Written questions by Craft.

Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to help protect children online.

Protecting children online is a top priority. The Online Safety Act brought in some of the strongest protections for children globally.We have already taken steps to build on these by introducing new priority offences and tackling intimate image abuse and we have launched a landmark consultation on further measures to protect children online, including whether there should be a minimum age for social media, and restrictions to AI chatbots and gaming.Finally, we are legislating to ensure we can act quickly on the findings of the consultation because no child should have to wait to experience a safe, fulfilling life online.

What guidance she provides to secondary schools on the identification of speech and language needs in children entering the school from primary education.

To ensure teachers can support children before needs escalate, we will develop National Inclusion Standards that set out evidence-informed tools, strategies and approaches for educators to draw on to identify and support children and young people with additional needs.The department is also introducing the Experts at Hand offer, backed by around £1.8 billion, to give schools direct access to support, advice, training, and specialist expertise from professionals including speech and language therapists (SaLTs) and specialist teachers. These experts will work alongside school staff, building skills and confidence to identify needs early and respond effectively. New SaLT advanced practitioners will be responsible for bridging the gap between clinical and education settings, so that more SaLTs are specifically supporting children and young people. We are also investing in upskilling SaLT support workers, who can provide some of the more routine support in mainstream settings.The department continues to invest in the Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) programme, under the Best Start in Life strategy, which has demonstrated significant impact on oral language and early literacy, particularly for disadvantaged pupils. Evaluation has found that children who receive NELI make, on average, four months of additional progress in oral language skills, and seven months for those children on free school meals. Funding has been confirmed until the 2028/29 academic year (subject to further spending rounds).The government is also investing £200 million to give every teacher the training they need to better support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). This new training offer will cover children with SEND in their earliest years through to age 25, restoring parents’ confidence that their children will be supported throughout every stage of their education. This new inclusion training offer builds on improvements to existing programmes, such as the new Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework, which contains significantly more content on adaptive teaching and supporting pupils with SEND.

Pursuant to the answer of 24 November 2025 to question 91186, what steps he will take to engage with BSL signers to assess the suitability of products which use Artificial Intelligence approaches to British Sign Language.

The Department is aware of a number of emerging products that use artificial intelligence (AI) to support translation into British Sign Language (BSL). While the Department and its arm’s‑length bodies are not currently developing or deploying such tools, any AI‑enabled BSL product proposed for use in the National Health Service would be subject to the medical device regulatory framework and will be assessed to determine whether it falls with the scope of regulations. These regulations are underpinned by rigorous standards established by bodies including the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulation Agency, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the Health Research Authority, and the Care Quality Commission. These agencies ensure that AI technologies are safe, effective, and cost-effective within healthcare settings.For any BSL products that use AI, meaningful engagement with BSL signers and Deaf communities is critical. This includes ensuring that proposed products provide a high quality service, meet communication needs identified through the Accessible Information Standard, and reflect the lived experience of BSL users. NHS England continues to work with stakeholders, including BSL users, providers, and representative groups, to improve accessibility and to understand where emerging technologies may safely and effectively support communication.

Pursuant to the answer of 2 December 2025 to question 91065, what engagement she has undertaken with BSL signers regarding Artificial Intelligence approaches to British Sign Language.

We are currently researching the artificial intelligence tools that are available on the market and what they can provide for users. Once this research has concluded, we will engage with British Sign Language signers which will help inform next steps.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 21 November 2025 to Question 91062, what projects involving the use of AI to create accessible content with regards to British Sign Language have been approved at what level of funding by (a) UK Research & Innovation, (b) Innovate UK, (c) British Technology Investments and (d) the Government Office for Science.

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), including Innovate UK, has a portfolio of over £1 billion in AI research and innovation, with a further £1.6 billion allocated across 2026/27 to 2029/30. UKRI’s AI investments build broad, foundational technologies that could extend to BSL applications even when not explicitly stated.Details of UKRI investments in AI technologies that could be used to create accessible content with regards to British Sign Language (BSL) can be found on GTR, which provides information on all UKRI-funded research and innovation projects. These include an £8.45m investment in SignGPT, which aims to build the first generative predictive transformer for sign language and has direct involvement from Deaf organisations and community partners.There are currently no projects approved by British Technology Investments and the Government Office for Science.

Pursuant to the answer of 2 December 2025 to question 91065, for what identified needs is she considering whether Artificial Intelligence approaches to British Sign Language might form a solution.

The department is currently assessing what artificial intelligence tools have been developed in this space. Once we have assessed the landscape, we will reach out to relevant stakeholders to discuss whether the tools we have identified can solve those problems.

Pursuant to the answer of 21 November 2025 to question 91075, how much has been spent on the display of (1) on-screen human interpreters and (2) artificial intelligence creations of British Sign Language at railway stations.

The Department and its public bodies have not yet directly taken steps to develop or use artificial intelligence (AI) approaches to British Sign Language. However, as described in both our Transport artificial intelligence action plan - GOV.UK and our DfT science, innovation and technology plan 2025 - GOV.UK, the Department has used its First of a Kind funding programme to support innovative AI projects like Signapse Ltd’s mobile app that uses AI to turn timetable and station information into British Sign Language for deaf customers. The Department’s Transport Research and Innovation Grants (TRIG) programme provides early‑stage funding for proof‑of‑concept transport innovations. To date, only one TRIG project has focused specifically on British Sign Language and passenger communications: the 2022 Luna Personal Sign Language Avatar Assistant, which developed a prototype enabling passengers to access wayfinding and journey information in BSL on their own devices. This project received a £30,000 grant from the Department. The Department does not hold information on the amounts spent by train operating companies or other station operators on these systems. Network Rail have advised that they currently use pre‑recorded British Sign Language (BSL) videos rather than AI‑generated signing, following feedback from the Deaf community. Network Rail has also indicated that it has invested in providing BSL content in stations; however, the Department does not hold verified figures for this expenditure.

Pursuant to the answer of 2 December 2025 to question 91065, what tools have been or are being assessed to deliver Artificial Intelligence approaches to British Sign Language.

The department has predominantly looked at text to British Sign Language translation tools, reviewing information from the main players in this field, Signapse, Robotica and Silence Speaks and engaging with our primary supplier for generative articifical intelligence, Microsoft.

What steps he is taking to prevent financial abuse through the misuse of lasting power of attorney.

When the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) registers a lasting power of attorney (LPA), it provides attorneys with access to the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice and supporting guidance which includes information on their legal duties and responsibilities. If someone believes an attorney has breached these duties, they can report it to OPG. Under Section 58 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, OPG has the power to deal with complaints or representations about the way in which an attorney is exercising their powers. Where necessary, OPG refers cases to the Court of Protection and other agencies such as local authorities or the police.The Government’s modernising lasting power of attorney project will further increase safeguards. It will strengthen the process for witnessing the donor signing the LPA, introduce identity verification and create a clearer process for objecting to the registration of an LPA, so it can be used by a wider group of people and organisations. Where cases of abuse or misuse still arise, OPG’s existing powers to consider concerns about attorneys’ actions will remain.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure greater deaf awareness among frontline NHS staff.

Since 2016, all National Health Service organisations and publicly funded social care providers have been expected to meet the Accessible Information Standard (AIS), which details the approach to supporting the information and communication support needs of people with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss. This includes support for deaf people and ensuring that British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters are provided when needed. On 30 June 2025, NHS England published a revised AIS to help ensure that the communication needs of people with a disability, impairment, or sensory loss are met in health and care provision. NHS England revised the AIS e-learning for health module to match the latest version of the standard to support effective implementation. This training module includes specific reference to the needs of deaf people and BSL interpreting. NHS England is working to support implementation of the AIS with awareness raising, communication and engagement. The intention is to ensure that staff and organisations in the NHS are aware of the AIS and the importance of meeting the information and communication needs of disabled people using services.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of safeguards in the lasting power of attorney process.

When the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) registers a lasting power of attorney (LPA), it provides attorneys with access to the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice and supporting guidance which includes information on their legal duties and responsibilities. If someone believes an attorney has breached these duties, they can report it to OPG. Under Section 58 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, OPG has the power to deal with complaints or representations about the way in which an attorney is exercising their powers. Where necessary, OPG refers cases to the Court of Protection and other agencies such as local authorities or the police.The Government’s modernising lasting power of attorney project will further increase safeguards. It will strengthen the process for witnessing the donor signing the LPA, introduce identity verification and create a clearer process for objecting to the registration of an LPA, so it can be used by a wider group of people and organisations. Where cases of abuse or misuse still arise, OPG’s existing powers to consider concerns about attorneys’ actions will remain.

What steps he is taking to increase the powers of the Office of the Public Guardian to investigate abuse of lasting power of attorney.

When the Office of the Public Guardian (OPG) registers a lasting power of attorney (LPA), it provides attorneys with access to the Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice and supporting guidance which includes information on their legal duties and responsibilities. If someone believes an attorney has breached these duties, they can report it to OPG. Under Section 58 of the Mental Capacity Act 2005, OPG has the power to deal with complaints or representations about the way in which an attorney is exercising their powers. Where necessary, OPG refers cases to the Court of Protection and other agencies such as local authorities or the police.The Government’s modernising lasting power of attorney project will further increase safeguards. It will strengthen the process for witnessing the donor signing the LPA, introduce identity verification and create a clearer process for objecting to the registration of an LPA, so it can be used by a wider group of people and organisations. Where cases of abuse or misuse still arise, OPG’s existing powers to consider concerns about attorneys’ actions will remain.

What assessment he has made for the potential implications for his policies of the BSL Advisory Board report on Health and Social Care, published on 27 November 2025.

Integrated care boards are responsible for commissioning services to meet the health needs of their local population, which includes responsibility for ensuring that there is adequate provision of British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters to support deaf patients in the community.We welcome the British Sign Language Advisory Board’s report titled Locked out: Exclusion of deaf and deafblind BSL users from health and social care in the UK. We will carefully consider its recommendations, including how, in the context of our work on the 10-Year Health Plan and reform of adult social care, we can improve the experiences of Deaf people when accessing health and care services and experience of Deaf people.

What assessment he has made of Royal Mail's proposed Optimised Delivery Model.

Royal Mail and the Communication Workers’ Union agreed to run pilots in selected offices to design, test and review the operation of the proposed delivery model in response to the changes made by Ofcom, the independent regulator for postal services, to Royal Mail’s universal service obligation.The government does not have a role in the operational decisions of the business.

What discussions he has had with Royal Mail on reforming the Universal Service Obligation.

Ministers and officials have discussions with Royal Mail on a regular basis in its capacity as the universal service provider.Ofcom, as the independent regulator of postal services, has a duty to secure the provision of a financially sustainable and efficient universal postal service that meets the reasonable needs of users and it is permitted to make limited changes to its regulation accordingly.

What steps (a) his department and (b) its sponsored bodies are taking to (i) develop and (ii) utilise Artificial Intelligence approaches to British Sign Language.

The Department and its sponsored bodies are not currently taking steps to develop or use artificial intelligence approaches to British Sign Language. However, the Department is aware of products that are being developed in this space and at pace. As and when developed and approved for use, the Department would welcome proposals for their assessment for use in the National Health Service based on the cost effectiveness and service and quality improvement.

What steps (a) his Department and (b) its public bodies are taking to (i) develop and (ii) use artificial intelligence approaches to British Sign Language.

Providing British Sign Language (BSL) translations of pre-recorded audio and video content on public services is a legislative Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AAA criterion. As outlined in the Government Service Standard, all digital government services must as a minimum meet Level AA. AAA is best practice. Through the Service Standard and Service Assessments, the Government Digital Service encourages departments to incorporate BSL into service design. In May this year DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) launched the UK Government’s first British Sign Language (BSL) online translation service for candidates booking their theory test online. DVSA held a series of user research session with BSL users, with one participant calling the service ‘life-changing’. There are opportunities to use AI to accelerate the creation of accessible content across public services. If public bodies trial the use of AI in approaches to BSL, they would be required to conform with both WCAG and the Service Standard, and must conduct research with disabled people, including Deaf users and where appropriate to the service provision, those who use sign language or a sign language interpreter to interact with the service. Regardless of if AI generated, services must also make sure any BSL video is culturally appropriate by working with the BSL community, testing it, or getting feedback.

Innovation and Technology, what steps (a) her Department and (b) its public bodies are taking to (i) develop and (ii) utilise artificial intelligence approaches to British Sign Language.

Providing BSL translations of pre-recorded audio and video content on public services is a legislative Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AAA criterion. As outlined in the Government Service Standard, all digital government services must as a minimum meet Level AA. AAA is best practice.Through the Service Standard and Service Assessments, the Government Digital Service encourages departments to incorporate BSL into service design. In May this year DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) launched the UK Government’s first British Sign Language (BSL) online translation service for candidates booking their theory test online. DVSA held a series of user research session with BSL users, with one participant calling the service ‘life-changing’.There are opportunities to use AI to accelerate the creation of accessible content across public services. If public bodies trial the use of AI in approaches to BSL, they would be required to conform with both WCAG and the Service Standard, and must conduct research with disabled people, including Deaf users and where appropriate to the service provision, those who use sign language or a sign language interpreter to interact with the service.Regardless of if AI generated, services must also make sure any BSL video is culturally appropriate by working with the BSL community, testing it, or getting feedback.

What steps (a) his Department and (b) its public bodies are taking to (i) develop and (ii) use artificial intelligence approaches to British Sign Language.

Providing British Sign Language (BSL) translations of pre-recorded audio and video content on public services is a legislative Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AAA criterion. As outlined in the Government Service Standard, all digital government services must as a minimum meet Level AA. AAA is best practice.Through the Service Standard and Service Assessments, the Government Digital Service encourages Departments to incorporate BSL into service design. In May this year, DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) launched the UK Government’s first British Sign Language (BSL) online translation service for candidates booking their theory test online. DVSA held a series of user research session with BSL users, with one participant calling the service ‘life-changing’.There are opportunities to use AI to accelerate the creation of accessible content across public services. If public bodies trial the use of AI in approaches to BSL, they would be required to conform with both WCAG and the Service Standard, and must conduct research with disabled people, including Deaf users and where appropriate to the service provision, those who use sign language or a sign language interpreter to interact with the service.Regardless of if AI generated, services must also make sure any BSL video is culturally appropriate by working with the BSL community, testing it, or getting feedback.

What steps (a) his Department and (b) its public bodies are taking to (i) develop and (ii) use artificial intelligence approaches to British Sign Language.

Providing BSL translations of pre-recorded audio and video content on public services is a legislative Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AAA criterion. As outlined in the Government Service Standard, all digital government services must as a minimum meet Level AA. AAA is best practice. Through the Service Standard and Service Assessments, the Government Digital Service encourages departments to incorporate BSL into service design. In May this year DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency) launched the UK Government’s first British Sign Language (BSL) online translation service for candidates booking their theory test online. DVSA held a series of user research session with BSL users, with one participant calling the service ‘life-changing’. There are opportunities to use AI to accelerate the creation of accessible content across public services. If public bodies trial the use of AI in approaches to BSL, they would be required to conform with both WCAG and the Service Standard, and must conduct research with disabled people, including Deaf users and where appropriate to the service provision, those who use sign language or a sign language interpreter to interact with the service. Regardless of if AI generated, services must also make sure any BSL video is culturally appropriate by working with the BSL community, testing it, or getting feedback.