Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade

The Government is committed to ensuring that emerging technologies, including AI, are developed and deployed safely and responsibly. Most AI systems are already regulated at the point of use through existing expert regulators and legal safeguards. Government will legislate where needed, based on evidence of serious gaps in the existing framework.

Public sector organisations also have access to guidance and tools to support the responsible use of AI and other data-driven technologies, including the AI and Data Ethics Framework, the Model for Responsible Innovation and the Algorithmic Transparency Recording Standard.

The AI Security Institute provides independent scientific and technical capability to test and assess advanced AI systems and identify vulnerabilities, helping Government understand emerging risks and strengthen safeguards.

The Government keeps its approach under review as technologies develop and will consider whether further guidance or protections are required to support the safe, reliable and accountable deployment of emerging technologies in public services.

The Government is reforming the electricity grid connections process to reduce waiting times and accelerate connection offers for strategically important projects, including AI infrastructure and data centres. Working with Ofgem and the National Energy System Operator, we are moving to a more efficient connections regime that prioritises viable projects which are ready to progress. These reforms will remove stalled schemes from the queue and make better use of available network capacity while maintaining a fair and robust process for all users of the network. Through the AI Energy Council, the Government is exploring resilient, sustainable and scalable grid connections.

The Government recognises the importance of sustainable water use as digital infrastructure grows. BIST works with Defra, the Environment Agency and others to ensure data centre growth does not compromise public water supply resilience. Water resources are managed through statutory water company and regional plans and the Environment Agency’s National Framework. The Government supports water-efficient cooling technologies, including closed-loop systems, and alternative sources such as rainwater harvesting. National planning policy promotes sustainable water use and resource efficiency.

AI is accelerating discovery and transforming how research is conducted. Backed by up to £137 million, the Government’s AI for Science Strategy responds to this transformation by strengthen researcher’s access to the compute, data, skills and tools needed to realise the potential for AI-enabled research, while supporting the UK’s leading research sector.

UKRI and BIST have discussed the potential impact of recent developments in AI on basic research (as defined under the Frascati system), including the mathematical sciences.

UKRI-EPSRC has made no formal assessment of potential changes to the future of skills, training and research infrastructure in mathematical sciences due to recent changes in AI-generated mathematical research. EPSRC-funded investments such as the International Centre of Mathematical Sciences and the Isaac Newton Institute, alongside the Academy of Mathematical Sciences, are engaged in community-wide discussions about the implications of AI-generated mathematical research.

Government and UKRI-EPSRC continue to monitor developments and maintain close dialogue with the mathematical sciences community as the implications of advances in AI mathematical capability are assessed and understood.

AI is accelerating discovery and transforming how research is conducted. Backed by up to £137 million, the Government’s AI for Science Strategy responds to this transformation by strengthen researcher’s access to the compute, data, skills and tools needed to realise the potential for AI-enabled research, while supporting the UK’s leading research sector.

UKRI and BIST have discussed the potential impact of recent developments in AI on basic research (as defined under the Frascati system), including the mathematical sciences.

UKRI-EPSRC has made no formal assessment of potential changes to the future of skills, training and research infrastructure in mathematical sciences due to recent changes in AI-generated mathematical research. EPSRC-funded investments such as the International Centre of Mathematical Sciences and the Isaac Newton Institute, alongside the Academy of Mathematical Sciences, are engaged in community-wide discussions about the implications of AI-generated mathematical research.

Government and UKRI-EPSRC continue to monitor developments and maintain close dialogue with the mathematical sciences community as the implications of advances in AI mathematical capability are assessed and understood.

AI is accelerating discovery and transforming how research is conducted. Backed by up to £137 million, the Government’s AI for Science Strategy responds to this transformation by strengthen researcher’s access to the compute, data, skills and tools needed to realise the potential for AI-enabled research, while supporting the UK’s leading research sector.

UKRI and BIST have discussed the potential impact of recent developments in AI on basic research (as defined under the Frascati system), including the mathematical sciences.

UKRI-EPSRC has made no formal assessment of potential changes to the future of skills, training and research infrastructure in mathematical sciences due to recent changes in AI-generated mathematical research. EPSRC-funded investments such as the International Centre of Mathematical Sciences and the Isaac Newton Institute, alongside the Academy of Mathematical Sciences, are engaged in community-wide discussions about the implications of AI-generated mathematical research.

Government and UKRI-EPSRC continue to monitor developments and maintain close dialogue with the mathematical sciences community as the implications of advances in AI mathematical capability are assessed and understood.

The Government’s AI for Science Strategy recognises the importance of our research sector to support advances in AI and is strengthening the compute, data, skills and tools needed to maintain our global leadership in this domain.

UKRI-EPSRC continues to invest in mathematical sciences through the EPSRC Mathematical Sciences programme and in mathematical skills through our PhD investments.

To increase the attractiveness of PhDs to UK-domiciled students, the currently funded TechFirst programme has identified some areas of mathematical expertise relevant to future technologies, including AI as a priority for funding.

The UKRI Artificial Intelligence Priority Programme is open to those with a mathematical sciences background to contribute to the AI priority challenges.

Mathematical sciences are a key capability for the development, evaluation and safe deployment of increasingly advanced artificial intelligence systems. The UKRI Artificial Intelligence Research and Innovation Strategic Framework emphasises this through its commitment to invest at scale in mathematics to support technology development and future foundations. This approach also builds on UKRI's previous investments in AI research hubs delivering next-generation innovations and technologies, a number of which have positioned mathematics and computational research as foundational components underpinning advances in artificial intelligence.

The government monitors the regional and sectoral distribution of investment through the British Business Bank’s (BBB) Small Business Equity Tracker. Between 2024 and 2025, investment in Advanced Manufacturing businesses increased significantly, but remains low compared to other sectors. In the same year, the share of investment outside of London continued to increase.

The government encourages investment into regions with low levels of industrial investment through the BBB’s Nation and Regions Funds, which committed £2.2 billion into underserved regions since 2017 and the recently announced Northern scale-up fund, backed by £150 million of BBB capital, investing in scale-ups across the region.

Supporting STEM outreach contributes to building the future skills pipeline for space and STEM careers. During the G7 Summit held in Cornwall, UKSA provided £150,000 which engaged students through onsite visits and workshops at the Spaceport. Following the UK’s first launch from Spaceport Cornwall in January 2023, Government ran a ‘Space for Everyone’ campaign featuring a 72ft model of Virgin Orbit’s LauncherOne rocket, engaging over 160,000 young people across 13 locations. ​

The Government will continue to engage with Spaceport Cornwall as part of our commitment to securing assured access to space and supporting a competitive and resilient UK launch sector.

The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) is responsible for monitoring risks to UK interests in space.

The UK is a leading member of the European Space Agency (ESA) Space Safety programme. The ESA Debris Office’s Space Environmental Report estimates that there are around 1.7 million pieces of debris larger than 1cm in orbit, and a further 230 million debris objects smaller than 1cm. This highlights the scale of the problem of attributing debris to launch nations.

Catalogued space objects (active, legacy and trackable debris) as of June 2026 are broadly distributed as follows:

• United States (US), ~40% to 45%
• Russia / Former Soviet Union (RF), ~23% to 25%
• China (CH), ~25% to 28%
• United Kingdom (UK), < 1%

The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC), established in 2024, is responsible for monitoring risks to UK interests in space. Since 2024 NSPOC has monitored 12 fragmentation events involving satellites licensed in USA, China and Russia.

The European Space Agency’s latest Space Environmental Report identifies 661 confirmed on-orbit fragmentation events between the start of the space age and the end of 2025, but does not attribute responsibility to countries, companies, or operators.

Large scale debris events, including deliberate acts such as the anti-satellite tests conducted by several nations over recent decades, are tracked and logged as debris fields through the UN sponsored international register of space objects.

For the defunct satellites selected for removal, data on their condition, stability and exact orbital tracks has been gathered through ground observation since 2023. The data shows that the defunct satellites are suitable for capture with the proposed technology. The design and construction of the target satellites have been extensively researched, including obtaining data and design drawings from the original builders. The debris removal satellite design incorporates collision-avoidance measures and a capture system intended to minimise debris generation.

The mission is required to comply with relevant space debris mitigation standards and will undergo further safety and technical assurance. The mission is subject to independent regulatory scrutiny by the Civil Aviation Authority.

The UK is a founding signatory of the UN Outer Space Treaty which asserts that states bear international responsibility for their national activities in outer space. This principle is further developed in the Liability Convention. Building on such treaties, the UK actively supports the development and implementation of international guidelines and norms for safe and sustainable space activities, including through the Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) and by championing the implementation of the UN Long-Term Sustainability Guidelines. The government is clear that these international legal and normative frameworks are still relevant and applicable to modern space activities.

The UK regularly discusses the technical, legal and policy challenges regarding space debris and its removal from orbit with international partners, both bilaterally and multilaterally with the European Space Agency and through forums like the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. The government has not proposed establishing a requirement for satellite operators to contribute towards the cost of removing debris but is aware of such proposals and will continue to consider these in the relevant forums.

The National Space Operations Centre monitors risks to UK interests in space. There are currently over 35,000 catalogued space objects.

The European Space Agency’s Space Debris Office states:

• 28% of in-orbit fragmentations have an unknown cause, and a further 28% are caused by propulsion-related failures/explosions.
• 9% of historic fragmentations were caused deliberately.
• Less than 1% are attributable to collisions.

HMG doesn’t distinguish between causes of debris in operational orbits and treats all debris as a risk. Causality is however monitored by UKSA, supporting improvements in safety and security through improved tracking, collision avoidance and integrity of space objects to reduce catastrophic failures.

If the chosen satellites for removal (the targets) are unsuitable, or capture proves too difficult due to unforeseen circumstances, there are contingency targets selected.

In case of spacecraft failure there are multiple backup systems onboard the spacecraft to ensure reliability and therefore mission success.

The chosen targets are intact at present, if any spacecraft operation risks damaging the targets, mission will be aborted. A primary mission objective is safety and to ensure no debris is created – we would rather take no action and conduct solo testing and derisking of novel systems and sensors, utilising the crucial space heritage that the mission provides, than risk damaging the targets or creating debris.

The Department does not record the costs for translation services and interpretation separately.

We can confirm the Department of Business and Trade spent £60,489.15 on translation services in the 2025 calendar year. This figure includes providing translation services and also where the Department required translations or interpreters. Interpreters are used for a range of reasons, including Ministerial meetings with counterparts from around the world due to our international brief.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology did not record any costs for translation services and interpretation in 2025.

Statement of Insolvency Practice 2 requires office-holders in administrations and insolvent liquidations to carry out investigations that are proportionate to the circumstances of the case, including whether there are grounds for recovery actions. Insolvency practitioners are expected to keep matters under review as new information becomes available during the insolvency process and to act in accordance with their professional obligations.

They also have statutory obligations to report to the Insolvency Service on the conduct of the directors of an insolvent company.

The Recognised Professional Bodies (RPBs) are responsible for regulating the insolvency practitioners they authorise, including those acting as administrators.

The Insolvency Service monitors the effectiveness of the regulatory framework through its oversight of the RPBs. Data on regulatory and disciplinary activity undertaken by the RPBs is published in the Insolvency Service’s annual review of insolvency practitioner regulation.

The Insolvency Service has not made a separate assessment of the number of regulatory enforcement actions or investigations for misconduct taken against administrators or insolvency practitioners.

The Recognised Professional Bodies (RPBs) are responsible for regulating the insolvency practitioners they authorise, including those acting as administrators.

The Insolvency Service monitors the effectiveness of the regulatory framework through its oversight of the RPBs. Data on regulatory and disciplinary activity undertaken by the RPBs is published in the Insolvency Service’s annual review of insolvency practitioner regulation.

The Insolvency Service has not made a separate assessment of the number of regulatory enforcement actions or investigations for misconduct taken against administrators or insolvency practitioners.

The Insolvency Service assesses and prioritises alleged director misconduct by considering the nature, scale and persistence of harm; the likely protective, disruptive, remedial or deterrent impact of intervention; and alignment with its statutory functions, strategic objectives and identified threats.

It also considers the available evidence, legal risk, prospects of achieving the intended outcome and relevant timescales; the resources and specialist capability required; fairness, proportionality and the wider public interest; and whether another body is better placed to act or coordinated action would add value.

The Recognised Professional Bodies (RPBs) are responsible for regulating the insolvency practitioners they authorise. They have powers under their regulatory and disciplinary procedures to take interim action where appropriate whilst concerns are investigated. The Insolvency Service monitors the effectiveness of the RPBs' regulatory activities as part of its oversight of the regulatory framework.

Liquidators are qualified and regulated professionals, subject to statutory duties, professional standards, and court oversight.

Civil Procedure Rules provide for court scrutiny and control of legal costs, including powers to disallow costs based on proportionality, reasonableness, and conduct of the parties. Where appropriate, defendants may apply for security for costs. Such matters remain subject to the court’s discretion.

A range of litigation insurance options are also available to directors.

As such, the Department considers that existing legal and regulatory safeguards provide appropriate protection against legal costs for former company directors facing claims brought by liquidators or assigned to third parties.

The Government’s Critical Minerals Strategy recognises recycling and the circular economy as key to securing future supplies of critical minerals, including aluminium, and sets an ambition to meet 20% of total annual UK critical minerals demand through recycling by 2035.

The Department is working to increase domestic recycling capacity and promote the recovery and reuse of materials in circulation. The Strategy includes support for domestic production through public finance mechanisms and up to £50 million of funding for critical mineral projects.

Through the Metals Circularity Group, we are providing a structured forum for engagement and evidence-based policy development on the barriers and opportunities associated with greater domestic retention and recycling of secondary aluminium.

DRIVE35 is supporting investment across the automotive sector, from zero-emission vehicle innovation to commercial scale-up and industrialisation. To date, £423 million has been awarded to 3 projects through the Transformation pillar, £163 million to 128 distinct project partners through the Innovation pillar, and £55 million to 34 projects through the Scale-Up pillar. The Government has also allocated up to £100 million to the Supply Chain Resilience and Transformation (SRT) scheme, working with the NorthEast and West Midlands Mayors to strengthen domestic supply chains, support EV transition, unlock investment and secure good jobs. All awards are published through regular Government transparency reporting.

The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (BIST) is not an external stakeholder and so will not be submitting a response to the consultation. BIST is engaging on this issue with Department for Transport, other relevant Whitehall Departments and the Devolved Governments. No decisions have been made yet as the ZEV Mandate Review consultation closes on 23 October. Responses will inform our approach as the UK continues to transition to zero emission vehicles and as we continue to work together with industry to make Britain cleaner, more secure, and more prosperous

The £350 million Critical Chemicals Resilience Fund will back the UK’s most strategically important chemical producers – the firms that supply the critical inputs relied on by sectors including food, energy, water and healthcare

The Fund has been designed to keep these key producers and sites competitive, put businesses on a more sustainable footing and strengthen supply chain resilience. It has been developed in partnership with industry representatives and independent experts

Eligible companies have been identified by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and ratified by a panel of independent industry experts. They will be invited to apply for funding for new capital projects, this includes producers of chemicals used in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors, and contributors to key supply chains. The Government recognises the need to support the chemicals sector quickly and expects the Fund to be open to eligible applications by the end of this year. It would be inappropriate to comment on specific companies or eligible applicants.

The £350 million Critical Chemicals Resilience Fund will back the UK’s most strategically important chemical producers – the firms that supply the critical inputs relied on by sectors including food, energy, water and healthcare

The Fund has been designed to keep these key producers and sites competitive, put businesses on a more sustainable footing and strengthen supply chain resilience. It has been developed in partnership with industry representatives and independent experts

Eligible companies have been identified by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and ratified by a panel of independent industry experts. They will be invited to apply for funding for new capital projects, this includes producers of chemicals used in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors, and contributors to key supply chains. The Government recognises the need to support the chemicals sector quickly and expects the Fund to be open to eligible applications by the end of this year. It would be inappropriate to comment on specific companies or eligible applicants.

The £350 million Critical Chemicals Resilience Fund will back the UK’s most strategically important chemical producers – the firms that supply the critical inputs relied on by sectors including food, energy, water and healthcare

The Fund has been designed to keep these key producers and sites competitive, put businesses on a more sustainable footing and strengthen supply chain resilience. It has been developed in partnership with industry representatives and independent experts

Eligible companies have been identified by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and ratified by a panel of independent industry experts. They will be invited to apply for funding for new capital projects, this includes producers of chemicals used in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors, and contributors to key supply chains. The Government recognises the need to support the chemicals sector quickly and expects the Fund to be open to eligible applications by the end of this year. It would be inappropriate to comment on specific companies or eligible applicants.

The £350 million Critical Chemicals Resilience Fund will back the UK’s most strategically important chemical producers – the firms that supply the critical inputs relied on by sectors including food, energy, water and healthcare

The Fund has been designed to keep these key producers and sites competitive, put businesses on a more sustainable footing and strengthen supply chain resilience. It has been developed in partnership with industry representatives and independent experts

Eligible companies have been identified by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and ratified by a panel of independent industry experts. They will be invited to apply for funding for new capital projects, this includes producers of chemicals used in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors, and contributors to key supply chains. The Government recognises the need to support the chemicals sector quickly and expects the Fund to be open to eligible applications by the end of this year. It would be inappropriate to comment on specific companies or eligible applicants.

The £350 million Critical Chemicals Resilience Fund will back the UK’s most strategically important chemical producers – the firms that supply the critical inputs relied on by sectors including food, energy, water and healthcare

The Fund has been designed to keep these key producers and sites competitive, put businesses on a more sustainable footing and strengthen supply chain resilience. It has been developed in partnership with industry representatives and independent experts

Eligible companies have been identified by the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade and ratified by a panel of independent industry experts. They will be invited to apply for funding for new capital projects, this includes producers of chemicals used in Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors, and contributors to key supply chains. The Government recognises the need to support the chemicals sector quickly and expects the Fund to be open to eligible applications by the end of this year. It would be inappropriate to comment on specific companies or eligible applicants.

The Insolvency Service considers the nature, seriousness and immediacy of alleged harm, the available evidence, any pattern of repeat conduct and the director’s involvement in other companies. Information may be checked against intelligence held by the Insolvency Service and, where appropriate and lawful, shared with or referred to partner bodies.

A director whose conduct is under investigation may continue to establish or manage companies unless legally restricted; however, credible evidence of ongoing or further misconduct may be taken into account when determining the most appropriate civil, criminal or regulatory response.

The Insolvency Service’s standard correspondence explains that a decision not to take disqualification action does not prevent any other investigation, action or legal proceedings, whether civil or criminal.

This expressly includes separate action by an insolvency office-holder, such as a liquidator or administrator, acting under their own powers and responsibilities.

The Insolvency Practitioner Complaints Gateway operated by the Insolvency Service does not have a separate expedited process where a complainant reports they are suffering ongoing financial loss. Complaints are assessed against published guidance and, where appropriate, are referred to the relevant Recognised Professional Body (RPB). RPBs may take urgent regulatory action where they consider this necessary to protect the public or address risks arising from the insolvency practitioner's conduct.

Commercial or legal disputes arising from insolvency proceedings are generally matters for the court and cannot be considered through the complaints process.

The Government’s Parental Leave and Pay Review is considering all current parental leave and pay entitlements, as well as the needs of working families who do not qualify for existing leave and pay entitlements, such as kinship carers. We are engaging with a broad range of stakeholders and considering a wide range of evidence as part of the Review. The Review will conclude in early 2027 with findings which will outline next steps for any potential reforms.

As set out in the answer to Question 26081 on 9 September 2026, the Government is carefully considering the findings of its review of the beer market, alongside evidence provided by stakeholders and advice from competition policy experts.

The Government will announce its conclusions in due course.

No recent discussions have taken place with West Midlands Police on the prevention of the illegal (a) use and (b) sale of fireworks. Enforcement mechanisms are in place to tackle situations when fireworks are sold illegally or misused. Local areas decide how best to deploy these powers. The Government continues to work with enforcement partners, including local authorities, Trading Standards, Border Force and the Health and Safety Executive, to tackle unsafe products, illegal sales and misuse.

There are no plans to review the legislation in this area.

Pre-packaged sales in administration are an important restructuring tool that can help preserve viable businesses and jobs. In many cases they provide a better outcome for creditors, including local authorities for business rates, when compared to other insolvency options. Pre-packaged sales are subject to strict regulatory controls and safeguards, and directors found to have abused insolvency provisions to avoid debts are liable to criminal or civil action.

The government has not specifically assessed the potential impact of automated recruitment processes on graduates.

However, it recognises concerns raised by young people who contributed to Alan Milburn's interim review of the rise in the number of 16 to 24-year-olds who are not in education, employment or training (NEET). Many reported submitting large numbers of job applications but receiving either no response or only automated rejections.

The government is considering these concerns and will respond to any recommendations arising from Alan Milburn's final review once it is published.

The Government recognises the vital contribution hospitality businesses make to jobs, local economies, high streets and communities across the UK. We are supporting the sector through a £10 million Hospitality Grant Scheme to boost growth, resilience and innovation, and have introduced permanently lower business rates for eligible retail, hospitality and leisure properties, benefiting over 750,000 properties. We are also backing pubs, clubs and live music venues through additional business rates support.

In addition, the Government has partnered with the hospitality sector to support the creation of more than 100,000 jobs for young people aged 18 to 24 who are not in education, employment or training, helping businesses recruit, develop skills and grow. We also engage closely with businesses and trade associations through the Hospitality Sector Council to address challenges and support productivity and resilience across the sector.

The Government believes the current daylight-saving arrangements represent the optimal use of the available daylight across the UK. We have no plans to introduce single summertime, double summertime or other such changes. Since the Government does not intend to make changes to the existing system, we will not be conducting an assessment on the impact on peak electricity demand.

The UK is open to foreign investment, which can help emerging British firms to grow, innovate and access international markets.

Through the Industrial Strategy, we are supporting innovative firms to start, scale, list and stay in the UK. This includes action to attract growth capital, strengthen public finance institutions, expand tax incentives and transform public procurement of innovation.

The British Business Bank is targeting over 60% of its venture and growth investment on scale-ups, investing at least £5bn through fund managers or directly into scale-up companies, and aims to support 10 new to market growth-stage fundraisings over five years.

In the context of recommendation 30, our ‘AI Landscape’ refers to the diverse ecosystem of publicly funded organisations that deliver research and expertise on AI. The Centre for AI Measurement focusses on the technical and scientific foundations of AI assurance to enable responsible AI adoption and drive growth. The AI Security Institute exists to build a scientific understanding of the risks posed by the most advanced AI systems and develop technical mitigations against them. The Regulatory Innovation Office has funded regulator-led projects to strengthen our capability to regulate and use AI and launched a sandbox with the MHRA to address regulatory barriers to innovation. Whilst the Ada Lovelace Institute is an important voice, it is an independent organisation and has not received significant government funding.

The Alan Turing Institute is currently undertaking a strategic shift to focus its efforts on strengthening the UK’s national resilience. Government supports that transition and has been working closely with UKRI and the Turing to ensure the Institute plays a unique and impactful role in our AI ecosystem. Within that role, the Turing is already an active partner in the Laboratory for AI Security Research.