Topical Questions 2026-02-26
2026-02-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
Following the broadcast of a racial slur during the BAFTA awards, the BBC's investigation is ongoing to prevent future incidents.
If she will make a statement on her departmental responsibilities. The questioner raised concerns over the racial slur aired during the BAFTAs and asked for an update from the government on their response.
Many Members have expressed concern following the racial slur incident at the BAFTA awards. The Secretary of State was in contact with the director-general immediately after the broadcast, and an investigation is underway to ensure such incidents do not happen again.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Clubs in Wales are demanding a vote of no confidence due to leadership issues at the Welsh Rugby Union.
Despite a spirited performance at the weekend, Welsh rugby is in crisis. Clubs demand a vote of no confidence and supporters fear losing professional rugby in Swansea. The questioner asked if the Secretary of State agrees that the WRU leadership has lost confidence and should step aside.
Rugby union is vital to national identity. The Government recognises serious concerns of Welsh rugby fans, including the hon. Member. However, UK Government has no role in operations of Welsh Rugby Union; this falls under responsibility of the Welsh Government and Sport Wales.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about WRU leadership stepping aside was not addressed
Uk Government Has No Role
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Youth services have been slashed and shut down completely in areas like Cannock Chase, and Staffordshire missed out on the better youth spaces programme.
Staffordshire's youth service was shut down 13 years ago. With half a billion pounds committed to reinvestment through Young Futures hubs, youth centres, and more youth workers, will the Minister assure constituents that areas like Cannock Chase with no youth service will benefit from this investment?
Spending on youth services in England saw a 73% reduction under the last Government. The national youth strategy, backed by over £500 million, is reversing this trend and I would be happy to discuss it further with him.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about Cannock Chase was not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
A racial slur was aired during the BAFTAs, causing anxiety to John Davidson and offence to many others.
The Secretary of State mentioned the BAFTA awards, marred by the airing of involuntary comments by John Davidson. The microphone placement close to John resulted in offensive remarks being aired despite a two-hour delay. Does the Secretary agree that the BBC and BAFTA must investigate this matter and apologise?
The Government were not satisfied with the initial response from the BBC, and swift action is needed. The Minister for Creative Industries met BAFTA this week to discuss how to exercise better duty of care to all concerned.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about an apology was not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The budget for the listed places of worship scheme was cut, causing uncertainty and postponement of vital repair work.
When the Labour Government cut the budget for the listed places of worship scheme, it suggested that funds would always be available. However, now it has run out of money. Will the Government commit to fully restoring the budget and releasing information about a new scheme urgently?
The previous funding scheme had serious challenges due to the economic state left by the Labour Government. The new scheme aims to provide funding not just for those who can raise money but also for places where funds are scarce.
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Assessment & feedback
The specific ask about budget restoration and urgent information release was not directly addressed
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
Ex-footballers are suffering from CTE, a form of dementia caused by repeated heading. PFA has only provided support after NHS and family assets have been exhausted.
A growing number of ex-footballers suffer from chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a form of dementia caused by repeated heading. With the PFA providing support only after funding sources are exhausted, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure appropriate support for these ex-players and adequate funding from competition organisers?
The Secretary of State met impacted players, a roundtable discussion is planned, football bodies are being asked for clarity on available funding, ensuring adequate money is provided.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps and commitments were not fully detailed
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
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Context
Sport England is losing its consultee status amid significant business rate increases affecting sports facilities. This raises concerns about the future of sporting infrastructure.
My hon. Friend notes that Sport England is losing its consultee status, at a time when sports clubs face 46% business rate hikes making them prime grey-belt building sites. Are Ministers aware?
Sport England's status is not lost; there is a consultation ongoing. The Prime Minister and I have met multiple times to discuss the issue, committing £400 million to grassroots sports to avoid reducing playing fields and facilities.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps or funding for addressing business rate increases for sports clubs
Consultation Ongoing
Response accuracy
Q8
Partial Answer
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Context
New homes are being built, but there's a need to build communities with a strong cultural component. The city already has a significant cultural offer.
Many new houses will be built in Cambridge over the coming years. What steps is the Minister taking to ensure these developments include vital cultural components?
Building homes involves not just economic drivers but also cultural and heritage communities. Cambridgeshire has seen many infrastructure projects, and Arts Council England's national portfolio programme supports local organisations like New International Encounter and Oblique Arts through the £1.5 billion Arts Everywhere fund.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps to ensure cultural components are built into new housing developments
Fantastic Cultural Offer
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
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Context
Richmond is home to cultural assets like Richmond castle, Georgian Theatre Royal, and has a rich history and community events. The city aims to be named the UK's town of culture.
Richmond, North Yorkshire, boasts significant cultural assets and history, including successful community events. Will the Secretary of State support Richmond's bid for the UK town of culture title?
I thank the right hon. Gentleman for championing Richmond's bid and encourage the community interest company to continue its work towards this goal.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
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Context
The national youth strategy offers a chance to improve access to youth services. The MOD's strategic defence review aims for 30% more cadets across the UK by 2030.
What discussions has the Minister had with colleagues in the Ministry of Defence regarding tying the national youth strategy together with the aim to expand cadet force access by 30% by 2030?
Discussions with the MOD are ongoing regarding the “30 by 30” programme which aims to recruit an additional 40,000 cadets across the UK.
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Assessment & feedback
Details of specific discussions and outcomes
Discussions Ongoing
Response accuracy
Q11
Partial Answer
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Context
The annual Brit awards are gathering the best of UK music in Manchester. The industry is growing but faces issues like artist remuneration, touring in Europe, and AI threats.
UK music continues to grow and success stories include Lola Young and Olivia Dean, but challenges remain. Will the Secretary of State continue engaging with the sector on these issues?
I am delighted to attend this year's Brit awards in Manchester and agree with the hon. Gentleman's point about engaging with the sector on issues like artist remuneration, touring in Europe, and AI threats through initiatives such as a voluntary levy for grassroots music venues.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details of engagement and solutions to challenges
Continuing To Engage
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
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Context
Northern industries built the nation but were neglected by previous governments, exemplified by Newcastle's iconic non-functioning swing bridge. A feasibility study is underway.
Newcastle's iconic swing bridge no longer swings due to neglect under previous governments. What help can the Secretary of State provide for its restoration?
I commend my hon. Friend's campaign for Newcastle's swing bridge on its 150th anniversary year. The feasibility study led by Newcastle city council aims to understand if and how the grade II listed building can be returned to full operation.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific funding or other direct support mentioned
Campaign Commendation
Response accuracy