntwood, and rural areas. It seeks information on steps taken to improve this situation.

Question

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?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email