Written questions by Dhesi.

What recent progress she has made on improving cycling safety in (a) Slough, (b) Berkshire and (c) the South East.

On 12 February, the Department for Transport and Active Travel England (ATE) announced almost £300 million of funding to boost walking, wheeling and cycling with £222.5 million awarded to local authorities across England. This includes over £415,000 of funding in 2024/25 and 2025/26 to Slough Unitary Authority, over £3.2 million to local transport authorities in Berkshire and almost £38.5 million to local authorities in the South East. It will be for local authorities in receipt of funding to decide on priorities for investment across its local transport network. ATE also provides funding to Sustrans to maintain and upgrade the National Cycle Network, which includes routes in the South East. In the most recent round of funding to the National Cycle Network, Sustrans allocated £1,279,000 to projects in the South East.

What recent discussions she has had with Network Rail on the (a) accessibility of train stations and (b) availability of staff to support disabled people who require assistance.

This Government is committed to improving the accessibility of the railway and recognises the social and economic benefits this brings to communities. Under license conditions and as part of their Accessible Travel Policy, operators including Network Rail must participate in the Passenger Assist scheme. This scheme is designed to help disabled passengers and those with additional needs to use the rail network with confidence and in safety. More broadly, rail operators and Network Rail are responsible for ensuring staff are available to deliver this assistance.

What recent discussions she has had with Transport for London on improving the accessibility of the network for disabled people.

Disabled people should be able to travel easily, confidently and with dignity. Ministers and officials have regular conversations with Transport for London on a variety of issues including accessibility of their network. Transport in London is devolved to the Mayor of London, and TfL is responsible for managing the London transport network.

What recent assessment she has made of the accessibility of train stations in England.

The department undertook a comprehensive audit of the accessibility of GB rail station facilities between April 2021 to April 2023. The data is currently available on the Rail Data Marketplace and is being maintained by the rail industry. The data has also been used to update the National Rail Enquiries website with a more substantial redesign of the website’s station information pages under way and due to be delivered this summer.

What recent progress she has made with local councils on improving cycling infrastructure in (a) Slough, (b) Berkshire and (c) the South East.

On 12 February, the Department for Transport and Active Travel England (ATE) announced almost £300 million of funding to boost walking, wheeling and cycling with £222.5 million awarded to local authorities across England. This includes over £415,000 of funding in 2024/25 and 2025/26 to Slough Unitary Authority, over £3.2 million to local transport authorities in Berkshire and almost £38.5 million to local authorities in the South East. It will be for local authorities in receipt of funding to decide on priorities for investment across its local transport network. ATE also provides funding to Sustrans to maintain and upgrade the National Cycle Network, which includes routes in the South East. In the most recent round of funding to the National Cycle Network, Sustrans allocated £1,279,000 to projects in the South East.

Communities and Local Government, whether her Department has made an assessment of the effectiveness of its statutory intervention at Slough Borough Council since December 2021.

After publishing the fifth report from Slough Commissioners together with my response in October 2024, I confirmed to the House on 20 November that I had extended the statutory intervention at Slough Borough Council until 30 November 2026, and reappointed the Commissioner team together with a Managing Director Commissioner.

What recent assessment she has made of the adequacy of the accessibility of financial services.

The Government seeks to ensure that individuals have access to the appropriate financial products and services they need. This is why I am working with a committee of consumer and industry representatives to develop a Financial Inclusion Strategy which will be published later this year. The strategy will seek to tackle a range of barriers to consumers’ ability to access products, including a focus on: (i) digital inclusion and access to banking; (ii) savings; (iii) insurance; (iv) affordable credit; (v) problem debt; and (vi) financial education and capability. As part of this work, the committee is considering the cross-cutting theme of accessibility to ensure appropriate consideration of how physical and learning disabilities and cognitive impairments can affect people’s ability to use financial services products and engage with their providers. More widely, the Government works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services. FCA guidance outlines that firms should identify vulnerable customers and consider their needs appropriately. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all.

Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions has he had with animal protection groups on the phasing out of animal testing.

The Labour Manifesto includes a commitment to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”, which is a long-term goal. The government will publish a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods later this year. The Government will also be hosting a roundtable shortly with representatives from animal welfare organisations to discuss the strategy.

Innovation and Technology, what recent steps he has taken to phase out animal testing.

The Labour Manifesto commits to “partner with scientists, industry, and civil society as we work towards the phasing out of animal testing”, which is a long-term goal. The Government invests £10m annually in the National Centre for the Replacement, Refinement and Reduction of Animals in Research (NC3Rs) to accelerate the development and adoption of 3Rs approaches. A significant amount of research funding in the UK also goes to underpinning technologies that have the potential to deliver the 3Rs, driving forward innovation.The government will publish a strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods later this year.

What steps she is taking to tackle financial exclusion.

The Government seeks to ensure that individuals have access to the appropriate financial products and services they need. This is why I am working with a committee of consumer and industry representatives to develop a Financial Inclusion Strategy which will be published later this year. The strategy will seek to tackle a range of barriers to consumers’ ability to access products, including a focus on: (i) digital inclusion and access to banking; (ii) savings; (iii) insurance; (iv) affordable credit; (v) problem debt; and (vi) financial education and capability. As part of this work, the committee is considering the cross-cutting theme of accessibility to ensure appropriate consideration of how physical and learning disabilities and cognitive impairments can affect people’s ability to use financial services products and engage with their providers. More widely, the Government works closely with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the independent regulator of the UK’s financial services sector, to ensure that all customers get the right support with their financial products and services. FCA guidance outlines that firms should identify vulnerable customers and consider their needs appropriately. Additionally, under the Equality Act 2010, banks must make reasonable adjustments to ensure their services are accessible to all.

If she will take legislative steps to help protect the safety of retail home delivery drivers.

Shop theft continues to increase at an unacceptable level, with more and more offenders using violence and abuse against shopworkers. We will not stand for this. Everybody has a right to feel safe at their place of work.Through our Crime and Policing Bill, we have introduced a standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker to protect the hardworking and dedicated staff that work in stores. We want to send a strong message to offenders and would-be offenders that violence against retail workers will not be tolerated. This Government and the retail sector have long championed the new offence.Assaults against delivery drivers are already an offence (common assault) under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, and are covered under other legislation such as the Offences against the Person Act 1861, which also covers more serious violence, including actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.Our definition of a ‘retail worker’ is intentionally narrow given the vital need to provide legal clarity and ensure there is no ambiguity for courts in identifying whether an individual is a retail worker and impacted during their job. Those workers whose roles are not included within the definition are already covered under other legislation such as the Offences against the Person Act 1861, which also covers more serious violence, including actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.Section 156 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 creates a statutory aggravating factor in sentencing cases of assault against public facing workers. It applies where an assault is committed against those providing a public service, performing a public duty or providing a service to the public. This includes those working in retail and other public-facing roles.We will use the parliamentary process to scrutinise the provisions in the Bill and will consider carefully amendments tabled as well as evidence put forward in support of such amendments.

What recent discussions she has had with retail companies on the safety of home delivery drivers.

Shop theft continues to increase at an unacceptable level, with more and more offenders using violence and abuse against shopworkers. We will not stand for this. Everybody has a right to feel safe at their place of work.Through our Crime and Policing Bill, we have introduced a standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker to protect the hardworking and dedicated staff that work in stores. We want to send a strong message to offenders and would-be offenders that violence against retail workers will not be tolerated. This Government and the retail sector have long championed the new offence.Assaults against delivery drivers are already an offence (common assault) under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, and are covered under other legislation such as the Offences against the Person Act 1861, which also covers more serious violence, including actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.Our definition of a ‘retail worker’ is intentionally narrow given the vital need to provide legal clarity and ensure there is no ambiguity for courts in identifying whether an individual is a retail worker and impacted during their job. Those workers whose roles are not included within the definition are already covered under other legislation such as the Offences against the Person Act 1861, which also covers more serious violence, including actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.Section 156 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 creates a statutory aggravating factor in sentencing cases of assault against public facing workers. It applies where an assault is committed against those providing a public service, performing a public duty or providing a service to the public. This includes those working in retail and other public-facing roles.We will use the parliamentary process to scrutinise the provisions in the Bill and will consider carefully amendments tabled as well as evidence put forward in support of such amendments.

What recent assessment she has made of the availability of driving tests in Slough constituency.

The table below shows the number of car practical driving tests booked and available in the 24-week booking window, as of 28th April 2025, for driving test centres (DTCs) serving customers in the Slough constituency: DTCCar practical driving tests bookedCar practical driving test availableSlough18361Yeading195232Uxbridge230920 To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

What recent steps she has taken to prevent block booking by bots for driving tests in Slough.

The table below shows the number of car practical driving tests booked and available in the 24-week booking window, as of 28th April 2025, for driving test centres (DTCs) serving customers in the Slough constituency: DTCCar practical driving tests bookedCar practical driving test availableSlough18361Yeading195232Uxbridge230920 To ensure fairness for everyone wanting to book a practical driving test, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) continues to work hard to combat the unscrupulous practice of reselling tests across the country and has announced further measures to review the driving test booking system. On the 18 December 2024, a call for evidence was launched, seeking views on the current rules to book tests. This will lead to consultation on improving processes, with potential future legislative changes. On the 23 April the Secretary of State announced that this consultation has been fast-tracked to May 2025. On 6 January 2025, DVSA introduced new terms and conditions for use of the service driving instructors and trainers use to book and manage practical driving tests for their pupils. Since this change DVSA has issued 25 warnings, 4 suspensions, and closed 90 business accounts. DVSA has deployed bot protection to help stop automated systems from buying up tests unfairly. These applications, however, are constantly evolving and changing, and DVSA’s work on this is ongoing.

What recent discussions has she had with retailers on the potential impact of the Crime and Policing Bill on the retail sector.

Shop theft continues to increase at an unacceptable level, with more and more offenders using violence and abuse against shopworkers. We will not stand for this. Everybody has a right to feel safe at their place of work.Through our Crime and Policing Bill, we have introduced a standalone offence of assaulting a retail worker to protect the hardworking and dedicated staff that work in stores. We want to send a strong message to offenders and would-be offenders that violence against retail workers will not be tolerated. This Government and the retail sector have long championed the new offence.Assaults against delivery drivers are already an offence (common assault) under the Criminal Justice Act 1988, and are covered under other legislation such as the Offences against the Person Act 1861, which also covers more serious violence, including actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.Our definition of a ‘retail worker’ is intentionally narrow given the vital need to provide legal clarity and ensure there is no ambiguity for courts in identifying whether an individual is a retail worker and impacted during their job. Those workers whose roles are not included within the definition are already covered under other legislation such as the Offences against the Person Act 1861, which also covers more serious violence, including actual bodily harm and grievous bodily harm.Section 156 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 creates a statutory aggravating factor in sentencing cases of assault against public facing workers. It applies where an assault is committed against those providing a public service, performing a public duty or providing a service to the public. This includes those working in retail and other public-facing roles.We will use the parliamentary process to scrutinise the provisions in the Bill and will consider carefully amendments tabled as well as evidence put forward in support of such amendments.

What recent steps she has taken to help increase the number of (a) driving instructors and (b) examiners.

The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) does not employ driving instructors. Whilst DVSA does not have the power to either increase or limit the number of approved driving instructors (ADIs), the number of instructors on the DVSA’s ADI register has increased in the last few years. The number of new applications to start the qualification process to become an ADI has also increased and DVSA are using all available ADI examiner resources to provide as many ADI qualifications tests as possible, to ensure potential instructors can complete the process. On the 18 December 2024, DVSA set out plans to reduce driving test waiting times across the country. These steps included recruiting 450 driving examiners. On the 23 April, the Secretary of State for Transport announced that she has asked DVSA to take action on four additional measures. These include: Incentivised additional testing offers for driving examiners – potentially creating thousands of extra tests per month.Doubling permanent training capacity for new driving examiners – meaning more can start carrying out driving tests sooner.A call for volunteers from those currently in other roles (but qualified to examine) to carry out practical driving tests. Further information regarding these measures can be found on GOV.UK

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of school transport support available to parents of SEND children in Slough.

I refer my hon. Friend, the Member for Slough to the answer of 30 December 2024 to Question 20796.

What recent discussions she has had with local councils on funding available for school transport services for SEND children.

I refer my hon. Friend, the Member for Slough to the answer of 30 December 2024 to Question 20796.

Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions he has had with AI developers on material used to train generative AI models.

The Government is committed to hearing a broad range of views to ensure it meets all 50 recommendations outlined in the Action Plan. We have recently consulted with a variety of stakeholders, which included AI developers, to inform our approach to copyright and AI.Ministerial meetings are published according to normal transparency requirements on the gov.uk website.

Media and Sport, whether her Department has made an assessment of the potential economic impact of generative artificial intelligence on the creative sectors.

DCMS Ministers have met on numerous occasions with stakeholders from across the creative industries, including the music, film and book publishing industries, to discuss the impact of generative AI and the government’s consultation on Copyright and Artificial Intelligence.AI is increasingly being used as a tool in the creative process, from music and film production to publishing, architecture and design. As of September 2024 more than 38% of Creative Industries businesses said they have used AI technologies, with nearly 50% using AI to improve business operations. It may foster innovation and efficiency but may also disrupt the sector. We are working with the creative sector and committed to ensuring our brilliant artists benefit in working with the AI sector to harness the opportunities this technology provides. In addition, we are aware that several publishing houses have licensed their content with AI companies.