Written questions by Chamberlain.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the use of animal testing in sepsis research.

On 11th November 2025 the government published “Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods” which outlines the steps we will take to achieve this. (Replacing animals in science strategy - GOV.UK) Sepsis is a complex and multifaceted condition, and its study presents significant scientific challenges. We will consider sepsis during the development of our areas of research interest list to determine the best path forward for new model development that drives scientific innovation, supports improved therapy development, and reduces reliance on animals.

Innovation and Technology, what steps she is taking to support collaboration between Government-funded bodies and private-sector researchers following the identification on 4 December 2025 of multiple biological pathways implicated in ME by the LOCOME study.

The LOCOME study, led by Precision life, was funded by Innovate UK through the Advancing Precision Medicine programme. Reporting more than 250 core genes associated with ME, including 76 shared with long COVID, and dozens of drug repurposing opportunities, these findings have important implications for future ME and long COVID research, diagnosis and treatment development. UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) actively fosters collaboration with the private sector by combining the expertise of Innovate UK, which is fully business-focused, with the knowledge exchange expertise of Research England, and disciplinary expertise of their research councils. Innovate UK is well-positioned to collaborate with private-sector researchers on the findings of the LOCOME study.

Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to improve offline access to public services.

The Government wants to put digital inclusion at the heart of how we deliver better designed, time-saving public services, to ensure as many people as possible can access public services digitally. Our ambition is for everyone in the UK to have the access, skills, support and confidence to participate in our modern digital society, whatever their circumstances.Service Standard point 5. requires departments to consider the full range of users, including those who may lack confidence or digital skillsService Standard point 3. ensures that alternatives to digital access, such as telephone or face-to-face, are available and usable by allDigital public services provided by government departments are also subject to the Public Sector Bodies (Websites and Mobile Applications) (No. 2) Accessibility Regulations 2018. Under these regulations departments are obliged to provide reasonable adjustments, such as alternative channels for users who need additional support.

Innovation and Technology, what steps he is taking to ensure the availability of reliable broadband in rural areas to support access to essential services.

Through Project Gigabit, we are delivering future-proofed, gigabit-capable connections nationwide, to UK premises that are not included in suppliers' commercial plans, including to premises in rural areas.

Innovation and Technology, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of digital exclusion on the quality of life for older people.

Those who cannot use digital technologies are likely to pay more for certain transactions, have worse health outcomes, and find it more difficult to manage their finance. That’s why tackling digital exclusion, which disproportionately impacts certain demographics including older people, is a priority for Government.In February we published the Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which outlines the first five actions we are taking over the next year on digital inclusion.One of these actions was to launch the £9.5mn Digital Inclusion Innovation Fund to support and expand local community initiatives to get people online. All funded projects will support at least one of the focus demographic groups, including older people.

Innovation and Technology, what progress he has made on (a) publishing the work programme of the Digital Inclusion Action Committee and (b) examining the digital exclusion of elderly people within the committee.

The Digital Inclusion Action Committee is an external advisory body that will work closely with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. It is made up of national and local experts to tackle digital exclusion. Its role is to scrutinise, steer and help determine the work of the government in reducing digital exclusion in every part of the UK. One of its aims will be to identify systemic barriers to digital inclusion and propose actionable solutions, particularly for underserved groups such as older people.The terms of reference for the Digital Inclusion Action Committee were published earlier in 2025 and full membership was announced in August 2025. The members are scheduled to meet again this autumn.

Innovation and Technology, what data the Government holds on levels of digital exclusion among people aged 65 and over.

Tackling digital exclusion, which disproportionately impacts certain demographics including older people, is a priority for Government. That is why we published the Digital Inclusion Action Plan – First Steps in February 2025 which outlines the first five actions we are taking over the next year on digital inclusion.In 2025, Ofcom reported that 13% of UK households with respondents aged 65+ had no internet access, 45% did not own a laptop, and 18% did not own a smartphone. In 2024, its Online Nation Report found that 15% of UK adults aged 65-74 were not confident in their ability to stay safe online. We estimate that only 4-16% of those aged 65 or over took part in training in digital or online skills.