Written questions by Wood.

Media and Sport, with reference to the Gambling Commission's Corporate Governance Framework, paragraph 45, whether the prior approval process applies to staff members who join (a) law firms or (b) consultancies that advise the gambling industry.

Paragraph 45 of the Corporate Governance Framework refers to full, part time or fee-paid employment with a gambling licensee or an applicant for a licence, and may relate to consultancies that advise the gambling industry. It is one of a number of provisions of relevant codes of conduct and employment terms which may govern post-employment activity.

Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 1 April 2026, to Question 123211, on Gambling Commission: Managers, how many members of Gambling Commission staff have left to take up employment in or related to the gambling industry in the last 12 months.

Three members of Gambling Commission staff have left the Commission in the last twelve months (up to 31 March 2026) to take up employment in or related to the gambling industry.All Gambling Commission employees are subject to strict rules of conduct when applying for or taking up roles in the gambling sector after leaving the Commission. The Commission’s Corporate Governance Framework requires former employees to maintain safeguards against conflicts of interest for six months after their departure. This Framework is publicly available on the Gambling Commission’s website: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/policy/corporate-governance-framework/code-of-conduct-for-employees.

Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 19 March 2026, to Question 118010, on FCDO: Artworks, if she will publish information on artworks installed at her Department’s headquarters in London since 4 July 2024.

The Government Art Collection is a working collection, used across government buildings in the UK and the global estate, which means that artworks may change their display location from time to time. Current locations of artworks in the collection can be found on their website.

Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2026 to Question 119894 on Gambling Commission: Managers, what the status is of employees of the Gambling Commission.

The Gambling Commission is an executive non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Employees of the Gambling Commission are considered to be public servants.

Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 20 March 2026, to Question 119894, on Gambling Commission: Managers, which individual(s) reviewed and approved the conflicts of interest in relation to the departing staff joining Hawkbridge, and whether there are any conditions imposed on the staff, similar to the business appointments applications process; and whether there is any gardening leave provision.

The Gambling Commission Chair is responsible for ensuring that any potential conflicts of interest are managed effectively in relation to departing staff. During any notice period, individuals will step back from duties which might present risks of a conflict of interest, with these duties being taken over by relevant Commission staff. Following departure, staff would be bound by confidentiality obligations and post-employment restrictions, namely limits on the use of confidential information and limits on engagement with matters relevant to their former responsibilities.The Gambling Commission’s Corporate Governance Framework requires former employees of the Gambling Commission to maintain safeguards against conflicts of interest for six months after their departure. If an individual takes up employment in or related to the gambling industry, they must also notify the Chair of any upcoming regulatory decisions affecting their new employer.The Gambling Commission’s Employee Code of Conduct is already freely and publicly available on the Gambling Commission’s website at the following address: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/policy/corporate-governance-framework/code-of-conduct-for-employees

Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 20 March 2026, to Question 119894, on Gambling Commission: Managers, if he will place in the Library a copy of the Employee Code of Conduct.

The Gambling Commission Chair is responsible for ensuring that any potential conflicts of interest are managed effectively in relation to departing staff. During any notice period, individuals will step back from duties which might present risks of a conflict of interest, with these duties being taken over by relevant Commission staff. Following departure, staff would be bound by confidentiality obligations and post-employment restrictions, namely limits on the use of confidential information and limits on engagement with matters relevant to their former responsibilities.The Gambling Commission’s Corporate Governance Framework requires former employees of the Gambling Commission to maintain safeguards against conflicts of interest for six months after their departure. If an individual takes up employment in or related to the gambling industry, they must also notify the Chair of any upcoming regulatory decisions affecting their new employer.The Gambling Commission’s Employee Code of Conduct is already freely and publicly available on the Gambling Commission’s website at the following address: https://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/policy/corporate-governance-framework/code-of-conduct-for-employees

Media and Sport, pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2026 to Question 113723 on 10 Downing Street: Artworks, what the Government Art Collection reference number was of the portrait of Horatio Nelson previously installed in the state rooms of 10 Downing Street.

The portrait of Horatio Nelson previously on display in 10 Downing Street was a loan from the National Maritime Museum. The work is currently undergoing conservation and will be reinstated at 10 Downing Street when this work is complete.

Media and Sport, whether (a) her Department and (b) the Civil Service Commission has received a Business Appointments application from the (1) departing chief executive of the Gambling Commission and (2) interim chief executive.

Employees of the Gambling Commission are not Crown servants and therefore not subject to the Business Appointments Applications process. As required by the model contract for Public Bodies, the Gambling Commission has robust policies in place to manage business appointments and conflicts of interest, including clear obligations under their Employee Code of Conduct to ensure that the risk of conflicts of interest are considered at the earliest opportunity. The Commission is satisfied that appropriate mitigations are in place to manage and reduce the risk of any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.

Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December 2025 to Question HL12794 on Government Art Collection, if she will list the (a) date received, (b) reference number, (c) date substantively answered, (d) substantive response, and (e) broad request, of each Freedom of information request received by his Department relating to the Government Art Collection across the last 12 months.

DCMS has received 45 requests relating to the Government Art Collection since 4 July 2024. All Freedom of Information requests are considered on their individual merits in accordance with the relevant legislation.

Media and Sport, if she will place in the Library a copy of the Freedom of Information Act disclosure, reference FOI2025/05106, of 8 July 2025.

I will deposit a copy of FOI2025/05106 in the Libraries of both Houses.

Media and Sport, how much funding (a) her Department and (b) the Arts Council has allocated to Decolonise Fest since July 2024.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has not allocated any funding to Decolonise Fest.The Arts Council England, which awards funding independently of the government, has awarded a grant of £18,808 in 2025.In addition, the Decolonise Festival has also received £3,500 funding via the PRS Foundation, a charity funding new music and talent development that receives Art Council Funding.

Media and Sport, whether her Department plans to submit evidence to the Ofcom consultation on a change to broadcasting rules for politicians as presenters, published on 12 May 2025.

Ofcom is the UK’s regulator for broadcasting and by law carries out its duties independently of the Government. It would not be appropriate for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport to submit evidence to Ofcom’s consultation.

Media and Sport, what the cost to the public purse was of the (a) event and (b) reception held at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester on 31 July 2024; how much was spent on (i) alcohol and (ii) food; and what alcoholic drinks were served.

On 31 July 2024, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport hosted a stakeholder reception in Manchester attended by 193 senior representatives from across the breadth of the DCMS sectors. This included individuals and organisations from the arts, culture, sport, heritage, civil society, and creative industriesThe purpose of the event was to provide an opportunity for the new Secretary of State and departmental ministers to engage directly with a wide range of stakeholders, to hear their views, establish relationships, and work together to ensure that the benefits of our creative industries, sporting excellence and rich cultural heritage are felt by everyone, no matter where they live.Such engagement is an established and valuable part of ministerial responsibilities and helps to inform ongoing policy development and delivery. The event and reception cost a total of £9,725.83 which included event production costs and low-cost catering of £1,248.90 for 193 people. No alcohol was served.

Media and Sport, for what reason her Department is appointing a Diversity and Inclusion Manager.

The Department is recruiting a Diversity and Inclusion Manager to ensure we are attracting the broadest range of talent to our DCMS Public Bodies from all backgrounds and locations, in order to reflect the communities they serve. They will also ensure the Department is compliant with legal obligations around the Public Sector Equality Duty.

Media and Sport, when Ministers were informed by the Imperial War Museum of the closure of the Lord Ashcroft Gallery.

Victoria and George Crosses tell stories of bravery and courage which form an important part of our national history. The Lord Ashcroft Gallery, which houses Lord Ashcroft’s personal collection of these medals along with others belonging to the Imperial War Museum and other private owners, has been well-loved since its creation in 2010.I was informed of the decision to close the Gallery shortly before it was made public. Ministers were not consulted on the decision as national museums are operationally and curatorially independent from the Government. Since that announcement, I have spoken with both the Museum’s leadership and with Lord Ashcroft himself. I continue to support Lord Ashcroft to try and find a new permanent home for his remarkable collection.The Museum has made the decision to use the space for a new gallery focusing on conflict since the Second World War. It is common practice for museums to update their galleries and displays periodically in order to make the most of the wide range of collection items they hold, and to explore new ways of communicating vital histories to the public.

Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 7 March 2025 to Question 34451 on Center for Countering Digital Hate, whether (a) her Department and (b) the National Lottery has previously funded the Center for Countering Digital Hate.

The Department for Culture, Media and Sport has not provided funding to the Center for Countering Digital Hate, either directly or through National Lottery funding.

Media and Sport, for what reason the Imperial War Museum has decided to close the exhibition of VC and GC medals in the Lord Ashcroft Gallery; and whether Ministers were consulted.

Victoria and George Crosses tell stories of bravery and courage which form an important part of our national history. The Lord Ashcroft Gallery, which houses Lord Ashcroft’s personal collection of these medals along with others belonging to the Imperial War Museum and other private owners, has been well-loved since its creation in 2010.I was informed of the decision to close the Gallery shortly before it was made public. Ministers were not consulted on the decision as national museums are operationally and curatorially independent from the Government. Since that announcement, I have spoken with both the Museum’s leadership and with Lord Ashcroft himself. I continue to support Lord Ashcroft to try and find a new permanent home for his remarkable collection.The Museum has made the decision to use the space for a new gallery focusing on conflict since the Second World War. It is common practice for museums to update their galleries and displays periodically in order to make the most of the wide range of collection items they hold, and to explore new ways of communicating vital histories to the public.

Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Imperial War Museum on its decision to close the Lord Ashcroft Gallery.

Victoria and George Crosses tell stories of bravery and courage which form an important part of our national history. The Lord Ashcroft Gallery, which houses Lord Ashcroft’s personal collection of these medals along with others belonging to the Imperial War Museum and other private owners, has been well-loved since its creation in 2010.I was informed of the decision to close the Gallery shortly before it was made public. Ministers were not consulted on the decision as national museums are operationally and curatorially independent from the Government. Since that announcement, I have spoken with both the Museum’s leadership and with Lord Ashcroft himself. I continue to support Lord Ashcroft to try and find a new permanent home for his remarkable collection.The Museum has made the decision to use the space for a new gallery focusing on conflict since the Second World War. It is common practice for museums to update their galleries and displays periodically in order to make the most of the wide range of collection items they hold, and to explore new ways of communicating vital histories to the public.

Media and Sport, what Freedom of Information disclosures her Department have made on Government Art Collection artwork in 10 Downing Street in the last five years.

In the last 5 years DCMS has disclosed information about the Government Art Collection artworks held at 10 Downing Street 20 times. Each request is looked at and handled on a case-by-case basis and where there is a non-disclosure or exemption applied, the reasons and rationale are clearly explained in the response.