Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is prompted by recent serious allegations of abuse against women in the TV industry.
I am concerned about the serious allegations of abuse against women in the TV industry. Members across this House will be horrified and disgusted at these allegations. Everyone has the right to be safe and treated with dignity. The Minister for Creative Industries, Media and Arts recently met Channel 4 about the serious allegations that have emerged about “Married at First Sight”. We are not satisfied as a Government with the response that we have received.
We are not satisfied as a Government with the response that we have received, and I will discuss that further with Channel 4 in the coming week.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment on timelines or actions beyond the statement of dissatisfaction
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is prompted by the challenges faced by public service broadcasters.
I echo the Secretary of State's introductory comments and congratulate England and Scotland on a great start to the world cup. Since coming to power, this Government have cut funding for school sport, listed places of worship, tourism marketing and so much more, yet they have found billions for welfare, Chagos and inflation-busting pay rises for their union mates. Last Sunday, the Secretary of State went on telly to say that she was in discussions about cutting DCMS spending even further. Well, where and when? And who is to blame: is it the Prime Minister, for his weakness and failure to tackle welfare spending, or is it the Chancellor, for her utter economic incompetence?
The Government are committed to ensuring that the BBC is set up on a sustainable basis for the future through the charter review, so that it can thrive for many years to come. But the BBC, he is right to say, is not the only public service broadcaster in this country. We have public service broadcasting that is the envy of the world, and the Government are determined to do everything we can to support and safeguard it, including by challenging where necessary—as we have with the response to “Married at First Sight” by Channel 4—when we believe that those standards are not being upheld.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment on championing public sector broadcasting beyond general statements of support
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is prompted by the government's cuts to various sectors' funding.
I echo the Secretary of State's introductory comments and congratulate England and Scotland on a great start to the world cup. Since coming to power, this Government have cut funding for school sport, listed places of worship, tourism marketing and so much more, yet they have found billions for welfare, Chagos and inflation-busting pay rises for their union mates. Last Sunday, the Secretary of State went on telly to say that she was in discussions about cutting DCMS spending even further. Well, where and when? And who is to blame: is it the Prime Minister, for his weakness and failure to tackle welfare spending, or is it the Chancellor, for her utter economic incompetence?
One thing I learned at school was that the answer to a multiple choice question is usually option (c). The hon. Member missed option (c) out, because the real answer to “Who is to blame for the situation this country is in?” is him and his colleagues, because of the appalling mess they made over 14 years of Conservative government. They cut our armed forces to a size that has not been seen for generations, they refused to treat our veterans with respect, they crashed the economy and they left working-class people in every nation and region paying a very heavy price.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Question about cutting DCMS spending was ignored; instead the answerer attacked the opposition's previous government
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is prompted by the success of England's women's cricket team in world T20 tournament.
There are not one but two England teams that currently have a 100% record of success in world cups: not only did the men's football team have a cracking result against Croatia last night, but the England women's cricket team have won two from two in their world T20 tournament games so far. Will the Minister say a little more about how we will capitalise on the success of the women's world T20 and ensure that cricket is a sport that grows and is available to all?
The Government are investing £3 million in all-weather domes. I visited the England and Wales Cricket Board schools programme at Worsbrough in my constituency, which is increasing attendance at cricket in state schools.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific commitment on capitalizing on success beyond general investment mention
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is prompted by the government's ongoing AI consultation for the creative industries.
We are now over a year out from the Government's debacle over their consultation on AI and the creative industries. There seems to be a welcome commitment towards the copyright framework, but website owners still cannot see who is taking their content, and rights holders, publishers and journalists are watching their work being scraped in real time. There was a commitment to transparency, so when will we see the Government's plans?
As the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology laid out to the House on 18 March, we are taking forward four big strategic priorities—digital replicas, AI labelling, creative control and licensing—to get this right. No country in the world has been able to resolve this problem, but the UK is uniquely placed to try to resolve it. We want to work across the House and with both the tech and creative industries to get it right.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific timeline or plan mentioned for transparency in AI consultation
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question is prompted by the upcoming launch date of the National Centre for Arts and Music Education.
The National Centre for Arts and Music Education is due to be up and running this September. Can the Secretary of State tell us whether it will be ready in time and who will run it, and can she give us an overview of its remit?
We are working very closely with the Department for Education to ensure that the national centre is launched in September, and we will update my hon. Friend and the House very shortly on the progress that we are making.
▸
Assessment & feedback
No specific confirmation of readiness by September or who will run it
Response accuracy
Q7
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Grassroots sports clubs are vital but often struggle due to lack of facilities and equipment.
Would the Secretary of State consider convening twice-yearly meetings with grassroots sports governing bodies to strengthen collaboration and advocacy for community sport?
The Government are fully committed to working with the sports sector to support our vital grassroots clubs. We work closely with Sports England, an arm's length body, to engage with grassroots sports across the country and ensure that all sports are seen, heard and supported.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to twice-yearly meetings not addressed
Working Closely
Engaging With
Response accuracy
Q8
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The social media ban is expected to impact young people's time spent online, increasing the need for alternative activities.
Can the Secretary of State advise what steps will be taken and what funding provided to encourage young people to take up sport, drama and other activities when the social media ban comes into place?
Through the national youth strategy, we have announced a significant uplift in funding for young people to ensure that we build the next generation of youth clubs and grassroots sports facilities, rebuild youth work and ensure that every young person has those opportunities.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q9
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The charter review is an opportunity to address issues related to media consumption.
Before the charter review comes out, may I ask her to ensure that she absolutely emphasises the need for radio news?
I agree with the hon. Member about the importance of radio and regional news. Recently, the outgoing director general of the BBC told me that regional news now has greater reach than national news. That includes local radio as well, and we will ensure that it becomes a priority through the charter review.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q10
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Redditch local history museum has been evicted from its premises and is seeking a new home.
Can the Secretary of State advise me on how her Department might be able to assist me in helping provide the museum with a new place?
Local museums are hugely important, and decisions on the operation of cultural organisations are taken locally through Arts Council England. The national development agency for museums may be able to offer some advice.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Specific assistance not addressed
Decisions Taken Locally
Local Authorities
Response accuracy
Q11
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Grassroots music venues like the Talleyrand face increasing costs despite emergency relief.
Can the Minister tell me how the music plan will help tackle the structural issues facing grassroots venues, such as the Talleyrand?
The music plan is part of a whole package to ensure that music thrives in this country, including the £30 million music growth fund. We also have the ticket levy—a £1 voluntary ticket levy on every single ticket sold for major concerts—which puts money straight into grassroots music.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q12
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Filton is a strong candidate for the title 'UK town of culture'.
Will the Minister agree to meet me to hear more about this bid and what makes Filton so special?
Through the town of culture, we hope that many towns across the country can up their cultural offer and take wings and soar. We have discussed the great, vibrant, diverse cultural offer and contribution that her community has to make, including as the home of Concorde.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Commitment to meeting not addressed
Hope Many Towns Can Up Their Cultural Offer
Response accuracy
Q13
Direct Answer
▸
Context
There is speculation about extending the BBC licence fee to streaming services.
Will the Secretary of State rule out extending the BBC licence fee to streaming services such as Netflix?
We have ruled out a levy on streamers and also ruled out direct taxation going to fund the BBC because of the need for the BBC to retain its independence. But I look forward to debating this issue with the hon. Member and for the whole House to come together.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy