💻 Oral Answers to Questions

• Technology and Public Services:
  • Patrick Hurley highlighted the need for improved access to public services using technology. Secretary of State Peter Kyle announced the establishment of a new digital centre aimed at serving the public sector and enabling digital public services.
  • Hurley expressed concerns about the accessibility and cost of address data, essential for public service delivery. Kyle responded by discussing the upcoming Data (Use and Access) Bill, which aims to enhance data use in both public and private sectors.
• Artificial Intelligence and Public Services:
  • Sir Oliver Dowden questioned the use of AI to enhance public services and government efficiency. Kyle emphasized the government’s efforts, including the Regulatory Innovation Office and the upcoming gov.uk app, to improve public services through technology.
  • Jim Shannon raised the issue of accessing GP appointments, noting the difficulties faced by constituents. Kyle addressed this by mentioning that the Data (Use and Access) Bill would improve NHS data interoperability to benefit patients.
• International AI Engagement:
  • Chi Onwurah discussed the government’s stance on AI at the Paris AI summit. Kyle highlighted the UK’s participation in several international AI agreements, despite not signing the Paris summit declaration due to concerns over national security and global governance.
• Innovation and Local Development:
  • Gregor Poynton asked about supporting innovation in Livingston, Scotland. Minister Chris Bryant mentioned significant investments in projects within the constituency, and emphasized ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government to support the biotech sector.
• Quantum Computing:
  • Martin Wrigley raised questions about the implications of Google’s new quantum computing chip. Kyle reassured that UK policies would continue to support leadership in quantum computing and mentioned a £100 million investment in quantum hubs.
• Digital Services for Small Businesses:
  • Emma Foody expressed concerns about digital connectivity for small businesses in the north-east. Parliamentary Under-Secretary Feryal Clark outlined the government’s commitment to nationwide gigabit connectivity by 2030, with significant progress already made in the region.
  • Victoria Collins noted the low adoption of AI among UK small businesses. Clark referenced the AI Opportunities Action Plan and promised more forthcoming initiatives to address this.
• Animal Testing:
  • Irene Campbell discussed efforts to phase out animal testing. Minister Chris Bryant confirmed the government’s manifesto commitment to this goal and ongoing work with scientists, aiming to publish a strategy by the end of the year.
• Regulation of Online Pornography:
  • Jess Asato raised the issue of regulating online pornography similarly to offline content. Secretary Kyle mentioned that the Online Safety Act 2023 and an upcoming pornography review would address these concerns, stressing the urgency of tackling violent and paedophilic content online.
• AI Growth Zones:
  • Lauren Edwards questioned the progress on setting up AI growth zones. Feryal Clark reported that invitations for potential AI infrastructure locations had been sent out, with Rochester and Strood highlighted as a potential candidate.
• Prime Minister’s Engagements:
  • Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed various government initiatives, including the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, housing, and apprenticeships.
  • Imran Hussain pushed for improved statutory sick pay within the Employment Rights Bill, which Starmer supported as part of broader workers’ rights enhancements.
  • Other topics included support for Ukraine, international trade concerns with President Trump, and the government’s commitment to various domestic policies such as public health, social care, and education for special needs.

The parliamentary session shows significant instances of disagreement, particularly between the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition, as well as between other members across parties. Here are key examples and explanations supporting the rating of 4 out of 5 for disagreement:

1. Prime Minister vs. Leader of the Opposition (Mrs Kemi Badenoch):
   • There is a clear and intense disagreement over the handling of immigration policy, particularly regarding the Ukraine family scheme being exploited for a family from Gaza. The Prime Minister emphasizes that the previous government’s laws facilitated this loophole and commits to closing it, while the Leader of the Opposition vehemently criticizes the Prime Minister for not appealing the decision and presses for new legislation to address it (Q1, Q2, Q3). The exchanges are tense, with accusations of not answering questions directly and criticisms about past governmental policies.
   • The disagreement escalates as the Leader of the Opposition questions the Prime Minister’s stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict, which the Prime Minister dismisses as misguided and accuses her of not reading the judgment in question.
   • The discussion also touches on broader immigration issues, with the Prime Minister accusing the Conservatives of losing control, which is refuted by the Leader of the Opposition, highlighting persistent disagreement over policy and governance.
2. Cross-party Disagreement on Legislation:
   • There is evident discord over legislation related to borders and immigration. The Prime Minister reprimands the Conservatives and Reform for voting against border security measures, indicating disagreement over the approach to tackling illegal immigration (Preet Kaur Gill’s question). This shows a clear divide in policy and legislative priorities between the current and the previous governments.
3. Other Notable Disagreements:
   • Sir Oliver Dowden (Con) and Peter Kyle (Lab) have a sharp exchange about technological innovation in government services, with Peter Kyle criticizing the previous government’s lack of action, indicating disagreement on past performance and future priorities (initial questions section).
   • Alan Mak (Con) and Peter Kyle (Lab) clash over the handling of the AstraZeneca investment, with accusations of mismanagement and lost opportunities by the previous government, showcasing disagreement on economic policy (topical questions section).
   • David Reed (Con) and the Prime Minister have a heated exchange over the financial implications of the Chagos islands deal, with accusations of secrecy and mismanagement, reflecting disagreement over international policy and fiscal responsibility (Q5).

The high level of disagreement is characterized by sharp exchanges, accusations of mismanagement, and criticism of past and present policies. While there are moments of constructive dialogue, the pervasive tone and frequency of confrontational interactions justify a rating of 4 out of 5 for disagreement.