Every parliamentary written question tabled by Graeme Downie this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 361–380 of 386 · this parliament
Innovation and Technology, whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact of IP theft on AI innovation.
The UK is consistently rated as having one of the best IP systems in the world, allowing innovators to protect their IP and seek remedy through the courts when it is infringed.We are not aware of widespread concerns about the potential impact of IP theft on the AI sector but welcome reports of any instances of theft, to inform our awareness on this issue.
Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to reduce the use of (a) human-authored and (b) copyrighted content without license for generative AI models.
The Government believes that greater certainty over copyright and AI would support growth in both the creative industries and the AI sector. This is a complex topic, and we want to take the time to hear stakeholder views and carefully consider the issues, including the licensing of copyright content for use by generative AI models. The Government is engaging with stakeholders to inform its approach and will soon be launching a consultation on a package of measures to address copyright and AI issues.
Innovation and Technology, what estimate he has made of the potential economic damage to the (a) media and (b) creative industries of the use of copyrighted content by generative AI developers without a licence.
We are aware of creative industry concerns relating to the use of copyright works by generative AI developers without a licence. We believe that greater certainty over copyright and AI would support growth in both the creative industries and the AI sector. This is a complex topic, and we want to take the time to carefully consider the issues and their economic impacts, including the use of copyright content by generative AI developers. That is why the Government will soon be launching a consultation on copyright and AI. We welcome evidence of economic impact from the creative and media sectors.
What steps she has taken to encourage people to check their national insurance contributions.
To support customers, an enhanced online State Pension forecast service was launched on 29 April 2024. This included new functionality that enables the majority of working age customers to view any gaps in their national insurance contributions and make payments online where this would be beneficial. The service has successfully allowed a large number of people to self-serve, with a satisfaction rate of over 80%.HMRC and DWP have launched a significant communications campaign to encourage people to check their National Insurance contributions, with paid-for marketing supporting our wider low-cost communications.Some examples include a recent press release published on 7 October 2024 on GOV.UK reminding people of the deadline that has also been publicised by a range of media outlets, including Money Saving Expert. We also undertook a range of activity as part of Pensions Awareness Week in September and Talk Money Week in November. Communications included emails to 2.3 million employers and 110,000 agents, social media posts and stakeholder partnership work with organisations including British Innkeepers, DHL, Unilever and MoneyHelper, who have all helped to promote the campaign.Continued promotion activity ahead of the deadline in April will include a robust social media strategy and continued interaction with media outlets and external partners. We are also due to publish a new explainer video, covering VNICs and how people can use the online service.
What assessment she has made of the adequacy of the April 2025 deadline to check for and buy voluntary national insurance contributions.
People normally have six years to pay voluntary National Insurance contributions (vNICs). An extended deadline was put in place to provide transitional arrangements as part of the introduction of the new State Pension (SP), originally ending in April 2023. Since the deadline extension to support customers, the online Check your State Pension forecast was enhanced and launched on 29 April 2024. New functionality enables the majority of working age customers to view their payable gaps and make payments online. This service has successfully allowed a large number of people to self-serve, with a satisfaction rate of over 80%.The National Insurance helpline remains in place for customers who are unable to use the online service or who need additional assistance. Previous deadlines have resulted in significant telephony demand, and HMRC is putting in place measures to manage the expected demand in the run-up to the 5 April 2025 deadline, including managing the deployment of resources, the use of interactive voice response messaging and directing customers to the digital service.
What steps she has taken to support people with insufficient national insurance (a) contributions and (b) credits to qualify for the new State Pension.
To qualify for any payments of the new State Pension, people usually need at least 10 qualifying years of National Insurance contributions or National Insurance credits when they reach State Pension age. The contributions could be as a result of employment, self-employment or people could make voluntary National Insurance Contributions. There is also a wide range of National Insurance credits available, ensuring people can achieve the best possible State Pension outcome. In some circumstances, years built while living in countries with a reciprocal arrangement can be taken into account. The Government makes personalised information available through the online Check Your State Pension Forecast service, which includes details about an individual’s National Insurance record and their State Pension eligibility. The Government also provides support to older people on low incomes. Pension Credit provides a safety net for those most in need and is not based on National Insurance contributions. Pension Credit is a means tested benefit which targets help at the poorest pensioners and is a passport to other financial support including the Winter Fuel Payment, help with housing costs, council tax, heating bills and a free TV licence for those over 75.
Whether he has had discussions on the reintroduction of a (a) passenger and (b) freight service from Rosyth to mainland Europe.
My officials have spoken with colleagues in the Department for Transport and the Treasury on this matter and I am aware of your campaigning on this issue.This Government recognises the importance of upgrading our port infrastructure, and that is why we have created the National Wealth Fund, which will bring together key institutions and a compelling proposition for investors.The National Wealth Fund is now open for engagement, and can be contacted via www.uknwf.org.uk.
If she will take steps to ensure an effective housing insurance market.
The UK’s home insurance market is competitive, with many providers offering a wide variety of insurance products to suit the needs of customers. The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of financial services, has a statutory objective to promote competition in the interests of consumers.FCA rules require firms to offer products that deliver fair value to consumers (i.e. if the price a consumer pays for a product or service is reasonable compared to the overall benefits they can expect to receive). The FCA monitors firms to ensure they comply with its rules and has powers to take action if necessary.
Whether he has had recent discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the reintroduction of a (a) passenger and (b) freight service from Rosyth to mainland Europe.
I have not, but I am aware that you have written to the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this matter in connection with infrastructure enhancements that may be required at the port of Rosyth.This Government recognises the importance of upgrading our port infrastructure, and that is why we have created the National Wealth Fund, which will bring together key institutions and a compelling proposition for investors.The National Wealth Fund is now open for engagement, and can be contacted via www.uknwf.org.uk.
What oversight his Department has had in the preliminary design review of the Fleet Solid Support Ships programme.
Navantia UK, the prime contractor for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship programme, is responsible for delivering the Design and Manufacture contract. The successful completion of the Preliminary Design Review marks the first major milestone in the programme and confirms the robustness and maturity of the ship’s design. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) including representatives from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) are well engaged with Navantia and the British designer of the ship, BMT, to monitor the progress of all aspects of the programme. This includes the RFA’s accommodation requirements, which are designed to a standard that is fully consistent with our expectations and is compliant where practicable with Merchant shipping regulations. The FSS design meets this intent, in order to improve the living conditions for our RFA seafarers. Crewing levels are based on a detailed analysis of the MOD’s requirements. The core RFA crew is expected to be around 100 in number with additional military augmentees and specialists embarked for specific tasks and roles. As the design matures the MOD, working with the contractor, test the ship design and equipment selection criteria against this headmark, to ensure that the ship can be safely operated and maintained.
If he will make an assessment of the adequacy of (a) crew accommodation and (b) crewing levels in the Fleet Solid Support Ships contract following the principal contractor’s completion of the Preliminary Design Review stage.
Navantia UK, the prime contractor for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship programme, is responsible for delivering the Design and Manufacture contract. The successful completion of the Preliminary Design Review marks the first major milestone in the programme and confirms the robustness and maturity of the ship’s design. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) including representatives from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) are well engaged with Navantia and the British designer of the ship, BMT, to monitor the progress of all aspects of the programme. This includes the RFA’s accommodation requirements, which are designed to a standard that is fully consistent with our expectations and is compliant where practicable with Merchant shipping regulations. The FSS design meets this intent, in order to improve the living conditions for our RFA seafarers. Crewing levels are based on a detailed analysis of the MOD’s requirements. The core RFA crew is expected to be around 100 in number with additional military augmentees and specialists embarked for specific tasks and roles. As the design matures the MOD, working with the contractor, test the ship design and equipment selection criteria against this headmark, to ensure that the ship can be safely operated and maintained.
What the annual cost is of maintaining decommissioned nuclear submarines at (a) Rosyth and (b) Devonport.
The annual cost for maintaining decommissioned submarines varies each year depending on the respective maintenance requirements. In financial year 2023-24, £1.711 million was spent at Rosyth and £7.056 million at Devonport.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision by the US Federal Trade Commission to require online subscription services to be cancelled more easily on the UK.
Similar measures have already been introduced in the UK through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This introduces new rules to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscription contracts, including a requirement for traders to provide straightforward ways for consumers to end contracts. These rules apply to all traders who target UK consumers, whether they are located in the UK or not. Nevertheless, the US initiative sets a standard the Government welcomes.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision by the US Federal Trade Commission to require online subscription services to allow users to cancel more easily on UK consumers.
Similar measures have already been introduced in the UK through the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024. This introduces new rules to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscription contracts, including a requirement for traders to provide straightforward ways for consumers to end contracts. These rules apply to all traders who target UK consumers, whether they are located in the UK or not. Nevertheless, the US initiative sets a standard the Government welcomes.
Whether he has plans to bring forward proposals to make it easier to cancel online subscriptions.
The Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 introduces new rules to protect consumers from being trapped in unwanted subscription contracts, including a requirement for traders to provide straightforward ways for consumers to end contracts. The Government will be consulting later this year on proposals to inform the secondary legislation required to implement the regime.
When his Department will publish a Contract Notice for Submarine Disposal following the Market Interest Day held on 6 July 2023.
The Submarine Disposal Capability project was established in 2022 to identify an enduring disposal solution. The project is in its Concept Phase and market engagements were undertaken in July 2023 and June 2024 to inform the optimum way ahead.The next phase of this work is to develop a business case for approval which will set out the approach and future timelines for any procurement action, including further marker engagement, such as the publishing of a Contract Notice.
Whether he plans to hold discussions with his AUKUS counterparts on including the Submarine Dismantling Project in that partnership.
As part of the AUKUS partnership, Australia will be responsible for the disposal of its own conventionally-armed, nuclear powered submarines. While there are no plans to include the Submarine Dismantling Project as part of AUKUS, the UK Government continues to support the Australian Government to develop their own plans for the disposal of their retired nuclear powered submarines, including decommissioning, defueling, dismantling, recycling, and the management of the used fuel following its removal.
What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on supporting skills development for Scottish workers to enable them to get jobs as part of the Submarine Dismantling Project.
The Ministry of Defence regularly engages with Scottish Government officials on the Submarine Disposals Programme, allowing constructive dialogue on a wide range of issues including jobs. Swiftsure, the first vessel to be disposed of, is being used as a demonstrator to refine the dismantling and recycling processes under the Ministry of Defence's Submarine Dismantling Project. Learning from this, alongside market engagement, is informing our approach to both current and future submarine disposal plans. The Submarine Dismantling Project currently sustains more than 500 jobs across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise and, so far, has invested upwards of £200 million into Babcock International Group's Rosyth dockyard and the wider UK supply chain. It continues to provide a source of highly skilled jobs in Scotland and the rest of the UK.
When he expects the legacy nuclear powered submarine fleet to have been decommissioned.
Swiftsure, the first submarine to be fully disposed of, is being used as a demonstrator to refine the dismantling and recycling processes under the Ministry of Defence's Submarine Dismantling Project. There will be a continual process of learning as Swiftsure dismantling progresses. This will inform a baseline approach and schedule for all current decommissioned Royal Navy submarines. Swiftsure dismantling is on track and due to complete in 2026, achieving the commitment given to the Public Accounts Committee in 2019. Over 90% of the submarine will be recycled. We are currently working with Babcock in Rosyth to plan for the next two boats in sequence, with a view to being on contract next year.
What steps he is taking to ensure long-term availability of submarine berths for repair and maintenance in (a) Scotland and (b) the UK.
The Government is committed to ensuring the availability of submarine berths to support submarine operations, which includes the Continuous at Sea Deterrent. We are focussed on the long-term infrastructure development of His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde and HMNB Devonport to support the United Kingdom’s submarines. For reasons of operational security, further details on specific berths cannot be disclosed.