Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Wednesday 20 May 2026 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Minister pledges 730,000 to support seven projects in Wokingham to boost life sciences and research and development.
  • Government plans to upskill 10 million workers in AI skills and invest 170 million in the TechFirst programme for young people.
  • Government aims to maintain a competitive advantage in tech and AI through a pragmatic regulatory approach, focusing on economic growth and job creation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Clive Jones Lib Dem Wokingham
NHS Science & Technology
Context

Becton Dickinson in Wokingham plays a key role in advancing cancer care through innovation and research. The company faces challenges that affect its ability to contribute effectively.

Question

Life science companies such as Becton Dickinson in my constituency play a key role in advancing the research and innovation that will help deliver the national cancer plan and transform cancer care. What is the Minister doing to increase funding on research and development for life science companies such as those in my constituency?

Answer from Liz Kendall

We see life sciences as one of our greatest national assets and have made the largest ever investment in research and development. We are investing £730,000 to support seven projects in Wokingham because we know that is good for his constituents and the country.

Answered
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Q2 Christopher Vince Lab Co-op Harlow
Education Employment Science & Technology
Context

Harlow is known as the birthplace of fibre optic cable, highlighting its tech heritage. There's a desire to ensure that children feel confident about future job prospects in technology.

Question

I want children in Harlow to feel confident that they can get the brilliant jobs of the future that tech can provide for them. What will the Secretary of State do to ensure that that happens?

Answer from Liz Kendall

We are upskilling 10 million workers in AI skills, investing £170 million in the TechFirst programme to help young people get skills and training, and launching a level 4 apprenticeship in AI so that young people in Harlow can fulfil their ambitions.

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Q3 Julia Lopez Con Hornchurch and Upminster
Brexit Science & Technology
Context

Labour's stance on aligning with EU tech regulations, particularly the AI Act, has been questioned due to concerns about losing Brexit freedoms.

Question

Can the Secretary of State guarantee that under Labour's EU reset, Britain will not align with any EU tech rules, including the AI Act?

Answer from Liz Kendall

This Government want to ensure a closer relationship with Europe but will continue a pragmatic approach to regulation because Britain is the second country in the western world in AI and wants to retain benefits for economic growth and job creation.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not guarantee no alignment with EU tech rules

How: Pragmatic, Not Dogmatic Approach

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Q4 Julia Lopez Con Hornchurch and Upminster
Brexit Science & Technology Business & Trade
Context

Labour's inconsistency between public statements and private briefings on tech regulation post-Brexit has raised concerns about losing competitive advantages.

Question

Will she now publicly admit what her Ministers have been briefing behind closed doors: Brexit was not some exercise in nostalgia pushed on us by uninformed thickos? It has given Britain a competitive advantage in the industries of the future.

Answer from Liz Kendall

We are focused on the advantages this country has, including world-leading talent and innovative tech start-ups. We got more venture capital funding for tech and AI than France and Germany combined last year. £500 million in a sovereign AI fund and four AI growth zones will support these initiatives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not admit inconsistency between public and private statements

How: Back Britain Because We Believe In Britain

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Q5 Sarah Smith Lab Hyndburn
Children & Families
Context

A petition by Debbie Duncan, with over 18,0 18,000 signatures, calls for action against tragedy trolling. The issue concerns the mental health and sleep of children due to excessive screen time.

Question

My constituent Debbie Duncan set up a petition calling on the Government to tackle tragedy trolling, which has attracted over 18,000 signatures. Does the Minister agree that it is time for action, and will she support a debate to help take this forward?

Answer from Liz Kendall

We are focused on features parents worry about, such as children doomscrolling and being on phones overnight. We will act, proposing our plans by summer and intending to legislate if required by the end of the year.

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