Written questions by Onwurah.

With reference to the Written Statement of 6 February 2025 on Consenting and Regulation of Nuclear Energy, HCWS419, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using the UK’s plutonium stockpile to support the delivery of the Government’s policies on nuclear power.

The Government has published a refreshed planning framework for new nuclear reactors (EN-7), including small and advanced modular reactors, for consultation. The new planning framework proposes to empower nuclear developers to identify potentially suitable sites in real-time against a robust set of siting criteria. Plans for Government policies on nuclear power were taken into account when making the decision on plutonium disposition. All current reactor projects use uranium oxide fuel. In addition, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) conducted substantial technical, deliverability and economic analysis to identify a preferred option for a long-term disposition solution for the UK-owned plutonium, considering options for immobilisation and reuse of the material as fuel. Immobilisation is the solution that will place the material beyond reach soonest and with greatest delivery confidence. This is a key step towards dealing with our nuclear legacy and not passing the burden on to future generations.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of open source AI on the economy.

The UK has a strong open-source ecosystem and we recognise how open source can help support economic growth and innovation. The AI Opportunities Action Plan includes measures to help maximise this potential, including through commitments around open sourcing where possible in the development and deployment of AI tools in the public sector.Open source can also boost transparency and support AI safety research. The UK Government will carefully balance these important benefits alongside the risks that AI can bring as it develops its regulatory approach.

Innovation and Technology, whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of using procurement to support open source software development in the UK.

The UK has a strong open-source ecosystem, which has helped drive innovation and distribute the benefits of technology widely. The AI Opportunities Action Plan outlines how the government will maximise the potential for AI, including its support for open-source development. This includes the government's agreement to support open-source solutions when procuring AI models and other software for public sector use where appropriate. As a result, we are working closely with and engaging the open-source community to benefit from open-source innovation through appropriately sourced models and other technical solutions. The principles of being open and using open source has been part of the Government's Technology Code of Practice for some time, and continues to be one of our core principles.

With reference to the Written Statement of 24 January 2025 on Plutonium Disposition Strategy, HCWS388, if he will publish the basis for the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s recommendation to immobilise the UK plutonium stockpile.

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) conducted substantial technical, deliverability and economic analysis to identify a preferred option for a long-term disposition solution, considering options for immobilisation and reuse of the material as fuel. It is not intended for the NDA analysis to be made publicly available due to commercial sensitivity and safeguarding national security.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the suspension of USAID programmes on his Department's international development programmes.

We are currently working to assess the implications of the US funding pause across development sectors. We welcome the news that emergency food aid and life-saving humanitarian assistance should be exempt from the pause in US foreign aid. The UK's commitment to supporting both humanitarian aid and development across the world remains steadfast. Progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals requires collective action, and the UK will continue to work with international partners toward that vision.

Innovation and Technology, whether his Department has made an assessment of the (a) resilience and (b) reliability of cloud services, in the context of its plans to designate cloud services as Critical National Infrastructure.

The Government process for designating infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) requires an assessment of the sector’s resilience, and its reliability, in performing its essential function to society and the economy. This was assessed prior to the designation of cloud infrastructure as CNI in September 2024.Cloud computing services have also been subject to the security requirements of the Network & Information Systems (NIS) Regulations since 2018 and are subject to ongoing oversight by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). This will be further strengthened by the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, which will give the ICO additional regulatory powers for the sector.

What steps he is taking to support regional investment funds; and whether the Minister for Investment has met with (a) Northern Gritstone, (b) Midlands Mindforge and (c) other regional investment funds.

The Department for Business and Trade supports regional investment funds by fostering growth, expanding their investor networks, and identifying opportunities for international collaboration. The Minister for Investment will look to meet North Gritstone, Midlands Mindforge and others when next in the regions.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 17 January 2024 to Question 23744 on UK Research and Innovation: Staff, whether Innovate UK has made an assessment of the value for money of business growth advisors funded by Innovate UK.

UKRI continuously evaluates the impact of investments across its portfolio to ensure value for money and effectiveness. Innovate UK Business Growth, which includes the business growth advisors, has been independently evaluated multiple times since its inception in 2015, consistently demonstrating overall benefits. For example, the latest evaluation of the scaleup programme found a return on investment of 10:1. The overall remit, size and scope of the service has continued to evolve to respond to evolving demands and market conditions. We are reviewing all the support Innovate UK offers businesses to ensure it is as effective as possible at driving economic growth.

Pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2025 to Question 21309 on River Tyne: Bridges, if she will meet the Port of Tyne to discuss the Swing Bridge.

The department engages actively with many UK ports, including the Port of Tyne. However, the department has not engaged specifically with the Port of Tyne on this issue as it is a matter for the port and/or other local parties.

Pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2025 to Question 21309 on River Tyne: Bridges, what responsibilities the Port of Tyne has for (a) the navigability of the River Tyne and (b) the Swing Bridge.

The department has not engaged specifically with the Port of Tyne on this issue as it is a matter for the port and/or other local parties. The specific areas of responsibility of the Port of Tyne, and other parties, for navigational purposes and the Swing Bridge will be set out in the relevant local harbours act, or other local agreements. The specifics of these will be best understood and discussed with the Port of Tyne itself.

With reference to the pause to the applications process for new entrants to the connections queue from 29 January 2025 announced by the National Energy Systems Operator on 15 January 2025, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of this decision on (a) data centre projects and (b) energy-intensive infrastructure projects.

The short pause on connection applications is a necessary, transitional step in delivering fundamental connections reforms that, if approved by Ofgem, could reduce the connections queue by up to half and will enable accelerated connections for many generation and demand projects. The pause does not apply to demand projects and therefore will not impact data centre or energy-intensive infrastructure projects.

What her Department's timeline is for making autonomous vehicles commercially available for use on UK roads.

Following Royal Assent of the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act, our world-leading work on the safe implementation of automated vehicles on our road’s presses ahead with a suite of consultations to enable implementation of the AV regulatory framework in 2027. The AV implementation timeline is designed to prioritise the development of a regulatory framework that maximises innovation, public safety and strengthens public confidence. Alongside developing our domestic regulations, we are playing a leading role in work to harmonise international rules on self-driving, which will enable our companies to export globally. This work is anticipated to complete in early 2027. We are considering options as to possible routes to enabling advanced trialling and early commercial pilots to be deployed in advance of full implementation of the AV Act, working with industry to explore what they need and how to deliver this within existing legislation. We've established an industry working group to help facilitate this.

What assessment her Department has made of the potential benefits and disbenefits for (a) prospective and (b) current students of international student recruitment agencies operating in the UK.

The government welcomes international students, who enrich our university campuses, forge lifelong friendships with our domestic students and make a significant economic contribution to the UK.Higher education (HE) providers are autonomous institutions, which have the choice to use education recruitment agents when recruiting international students. Agents provide valuable services including marketing, promotion and support in identifying qualified students.The department is working with the Home Office to ensure that education recruitment agents meet the needs of prospective and current international students. This will include requiring HE providers who use them to adhere to the stringent Agent Quality Framework, a code of practice developed by the HE sector which sets out overarching principles for how providers should manage their commercial arrangements with agents.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 17 January 2024 to Question 23744 on UK Research and Innovation: Staff, how many business growth advisors operate in each region.

The funding for IUK Business Growth core advisory activities for 2024-25 is £41.8m, servicing approximately 10,000 innovative businesses a year with light touch Growth, or more intensive High Growth/Scaling support, this data is published as part of Innovate UK’s “Transparency data”. The Business Growth advisors (Full Time Equivalent) per region is as per the table below, the group marked national work cross-regionally: RegionApprox. FTE% splitNational449%Wales225%Scotland163%Northern Ireland61%North7316%Midlands449%East8819%South West5311%South East4810%London7115%Total464

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 17 January 2024 to Question 23744 on UK Research and Innovation: Staff, how much funding Innovate UK has allocated for business growth advisors in the 2024-25 financial year.

The funding for IUK Business Growth core advisory activities for 2024-25 is £41.8m, servicing approximately 10,000 innovative businesses a year with light touch Growth, or more intensive High Growth/Scaling support, this data is published as part of Innovate UK’s “Transparency data”. The Business Growth advisors (Full Time Equivalent) per region is as per the table below, the group marked national work cross-regionally: RegionApprox. FTE% splitNational449%Wales225%Scotland163%Northern Ireland61%North7316%Midlands449%East8819%South West5311%South East4810%London7115%Total464

With reference to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, published on 13 January 2025, whether the plan will help support the introduction of regulations on UK-based self-driving vehicle companies.

The 2025 AI Opportunities Action Plan (the Plan) supports the introduction of regulations on UK-based self-driving vehicle companies. The Plan notes the role self-driving vehicles play in contributing to the UK’s position as an AI superpower, including UK AI company Wayve securing over $1 billion investment to develop the next generation of AI-powered self-driving vehicles in 2024. Following Royal Assent of the Automated Vehicles (AV) Act, our world-leading work on the safe implementation of automated vehicles on our roads presses ahead with a suite of consultations to enable implementation of the AV regulatory framework in 2027. The AV implementation timeline is designed to prioritise the development of a regulatory framework that maximises innovation, public safety and strengthens public confidence. Alongside developing our domestic regulations, we are playing a leading role in work to harmonise international rules on self-driving, which will enable our companies to export globally. This work is anticipated to complete in early 2027. We are considering options as to possible routes to enabling advanced trialling and early commercial pilots to be deployed in advance of full implementation of the AV Act, working with industry to explore what they need and how to deliver this within existing legislation. We've established an industry working group to help facilitate this.

What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the availability of skills within the Civil Service to effectively regulate self-driving vehicles.

Responsibility for new self-driving vehicle regulatory processes will be aligned with the Department for Transport’s executive agencies’ existing responsibilities for conventional vehicles, ensuring effective use of their expertise around vehicles regulation. As part of the Department’s preparations for implementing the future automated vehicles (AVs) regulatory framework, we are also examining what new skills will be required for the regulation of AVs. This includes considerations of skills around artificial intelligence, vehicle safety, and data expertise among other areas. The Department for Transport also works with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, to understand best practice skills development across other future technology sectors.

With reference to the AI Opportunities Action Plan, published on 13 January 2025, if she will make an assessment of the adequacy of the alignment between the plan and other Government policies on the deployment of self-driving vehicles.

The Department for Transport supported the development of the AI Opportunities Action Plan, including providing contributions on the policy intentions for the deployment of self-driving vehicles. The Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, a joint unit between the Department for Transport and Department for Business and Trade, works closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology to help realise the UK’s full potential as an AI superpower.

Pursuant to the Answer of 8 January 2025 to Question 21604 on Department for Work and Pensions: Artificial Intelligence, whether her Department has taken steps to inform benefits claimants that machine learning is used by her Department to flag cases for further examination.

The DWP Personal Information Charter explains to benefit claimants how we use Machine Learning to help detect and prevent fraud and error.

What steps he is taking to provide (a) resources and (b) expertise to (i) assess digital health technologies and (ii) maintain the safety of its recommendations.

The National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is equipped with both the resource and expertise to assess regulated Digital Health Technologies used across the National Health Service. The NICE produces guidance for the use of technologies, indicating their clinical and cost effectiveness, which can be used by local NHS organisations to inform commissioning decisions.The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for technology safety and the NICE responds to any relevant MHRA alerts issued as appropriate. This includes updating guidance or withdrawing NICE recommendations when appropriate.