Written questions by Wrigley.

Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's joint press release entitled Creative and AI sectors kick-off next steps in finding solutions to AI and copyright, published 16 July 2025, whether she will (a) publish the terms of reference for the expert working groups on AI and copyright and (b) set out (i) the expected number of meetings for each group and (ii) how she plans to update Rt hon. and hon. Members on the groups' outputs; and what consideration she made of the balance between UK based and non-UK based organisations in determining the membership of the groups.

We are establishing technical working groups to inform our approach to copyright and AI. They will be designed to bring together a range of experts and stakeholders across key issues, including transparency and technical standards. The terms of reference will be published in due course. This will set out the meeting structure for the technical working groups.We will publish a progress update before the end of the year, which will be informed by findings from the technical working groups.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential economic merits of increasing levels of transparency over copyrighted works that are being used by generative AI developers to (a) train and (b) improve the performance of their models.

The Government recently consulted on several topics relating to the interaction between copyright and artificial intelligence (AI), including seeking views on increasing levels of transparency over the use of copyright material in AI model development.The Government’s priority now is to consider all responses to the consultation, to help inform next steps. Alongside this we launched expert working groups in July, bringing together representatives of the creative, media and AI sectors, and convened a parliamentary working group on the issue.The Government will continue to engage extensively on this issue, and its proposals will be set out in due course.

Innovation and Technology, what plans she has to ensure that the Government’s expert working groups on AI and copyright help increase levels of transparency that copyright holders have over the use of their copyrighted material as inputs for (a) training and (b) improving the performance of AI models.

We are establishing technical working groups to inform our approach to copyright and AI. They will be designed to bring together both British and global companies, alongside voices beyond the AI and creative sectors. A range of issues will be discussed, including transparency in the development and deployment of AI in the UK. The terms of reference will be published in due course.

What steps he is taking to support staff affected by Jhoots’ administration with (a) ensuring continuity of employment within the local pharmacy network and (b) other issues.

On 11 November, I wrote to all Members of this House with an update on actions taken to date. Where a pharmacy goes into administration, administrators will work to rescue the pharmacy business or sell it. Where pharmacies close, integrated care boards will work with other local pharmacies and general practices to ensure patients can continue to access their medicines. If the closure of a pharmacy causes a gap in pharmacy provisions, new pharmacies can apply to provide NHS pharmaceutical services. Patients may also use distance-selling pharmacies, which are required to deliver prescription medicines directly to patients’ homes. Pharmacy staff are not employed by the NHS but by pharmacy businesses. Therefore, any dispute between staff and a pharmacy business should be raised with the Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service which has powers to provide arbitration and binding decisions in such matters.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the administration of Jhoots pharmacies on the ability of residents in Newton Abbot constituency to access prescribed medicine.

On 11 November, I wrote to all Members of this House with an update on actions taken to date. Where a pharmacy goes into administration, administrators will work to rescue the pharmacy business or sell it. Where pharmacies close, integrated care boards will work with other local pharmacies and general practices to ensure patients can continue to access their medicines. If the closure of a pharmacy causes a gap in pharmacy provisions, new pharmacies can apply to provide NHS pharmaceutical services. Patients may also use distance-selling pharmacies, which are required to deliver prescription medicines directly to patients’ homes. Pharmacy staff are not employed by the NHS but by pharmacy businesses. Therefore, any dispute between staff and a pharmacy business should be raised with the Advisory, Conciliation, and Arbitration Service which has powers to provide arbitration and binding decisions in such matters.

Pursuant the Answer of 20 October to Question 82468 on Unmanned Air Systems, when her Department plans to publish its consultation on streamlining Civil Air Publication 1616 for uncrewed air systems operations and trials; and what the planned (a) start and (b) end date of that consultation are.

The review to the regulatory framework which I referred to in my response to questions 82466 and 82468, relates to amending the Air Navigation Directions and Air Navigation Guidance. These are the Department for Transport statutory documents issued to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to instruct and guide them on how to carry out their air navigation functions. We intend to launch a public consultation on these changes by the end of the year. The consultation will be followed by an impact assessment prior to any changes coming into effect.The consultation will include potential measures to provide the CAA with greater flexibility and discretion to expedite and support trials of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.On 25th September 2025 the CAA launched its consultation on proposed changes to their airspace change process (CAP1616). This consultation will run until 18th December 2025. As the UK’s independent regulator for civil aviation, the CAA owns this process, as such I am not able to comment on any questions relating to this consultation.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 82468 on Unmanned Air Systems, whether her Department will publish an impact assessment on the proposed reforms to Civil Air Publication 1616 on approval times for Special Use Airspace for Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.

The review to the regulatory framework which I referred to in my response to questions 82466 and 82468, relates to amending the Air Navigation Directions and Air Navigation Guidance. These are the Department for Transport statutory documents issued to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to instruct and guide them on how to carry out their air navigation functions. We intend to launch a public consultation on these changes by the end of the year. The consultation will be followed by an impact assessment prior to any changes coming into effect.The consultation will include potential measures to provide the CAA with greater flexibility and discretion to expedite and support trials of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.On 25th September 2025 the CAA launched its consultation on proposed changes to their airspace change process (CAP1616). This consultation will run until 18th December 2025. As the UK’s independent regulator for civil aviation, the CAA owns this process, as such I am not able to comment on any questions relating to this consultation.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 82468 on Unmanned Air Systems; whether the proposed reforms to Civil Air Publication 1616 will include (a) fast-track pathways, (b) service standards and (c) key performance indicators for decision times on airspace change proposals that support (i) NHS medical logistics and (ii) other public-interest use cases.

The review to the regulatory framework which I referred to in my response to questions 82466 and 82468, relates to amending the Air Navigation Directions and Air Navigation Guidance. These are the Department for Transport statutory documents issued to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to instruct and guide them on how to carry out their air navigation functions. We intend to launch a public consultation on these changes by the end of the year. The consultation will be followed by an impact assessment prior to any changes coming into effect.The consultation will include potential measures to provide the CAA with greater flexibility and discretion to expedite and support trials of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.On 25th September 2025 the CAA launched its consultation on proposed changes to their airspace change process (CAP1616). This consultation will run until 18th December 2025. As the UK’s independent regulator for civil aviation, the CAA owns this process, as such I am not able to comment on any questions relating to this consultation.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 82468 on Unmanned Air Systems; whether her Department will publish an impact assessment setting out the expected effect of proposed reforms to Civil Air Publication 1616 on approval times for Special Use Airspace for Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations.

The review to the regulatory framework which I referred to in my response to questions 82466 and 82468, relates to amending the Air Navigation Directions and Air Navigation Guidance. These are the Department for Transport statutory documents issued to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to instruct and guide them on how to carry out their air navigation functions. We intend to launch a public consultation on these changes by the end of the year. The consultation will be followed by an impact assessment prior to any changes coming into effect.The consultation will include potential measures to provide the CAA with greater flexibility and discretion to expedite and support trials of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.On 25th September 2025 the CAA launched its consultation on proposed changes to their airspace change process (CAP1616). This consultation will run until 18th December 2025. As the UK’s independent regulator for civil aviation, the CAA owns this process, as such I am not able to comment on any questions relating to this consultation.

Pursuant to the Answers of 20 October to Questions 82468 and 82466 on Unmanned Air Systems: Delivery Services, whether the Department’s review will consider (a) standardised template Airspace Change Proposals for Beyond Visual Line of Sight corridors, (b) reusable safety cases, and (c) predefined temporary segregated airspace models for (i) humanitarian and (ii) medical logistics use cases.

The review to the regulatory framework which I referred to in my response to questions 82466 and 82468, relates to amending the Air Navigation Directions and Air Navigation Guidance. These are the Department for Transport statutory documents issued to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to instruct and guide them on how to carry out their air navigation functions. We intend to launch a public consultation on these changes by the end of the year. The consultation will be followed by an impact assessment prior to any changes coming into effect.The consultation will include potential measures to provide the CAA with greater flexibility and discretion to expedite and support trials of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.On 25th September 2025 the CAA launched its consultation on proposed changes to their airspace change process (CAP1616). This consultation will run until 18th December 2025. As the UK’s independent regulator for civil aviation, the CAA owns this process, as such I am not able to comment on any questions relating to this consultation.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October 2025 to Question 82468 on Unmanned Air Systems, if her Department will publish the (a) terms of reference, (b) milestones and (c) project plan for her Department’s review of the regulatory framework for airspace change referenced.

The review to the regulatory framework which I referred to in my response to questions 82466 and 82468, relates to amending the Air Navigation Directions and Air Navigation Guidance. These are the Department for Transport statutory documents issued to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to instruct and guide them on how to carry out their air navigation functions. We intend to launch a public consultation on these changes by the end of the year. The consultation will be followed by an impact assessment prior to any changes coming into effect.The consultation will include potential measures to provide the CAA with greater flexibility and discretion to expedite and support trials of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations.On 25th September 2025 the CAA launched its consultation on proposed changes to their airspace change process (CAP1616). This consultation will run until 18th December 2025. As the UK’s independent regulator for civil aviation, the CAA owns this process, as such I am not able to comment on any questions relating to this consultation.

Innovation and Technology, whether her Department has had recent discussions with Ofcom on the costs of the per-metre charging regime to rural network builders.

As the independent regulator for telecommunications, Ofcom is responsible for making regulatory decisions in the fixed telecoms sector, including on the Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product.DSIT is engaging on this issue with Ofcom at an official level. In July, we published our draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services that sets out the Government’s view on infrastructure sharing in the fixed telecoms sector, including asking Ofcom to demonstrate greater transparency in how they calculate and set PIA prices.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 13 March 2025 to Question 35864 on Broadband: Devon and Somerset, whether her Department plans to take steps to help ensure that the physical infrastructure access pricing model encourages investment by alternative network providers in rural areas.

As the independent regulator for telecommunications, Ofcom is responsible for making regulatory decisions in the fixed telecoms sector, including on the Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product.In July, we published our draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services that sets out the Government’s view on infrastructure sharing in the fixed telecoms sector, including asking Ofcom to demonstrate greater transparency in how they calculate and set PIA prices.The draft Statement also sets out how Ofcom can continue to support the roll-out of broadband across the UK, including in rural areas, by promoting competition.

Innovation and Technology, pursuant to the Answer of 3 July 2025 to Question 62291 on Broadband: Newton Abbot, what steps her Department is taking to expand broadband coverage for rural communities with market competition.

As the independent regulator for telecommunications, Ofcom is responsible for making regulatory decisions in the fixed telecoms sector, including on the Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product.In July, we published our draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services that sets out the Government’s view on infrastructure sharing in the fixed telecoms sector, including asking Ofcom to demonstrate greater transparency in how they calculate and set PIA prices.The draft Statement also sets out how Ofcom can continue to support the roll-out of broadband across the UK, including in rural areas, by promoting competition.

Which elements of the digital ID system will use One Login infrastructure; and whether he expects to undertake additional procurement for this purpose.

The new digital ID scheme will build on existing infrastructure, including GOV.UK One Login which has already been used to verify the identities of over 13 million people. Users will store the digital ID credential in the GOV.UK Wallet, as they will with digital other versions of other government documents like the veterans card and the digital driving licence. In the event any specialist external services or expertise are procured to support the delivery of the new digital ID system, this will be subject to all the usual competitive processes to ensure transparency, and value for the taxpayer.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 October to Question 8246 on Unmanned Air Systems: Delivery Services, whether his Department has assessed the operational impact of Civil Air Publication 1616 timelines on (a) scheduling of uncrewed air system test and (b) evaluation activities.

To facilitate planned test and evaluation activities the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is able to operate uncrewed air systems in established permanent Special Use Airspace. The MOD utilises the CAP1616 processes to establish temporary and trial Special Use Areas for periods of up to 90 days.However, for emerging test and evaluation activity out-with the CAP1616 timelines, the MOD may reserve airspace pursuant to Article 239 of the Air Navigation Order.

Pursuant to the Answer of 22 October 2025 to Question 82467 on Unmanned Air Systems: Testing; whether his Department will support the Civil Aviation Authority in making sure there is a decreased time taken in quarterly statistics on Airspace Change Proposal throughput regarding decision times for uncrewed air system-related Special Use Airspace applications.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the Civil Aviation Authority to refine the airspace change processes in CAP1616 to improve the speed and efficiency at which both permanent and temporary Special Use Airspace can be established for uncrewed air systems.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure continuity of pharmacy services for patients affected by Jhoots Pharmacy entering administration.

On 11 November, I wrote to all Members of this House with an update on actions taken to date.Where pharmacies close, integrated care boards (ICBs) will work with other local pharmacies and general practices to ensure patients can continue to access their medicines. Patients may also use distance-selling pharmacies, which are required to deliver prescription medicines directly to patients’ homes.Pharmacies are private businesses that are commissioned to provide NHS services. Before new pharmacy premises can be registered, applicants must demonstrate to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) that the premises will meet all the standards for registered pharmacies from the first day it opens. Pharmacy premises and pharmacy professionals are regulated by the GPhC, and ICBs monitor and enforce adherence to the NHS Terms of Service for pharmacies.I have convened a roundtable meeting with representatives from the GPhC, NHS England and ICBs to discuss enforcement action against Jhoots and steps to review and strengthen the regulation of pharmacy businesses where standards are not met. My officials are conducting an analysis of gaps in how pharmacies are regulated to ensure those with contract management and registration responsibilities can swiftly take action proportionate to the scale of the failures.

What assessment he has made of the number of (a) patients and (b) GP practices directly affected by Jhoots branch closures.

On 11 November, I wrote to all Members of this House with an update on actions taken to date.Where pharmacies close, integrated care boards (ICBs) will work with other local pharmacies and general practices to ensure patients can continue to access their medicines. Patients may also use distance-selling pharmacies, which are required to deliver prescription medicines directly to patients’ homes.Pharmacies are private businesses that are commissioned to provide NHS services. Before new pharmacy premises can be registered, applicants must demonstrate to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) that the premises will meet all the standards for registered pharmacies from the first day it opens. Pharmacy premises and pharmacy professionals are regulated by the GPhC, and ICBs monitor and enforce adherence to the NHS Terms of Service for pharmacies.I have convened a roundtable meeting with representatives from the GPhC, NHS England and ICBs to discuss enforcement action against Jhoots and steps to review and strengthen the regulation of pharmacy businesses where standards are not met. My officials are conducting an analysis of gaps in how pharmacies are regulated to ensure those with contract management and registration responsibilities can swiftly take action proportionate to the scale of the failures.

Whether his Department will review its oversight mechanisms for large multi-branch contractors to ensure stronger safeguards against sudden collapses; and what assessment he has made of the potential merits of reviewing the NHS’s pharmacy contracting processes to prevent financially unstable operators taking on critical community pharmacy roles, following the collapse of Jhoots Pharmacy,

On 11 November, I wrote to all Members of this House with an update on actions taken to date.Where pharmacies close, integrated care boards (ICBs) will work with other local pharmacies and general practices to ensure patients can continue to access their medicines. Patients may also use distance-selling pharmacies, which are required to deliver prescription medicines directly to patients’ homes.Pharmacies are private businesses that are commissioned to provide NHS services. Before new pharmacy premises can be registered, applicants must demonstrate to the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) that the premises will meet all the standards for registered pharmacies from the first day it opens. Pharmacy premises and pharmacy professionals are regulated by the GPhC, and ICBs monitor and enforce adherence to the NHS Terms of Service for pharmacies.I have convened a roundtable meeting with representatives from the GPhC, NHS England and ICBs to discuss enforcement action against Jhoots and steps to review and strengthen the regulation of pharmacy businesses where standards are not met. My officials are conducting an analysis of gaps in how pharmacies are regulated to ensure those with contract management and registration responsibilities can swiftly take action proportionate to the scale of the failures.