Written questions by McMurdock.

Pursuant to the press release of 28 December 2025 on AI use in hospitals, how many NHS Trusts have deployed AI‑based triage or patient‑flow tools in A&E departments as of January 2026; and what criteria were used to select participating sites.

We do not know how many artificial intelligence (AI) based triage or patient flow tools are in accident and emergency (A&E) departments. The A&E demand forecasting tool discussed in the 28 December 2025 press release ‘Faster treatments and support for health workers as AI tackles A&E bottlenecks’ is not a triage or patient flow tool, as it analyses anonymous, aggregate data to generate a forecast of demand on A&E in terms of daily numbers of patient arrivals at A&E and admissions three weeks in advance. It serves as one additional source of information to support local decision making in managing A&E departments.The A&E demand forecasting tool is available via the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) to all National Health Service trusts and integrated care systems in England and is currently being used across 50 organisations. The FDP provides a single, real-time view to improve patient flow, elective recovery, operational decisions, and patient care, alongside national services supporting management, planning, and performance improvements.Individual NHS trusts are free to make their own decisions regarding the adoption and deployment of AI tools, including those that are part of the FDP. As such, the Department does not have access to specific numbers of how many trusts are utilising AI-based triage or patient-flow tools in A&E departments.We are not currently undertaking any work to ensure interoperability between AI triage tools and existing NHS electronic patient records. Local organisations should consider the interoperability of systems, including electronic patient records systems.

With reference to the press notice entitled Faster treatments and support for health workers as AI tackles A&E bottlenecks, published on 28 December 2025, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the use of AI to predict levels of demand in A&Es on waiting times.

The Department has not to date undertaken any formal assessment or evaluation of the potential impact of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict levels of demand in accident and emergency departments on waiting times, or staff workload, wellbeing, or retention.Decisions regarding the adoption and deployment of AI tools, including those used for demand prediction in accident and emergency settings as discussed in the article ‘Faster treatments and support for health workers as AI tackles accident and emergency bottlenecks’, are made at a local level by individual National Health Service trusts. At present, NHS trusts have the autonomy to determine the use of such technologies, taking into account the needs and priorities of their respective organisation, and should evaluate and review the impact of AI deployment within their care settings.

What the cost has been to date of deploying AI systems in A&E departments; and what estimate his Department has made of the cost of a national rollout.

To date, the Department has not undertaken any formal assessment or estimate on the cost or value of the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to predict levels of demand in accident and emergency departments.Decisions regarding the adoption and deployment of AI tools, including those used for demand prediction in accident and emergency settings as discussed in the article ‘Faster treatments and support for health workers as AI tackles accident and emergency bottlenecks’, are made at a local level by individual National Health Service trusts. At present, NHS trusts have autonomy to determine the use of such technologies, taking into account the needs and priorities of their respective organisation, independent of the Government. As such, we do not have a cost estimate of a national rollout, nor can we confirm the procurement processes used by those organisations.The implementation of the AI tools discussed in the article ‘Faster treatments and support for health workers as AI tackles accident and emergency bottlenecks’ did not involve an individual procurement of third-party goods or services for the accident and emergency tool, which was developed in the Federated Data Platform. AI implementation programmes that do involve the procurement of third-party goods, services, or digital products are managed in compliance with the obligations set out in the Procurement Act 2023, and the relevant NHS contracting authorities' standing financial instructions.

With reference to the press release entitled Faster treatments and support for health workers as AI tackles A&E bottlenecks, published on 28 December 2025, if he will commission an independent evaluation of the potential impact of AI‑enabled A&E systems on NHS organisations utilising them.

Currently, there are no plans for a formal independent evaluation of the potential impact of artificial intelligence (AI) enabled accident and emergency systems on National Health Service organisations. However, NHS England is undertaking an internal evaluation, as the particular AI tool referenced within the press release is an NHS England development, built within the Federated Data Platform.The tool has been subject to quality assurance and includes built-in metrics to monitor forecast accuracy and performance over time. To date, evaluation has focused on technical robustness, data quality, and usability, rather than the direct impacts on waiting times, which are influenced by multiple factors beyond demand forecasting alone.

With reference to the press release entitled Faster treatments and support for health workers as AI tackles A&E bottlenecks, published on 28 December 2025, what steps are being taken to ensure interoperability between AI triage tools and existing NHS electronic patient record systems.

We do not know how many artificial intelligence (AI) based triage or patient flow tools are in accident and emergency (A&E) departments. The A&E demand forecasting tool discussed in the 28 December 2025 press release ‘Faster treatments and support for health workers as AI tackles A&E bottlenecks’ is not a triage or patient flow tool, as it analyses anonymous, aggregate data to generate a forecast of demand on A&E in terms of daily numbers of patient arrivals at A&E and admissions three weeks in advance. It serves as one additional source of information to support local decision making in managing A&E departments.The A&E demand forecasting tool is available via the NHS Federated Data Platform (FDP) to all National Health Service trusts and integrated care systems in England and is currently being used across 50 organisations. The FDP provides a single, real-time view to improve patient flow, elective recovery, operational decisions, and patient care, alongside national services supporting management, planning, and performance improvements.Individual NHS trusts are free to make their own decisions regarding the adoption and deployment of AI tools, including those that are part of the FDP. As such, the Department does not have access to specific numbers of how many trusts are utilising AI-based triage or patient-flow tools in A&E departments.We are not currently undertaking any work to ensure interoperability between AI triage tools and existing NHS electronic patient records. Local organisations should consider the interoperability of systems, including electronic patient records systems.

What steps the Department is taking to ensure that AI systems used in A&E departments comply with NHS data governance, patient privacy and cybersecurity requirements.

The Government is dedicated to ensuring patient privacy while leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. We have engaged patients and the public in discussions on how and why health data should be accessed for AI systems. The Department and NHS England have implemented robust data protection measures, including Data Protection Impact Assessments and adherence to UK General Data Protection Regulation, to safeguard patient data. All National Health Service trusts and providers must complete a Digital Technology Assessment Criteria (DTAC) assessment to fully assure that the technologies they use are safe, effective, and that data is protected. This includes technologies used in accident and emergency departments. The DTAC evaluates products to ensure NHS standards for safety, usability, and accessibility are met, with clear evidence requirements and scoring criteria included for each area.The accident and emergency demand forecasting tool, within the NHS England Federated Data Platform, is trained on pseudonymised data, and with only aggregate non-patient level outputs reaching the dashboard users. Regular risk reviews occur to ensure it is as low risk as possible in terms of cyber security and patient privacy and that it follows NHS data governance. The Department and the NHS England Information Governance Team provide guidance for patients, health care professionals, and information governance professionals on the use of AI in the NHS and NHS settings such as accident and emergency departments. The Department works closely with the NHS and its suppliers to share threat intelligence on evolving AI cyber threats.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to increase trade and economic cooperation with Greece.

The UK works closely with the Greek Government on a large number of issues, as set out in the Foreign Secretary's remarks in Athens on 18 December, including our close trading relationship, our cooperation on migration issues, and our partnerships within NATO and the United Nations Security Council. Further details of our work in all areas will be set out in the usual way in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her speech at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs on 18 December 2025, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the joint migration plan with Greece on levels of illegal migration via Greece to the UK in the next five years.

The UK works closely with the Greek Government on a large number of issues, as set out in the Foreign Secretary's remarks in Athens on 18 December, including our close trading relationship, our cooperation on migration issues, and our partnerships within NATO and the United Nations Security Council. Further details of our work in all areas will be set out in the usual way in due course.

What guidance his Department has issued on the use of targeted advertising on platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Reddit for Government communications campaigns.

The Government uses a range of channels to reach and engage the public. Any use of these platforms is assessed against the high standards for digital safety set out in the Government Communication Service (GCS) SAFE framework. To ensure all government communications are clear, accurate and authoritative, GCS has established general guidance at https://www.communications.gov.uk/guidance/. This includes the Generative AI Policy (https://www.communications.gov.uk/publications/gcs-generative-ai-policy/) and the Framework for Ethical Innovation in Government Communications (https://www.communications.gov.uk/publications/gcs-framework-for-ethical-innovation/) .

What representations the Government made to the European Commission at the Citizens’ Rights Specialised Committee meeting on 18 December 2025 regarding the protection of UK nationals’ rights in the EU.

Information on matters discussed at the Specialised Committee on Citizens’ Rights is available here: Citizens’ Rights Specialised Committee meeting, 18 December 2025: joint statement - GOV.UK. The UK and the EU are committed to working cooperatively to ensure full and faithful implementation of the citizens’ rights part of the Withdrawal Agreement.

What data he collects on employment retention for claimants supported by Jobcentre Plus.

I refer the Hon. member to the answer given to Parliamentary Question 99406.

Food and Rural Affairs, whether developer contributions to the Nature Restoration Fund will be ring‑fenced for use within the geographic area covered by the relevant Environmental Delivery Plan.

Revenue paid into an Environmental Delivery Plan is subject to a statutory ringfence for use to implement that Environmental Delivery Plan and deliver appropriate conservation measures as outlined within that Environmental Delivery Plan. As set out in Section 77 of the Planning and Infrastructure Act, Natural England must spend funds on conservation measures that relate to the environmental feature in relation to which the levy is charged.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the Nature Restoration Fund on the cost and viability of new housing developments.

The Nature Restoration Fund will accelerate the building of homes, while unlocking the positive impact development can have in driving the recovery of protected sites and species. Environmental Delivery Plans will offer a streamlined route to discharging environmental obligations that will benefit developers. An impact assessment of the Nature Restoration Fund covers these benefits in more detail and has been undertaken and is publicly available here. In setting the Nature Restoration Fund levy, Natural England are required to consider matters relating to economic viability, as specified in levy regulations.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the first tranche of Environmental Delivery Plans on nutrient pollution in rivers, lakes and estuaries.

The first tranche of Environmental Delivery Plans (EDPs) will cover nutrient pollution, delivering on this government's commitment to unblock homes affected by nutrient neutrality. While still under development, conservation measures within these EDPs will be designed to improve conditions at protected freshwater habitats and estuaries affected by excess nutrients. Under the requirements of the Overall Improvement Test, the nutrient pollution reductions or removals secured within each EDP must be greater than the additional pollution arising from development in scope of each EDP.

Food and Rural Affairs, what support will be provided to local authorities to engage with the development and implementation of Environmental Delivery Plans.

Defra and Natural England will provide comprehensive guidance on the Nature Restoration Fund for Local Planning Authorities. Natural England will also continue to work closely with Local Authorities throughout the development and implementation of Environmental Delivery Plans.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of large‑scale habitat restoration funded through the Nature Restoration Fund on the economy.

Large-scale habitat restoration has the potential to deliver significant economic benefits alongside environmental gains. Evidence from similar programmes suggests the following could be realised: Job creation: Habitat restoration projects generate skilled employment in land management, and ecological services. Natural capital uplift: Improved ecosystems enhance flood resilience, water quality, and carbon sequestration, reducing long-term public costs. Local and National growth: Investment will attract jobs, supporting local businesses and supply chains. Further detail can be found within the published Impact Assessment.

Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of small and medium-seized developers assisting with the delivery of Environmental Delivery Plans.

Private and third sector providers, including small businesses and landowners, will play an essential role in delivering conservation measures under Environmental Delivery Plans through fair and open tendering processes.

Food and Rural Affairs, how communities will be consulted on the design and delivery of conservation measures funded through the Nature Restoration Fund.

We are committed to working with stakeholders both throughout the development of Environmental Delivery Plans, including working closely with local planners, reviewing relevant local plans and strategies, and engaging local communities. All Environmental Delivery Plans will be subject to a minimum 28 working-day public consultation, giving stakeholders and the local community an opportunity to comment. This ensures Environmental Delivery Plans are informed by local context and priorities whilst maintaining consistency with national standards.

What recent estimate her Department has made of the cost of cyber attacks to the economy.

An increasingly hostile cyber threat poses a risk to the UK economy and public finances. According to the Office for National Statistics, the decline in the manufacture of motor vehicles, observed in the wake of the cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover, reduced September’s GDP by 0.17%. In the 2022 Fiscal Risks and Sustainability report, the Office for Budget Responsibility estimated that a cyber-attack on critical national infrastructure could temporarily increase borrowing by around £30 billion – equivalent to 1.1% of GDP. Cyber-attacks have significant costs for UK businesses. Recent KPMG modelling for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology suggests the average cost of a significant cyber-attack for an individual business in the UK is around £194,729. KPMG estimate this could represent a total yearly cost to businesses in the UK of £14.7 billion, representing 0.5% of the UK’s annual GDP. The government is committed to strengthening cyber security across the UK. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides a range of tools, guidance and support to businesses to improve their cyber security. At last year's Spending Review, the government increased the Single Intelligence Account's budget by £1 billion over the SR period, which funds the critical cybersecurity work conducted by NCSC. The UK’s cyber resilience relies on all businesses playing their part. The Chancellor of the Exchequer; Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology; Secretary of State for Business and Trade; Minister for Security; CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre and Director General of the National Crime Agency wrote to chief executives and chairs of FTSE 350 companies in October 2025 year asking them to make cyber security a top priority.

Food and Rural Affairs, what steps she is taking to monitor and evaluate whether conservation measures delivered through the Nature Restoration Fund materially outweigh the environmental impacts of development.

Throughout an Environmental Delivery Plan’s (EDP) duration, monitoring will play a critical role in providing the scientific evidence and confidence that conservation measures are achieving the desired effect. Natural England are required to publish reports covering an EDP’s start date to its mid-point, and its mid-point to end date. Natural England may also choose to publish a report at any other time. These reporting requirements will provide transparency around the environmental improvements that each EDP has delivered and whether it is having the required impact. Where monitoring shows these measures are insufficient, Natural England will ensure backup measures are deployed.