Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Baroness Twycross on 24 March (HL5621), whether they have commissioned an industry-led assessment of the impact of gambling advertising.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

We have set the gambling industry a clear task to do more to work together to ensure that gambling advertising and sponsorship is appropriate, responsible and does not exacerbate harm. The Betting and Gaming Council has since commissioned an advertising report which will be published in due course. We are committed to reviewing the best available evidence from a wide range of sources and working with all key stakeholders to inform next steps in this space and ensure effective measures are in place to protect those at risk.

Strengthened measures on socially responsible incentives (SRI) are being delivered through the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). As the statutory regulator, the implementation date is a matter for the Gambling Commission and the rationale for its decision was set out in their formal response to the SRI consultation.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government why the new rules increasing the safety and simplicity of consumer promotional offers in gambling cannot be introduced sooner than 19 December.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

We have set the gambling industry a clear task to do more to work together to ensure that gambling advertising and sponsorship is appropriate, responsible and does not exacerbate harm. The Betting and Gaming Council has since commissioned an advertising report which will be published in due course. We are committed to reviewing the best available evidence from a wide range of sources and working with all key stakeholders to inform next steps in this space and ensure effective measures are in place to protect those at risk.

Strengthened measures on socially responsible incentives (SRI) are being delivered through the Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP). As the statutory regulator, the implementation date is a matter for the Gambling Commission and the rationale for its decision was set out in their formal response to the SRI consultation.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan, and whether they will publicise those plans in good time before the events.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government announced the VE and VJ Day 80 programme with a statement to both Houses on 13 March. Debates were held on the same topic on 6 May in the House of Commons and on 9 May in the House of Lords.

On Friday 15 August, the Royal British Legion, supported by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), will lead a service at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day, honouring those who served in the War in the Far East.

DCMS is also supporting the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to run more than 250 mobile exhibitions across the UK and at key global commemorative sites to the Pacific, highlighting the stories of those who fought in the Second World War.

To recognise the war’s continuation beyond VE Day and the sacrifices made in the Far East, the Government’s National Engagement Programme runs throughout this 80th anniversary year to include both VE and VJ Day. More information is available at ve-vjday80.gov.uk.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they intend to negotiate rejoining Creative Europe.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

This government does not have any plans to rejoin Creative Europe, though we are committed to finding constructive ways to work with the EU and deliver for the British people on shared priorities and global challenges.

We recognise the UK’s creative and cultural sectors provide a unique and valuable contribution to Europe’s diverse cultural landscape. We are working with our world-leading sectors to ensure that they can continue to promote growth and enrich lives, at home and abroad, including through initiatives such as the £7 million UK Global Screen Fund, and the £1.6 million Music Export Growth Scheme.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of (a) adult gaming centres and (b) bingo clubs on communities.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS regularly engages with Members of Parliament, local authorities, the gambling industry, and members of the public on issues such as adult gaming centres. The Government uses various data sources to assess policies and impacts, including data provided by the Gambling Commission and the industry, a range of research findings, and feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.

The Government recognises the contributions that adult gaming centres and bingo clubs make to the economy and communities such as seaside towns, including providing local employment and spaces where people can have fun and socialise. But, as set out in the Minister for Gambling’s recent correspondence with the sector, we are also aware of concerns about how the adult gaming centre sector protects vulnerable people, and we will seek further assurance on how the sector is addressing these concerns. We will continue to work with the whole land-based gambling sector to mitigate the risks of gambling-related harm and strengthen player protections in venues and to support a growing gambling industry.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of adult gaming centres on seaside towns.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS regularly engages with Members of Parliament, local authorities, the gambling industry, and members of the public on issues such as adult gaming centres. The Government uses various data sources to assess policies and impacts, including data provided by the Gambling Commission and the industry, a range of research findings, and feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.

The Government recognises the contributions that adult gaming centres and bingo clubs make to the economy and communities such as seaside towns, including providing local employment and spaces where people can have fun and socialise. But, as set out in the Minister for Gambling’s recent correspondence with the sector, we are also aware of concerns about how the adult gaming centre sector protects vulnerable people, and we will seek further assurance on how the sector is addressing these concerns. We will continue to work with the whole land-based gambling sector to mitigate the risks of gambling-related harm and strengthen player protections in venues and to support a growing gambling industry.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what data her Department uses to assess policies for the land-based adult gaming sector.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS regularly engages with Members of Parliament, local authorities, the gambling industry, and members of the public on issues such as adult gaming centres. The Government uses various data sources to assess policies and impacts, including data provided by the Gambling Commission and the industry, a range of research findings, and feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.

The Government recognises the contributions that adult gaming centres and bingo clubs make to the economy and communities such as seaside towns, including providing local employment and spaces where people can have fun and socialise. But, as set out in the Minister for Gambling’s recent correspondence with the sector, we are also aware of concerns about how the adult gaming centre sector protects vulnerable people, and we will seek further assurance on how the sector is addressing these concerns. We will continue to work with the whole land-based gambling sector to mitigate the risks of gambling-related harm and strengthen player protections in venues and to support a growing gambling industry.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what correspondence her Department has received from relevant stakeholders on customer protections in land-based adult gaming centres; and if she will publish that correspondence.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS regularly engages with Members of Parliament, local authorities, the gambling industry, and members of the public on issues such as adult gaming centres. The Government uses various data sources to assess policies and impacts, including data provided by the Gambling Commission and the industry, a range of research findings, and feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.

The Government recognises the contributions that adult gaming centres and bingo clubs make to the economy and communities such as seaside towns, including providing local employment and spaces where people can have fun and socialise. But, as set out in the Minister for Gambling’s recent correspondence with the sector, we are also aware of concerns about how the adult gaming centre sector protects vulnerable people, and we will seek further assurance on how the sector is addressing these concerns. We will continue to work with the whole land-based gambling sector to mitigate the risks of gambling-related harm and strengthen player protections in venues and to support a growing gambling industry.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential contribution of (a) adult gaming centres and (b) bingo clubs to the economy.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS regularly engages with Members of Parliament, local authorities, the gambling industry, and members of the public on issues such as adult gaming centres. The Government uses various data sources to assess policies and impacts, including data provided by the Gambling Commission and the industry, a range of research findings, and feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.

The Government recognises the contributions that adult gaming centres and bingo clubs make to the economy and communities such as seaside towns, including providing local employment and spaces where people can have fun and socialise. But, as set out in the Minister for Gambling’s recent correspondence with the sector, we are also aware of concerns about how the adult gaming centre sector protects vulnerable people, and we will seek further assurance on how the sector is addressing these concerns. We will continue to work with the whole land-based gambling sector to mitigate the risks of gambling-related harm and strengthen player protections in venues and to support a growing gambling industry.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the adequacy of customer protections in (a) adult gaming centres and (b) bingo clubs.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS regularly engages with Members of Parliament, local authorities, the gambling industry, and members of the public on issues such as adult gaming centres. The Government uses various data sources to assess policies and impacts, including data provided by the Gambling Commission and the industry, a range of research findings, and feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.

The Government recognises the contributions that adult gaming centres and bingo clubs make to the economy and communities such as seaside towns, including providing local employment and spaces where people can have fun and socialise. But, as set out in the Minister for Gambling’s recent correspondence with the sector, we are also aware of concerns about how the adult gaming centre sector protects vulnerable people, and we will seek further assurance on how the sector is addressing these concerns. We will continue to work with the whole land-based gambling sector to mitigate the risks of gambling-related harm and strengthen player protections in venues and to support a growing gambling industry.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what correspondence her Department has received from relevant stakeholders on the potential impact of land-based adult gaming centres on local economies; and if she will publish that correspondence.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS regularly engages with Members of Parliament, local authorities, the gambling industry, and members of the public on issues such as adult gaming centres. The Government uses various data sources to assess policies and impacts, including data provided by the Gambling Commission and the industry, a range of research findings, and feedback from a wide range of stakeholders.

The Government recognises the contributions that adult gaming centres and bingo clubs make to the economy and communities such as seaside towns, including providing local employment and spaces where people can have fun and socialise. But, as set out in the Minister for Gambling’s recent correspondence with the sector, we are also aware of concerns about how the adult gaming centre sector protects vulnerable people, and we will seek further assurance on how the sector is addressing these concerns. We will continue to work with the whole land-based gambling sector to mitigate the risks of gambling-related harm and strengthen player protections in venues and to support a growing gambling industry.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of the proposed single Remote Betting and Gaming Duty on (a) gambling rates and (b) black market gambling rates.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The consultation on the tax treatment of remote gambling is a matter for HM Treasury. I would encourage all interested stakeholders to respond to this consultation, which runs until 21 July. The department continues to engage with His Majesty’s Treasury and if any legislative changes are made to gambling duty following the consultation, they will be accompanied by a tax information and impact note from HM Treasury, as is standard practice.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what discussions she has had with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on the proposed single Remote Betting and Gaming Duty.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The consultation on the tax treatment of remote gambling is a matter for HM Treasury. I would encourage all interested stakeholders to respond to this consultation, which runs until 21 July. The department continues to engage with His Majesty’s Treasury and if any legislative changes are made to gambling duty following the consultation, they will be accompanied by a tax information and impact note from HM Treasury, as is standard practice.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to improve the long-term viability of local authority-owned leisure centres.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring public access to leisure facilities which are vital spaces for people of all ages to stay fit and healthy, and which play an important role within communities.

The ongoing responsibility of providing access to public leisure facilities lies at local authority level with funding levels set by MHCLG as part of the Local Government Finance Settlement.

The Government encourages local authorities to make investments which offer the right opportunities and facilities for the communities they serve, investing in sport and physical activity with a place-based approach, to meet the needs of individual communities.

Future funding of community sports facilities will be considered as part of the forthcoming Spending Review.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of free-to-air sports broadcasting on levels of (a) physical activity and (b) participation in grassroots sports.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring free-to-air access to sporting events of national interest so that they can be enjoyed by a wide audience and can inspire more people to be physically active and participate in grassroots sport.

The Government believes that the current list of events works well and that it strikes an appropriate balance between access to sporting events and allowing sports to maximise broadcasting revenue.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to increase the provision of youth clubs in (a) North Cornwall constituency and (b) rural areas.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

This Government fully recognises the importance of youth services to help young people live safe and healthy lives, and we remain committed to giving all young people the chance to reach their full potential regardless of where they grow up.

In Cornwall, over £1.2 million was invested under the Youth Investment Fund, with Yes KBSK dance group in Bodmin receiving a £400,000 grant to provide them with a permanent home called "the Space". The group offers sessions in the performing arts and other youth work, focusing on helping disadvantaged families.

Our engagement for the National Youth Survey has proactively involved young people from rural areas, as well as other demographics. In order to reach young people in all areas of the country, we developed a communications campaign and worked with a variety of stakeholders who support young people to disseminate information. We developed a toolkit for organisations to run their own consultation workshops with young people to feed in their views. In addition to this, we have run a wide-ranging survey, workshops, focus groups and ‘hacks’ to give young people the opportunity to develop solutions.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential implications for its policies of the findings of the Northern Ireland Executive Department for Communities' Prevalence of gambling in Northern Ireland 2024 survey, published on 30 April 2025, on (a) attitudes to and (b) frequency of gambling.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

We are committed to reviewing the best available evidence from a wide range of sources and working with all stakeholders in order to ensure there are robust protections in place to protect those at risk of gambling related harm, particularly children and young people. While gambling is a devolved matter for Northern Ireland and regulation is thus a consideration for the Northern Ireland Executive, the department has noted the findings on prevalence and consequences of gambling from the Department for Communities' 2024 Northern Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help reduce the prevalence of gambling among children and young people in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

We are committed to reviewing the best available evidence from a wide range of sources and working with all stakeholders in order to ensure there are robust protections in place to protect those at risk of gambling related harm, particularly children and young people. While gambling is a devolved matter for Northern Ireland and regulation is thus a consideration for the Northern Ireland Executive, the department has noted the findings on prevalence and consequences of gambling from the Department for Communities' 2024 Northern Ireland Gambling Prevalence Survey.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure that lived experience groups are included in the (a) research, (b) prevention and (c) treatment of gambling harms.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The government’s priority is to ensure funding is directed where it is needed most to deliver our objective to further understand and reduce gambling-related harms. DCMS and HMT Ministers have powers to decide how funding is divided between three key strands of work: research, prevention and treatment, and we are establishing robust governance structures to ensure the core aims of the levy are met within each of these strands.

Decisions on how levy funds are spent within research, prevention and treatment lie with commissioning leads. We want a range of expertise, including that of lived experience, to inform commissioning bodies’ efforts to deliver on the government’s objectives across research, prevention and treatment. Commissioning bodies are working at pace to develop spending plans and will update in due course.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, for what reason a cap was introduced to the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme was previously due to end in March 2025. The Government extended this for one year with an overall budget of £23m. To ensure this budget remains affordable, claims are now capped at £25,000 per place of worship. These changes to the scheme were necessary given the tight fiscal challenges we inherited and the pressures on other parts of the heritage and cultural sectors and we feel that the cap ensures the fairest distribution of the available budget. Based on the Department’s analysis of previous data, 94% of applications between 2022-2024 have been under £25,000, and most of these claims were for under £5,000.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of online fundraising platforms' use of tipping sliders.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS has not made an assessment at this time on the potential impact of online fundraising platforms' use of tipping sliders. DCMS will continue working with the Fundraising Regulator, charities, and online giving platforms to support best practice across all forms of charitable fundraising.

Fundraising platforms are commercial organisations that provide an important service to charities and donors. Most platforms are registered with the Fundraising Regulator, which is the independent, non-statutory regulator of charitable fundraising in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Fundraising Regulator’s new Code of Fundraising Practice, which will come into force on 1 November 2025, includes requirements for fundraising platforms to include information for donors about how fees, including any voluntary tips, are calculated. The information must be easy to find, and include details on how voluntary tips can be amended or removed altogether in a straightforward way.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, whether her Department has had discussions with Ofcom on the adequacy of levels of news bulletins in the BBC’s proposals for new DAB radio stations targeted at younger audiences.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The BBC is operationally and editorially independent of the government. It is for Ofcom, as the BBC’s independent regulator, to hold the BBC to account in meeting its obligations to provide duly accurate and impartial news to audiences across its services.

Ofcom is also responsible for assessing changes to BBC services that may have a significant impact on fair and effective competition. Ofcom is currently considering the BBC’s proposals for the new DAB+ stations and published their provisional findings on their website in April this year. Their final decision on the BBC’s proposal is expected to be issued by 4 July 2025.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of large prize draws on the ticket sales of the National Lottery.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Department is considering the findings of independent research commissioned in 2023, which looked at the size and nature of the prize draw market, and the relationship with the lotteries sector.

This research is informing our policy considerations, and I will update Parliament in due course.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what representations they have received regarding the potential increase in charitable funding in Northern Ireland should large British society lotteries extend their operations there.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Gambling is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland, and therefore the operation of large-scale society lotteries is a matter for the Northern Irish Executive.

Large-scale society lotteries in Great Britain are legislated through the Gambling Act 2005, which does not extend to Northern Ireland. The National Lottery operates under separate legislation and is able to sell tickets in Northern Ireland and distribute good cause money there.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the risk posed by the National Lottery to problem gamblers in relation to that posed by society lotteries.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Gambling Survey for Great Britain (2023) found that lottery products are associated with the lowest harm rates, as measured by the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI).

The survey estimated that problem gamblers (scoring 8 or more on the PGSI) in the 12 months prior to survey publication were slightly more common among those who played society lottery draws (4.6%), compared to those who played National Lottery draw-based games (3.9%).

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is the basis for the National Lottery and large-scale prize draws operating in Northern Ireland while British society lotteries are unable to do so.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Gambling is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland, and therefore the operation of large-scale society lotteries is a matter for the Northern Irish Executive.

Large-scale society lotteries in Great Britain are legislated through the Gambling Act 2005, which does not extend to Northern Ireland. The National Lottery operates under separate legislation and is able to sell tickets in Northern Ireland and distribute good cause money there.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their assessment of the complementary nature of the National Lottery and society lotteries.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The lotteries sector provides vital funding for charities and other good causes. The Government wants to see society lotteries continue to thrive, without undermining the unique position of the National Lottery.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to permit the operation of large Great Britain-based society lotteries in Northern Ireland.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Gambling is a devolved matter in Northern Ireland, and therefore the operation of large-scale society lotteries is a matter for the Northern Irish Executive.

Large-scale society lotteries in Great Britain are legislated through the Gambling Act 2005, which does not extend to Northern Ireland. The National Lottery operates under separate legislation and is able to sell tickets in Northern Ireland and distribute good cause money there.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the decision of the Supreme Court in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16, whether they will lay before Parliament a report setting out the implementation of the ruling by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the agencies and public bodies that work with that department, within six months.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Supreme Court ruling made it clear that the provision of single-sex spaces is on the basis of biological sex. Service providers and those delivering public functions should note and follow the ruling. It is important that we ensure dignity and respect for all. Trans people should have access to services they need but in keeping with the ruling. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), as Britain’s Equalities watchdog, is developing updated guidance to support service providers and is currently consulting on its code of practice for services, public functions and associations. This consultation will close on 30 June 2025. The Government is considering the implications of the Supreme Court's judgment.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the decision of the Supreme Court in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16, what plans they have to include the biological sex of staff in reports about those employed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport and its agencies and public bodies.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Supreme Court ruling made it clear that the provision of single-sex spaces is on the basis of biological sex. Service providers and those delivering public functions should note and follow the ruling. It is important that we ensure dignity and respect for all. Trans people should have access to services they need but in keeping with the ruling. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), as Britain’s Equalities watchdog, is developing updated guidance to support service providers and is currently consulting on its code of practice for services, public functions and associations. This consultation will close on 30 June 2025. The Government is considering the implications of the Supreme Court's judgment.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the decision of the Supreme Court in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16, what plans they have to issue guidance to organisations and other stakeholders that interact with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport about implementing the Supreme Court ruling.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Supreme Court ruling made it clear that the provision of single-sex spaces is on the basis of biological sex. Service providers and those delivering public functions should note and follow the ruling. It is important that we ensure dignity and respect for all. Trans people should have access to services they need but in keeping with the ruling. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), as Britain’s Equalities watchdog, is developing updated guidance to support service providers and is currently consulting on its code of practice for services, public functions and associations. This consultation will close on 30 June 2025. The Government is considering the implications of the Supreme Court's judgment.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of Premier League football clubs displaying gambling and betting sponsors, particularly those associated with gambling firms which do not hold a licence to operate in the United Kingdom.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Under current rules, sports organisations who engage in sponsoring and advertising arrangements with unlicensed gambling operators are at serious risk of committing the offence of advertising unlawful gambling under section 330 of the Gambling Act 2005. Sports organisations engaging in such arrangements with an unlicensed brand must ensure that online gambling activity for that unlicensed brand is blocked and inaccessible to consumers in Great Britain. Its officers may also be liable to prosecution in certain circumstances. If found guilty, they could face a fine, imprisonment or both.

The Gambling Commission is therefore clear that sports organisations must diligently and continuously ensure that they are not advertising unlawful gambling. In such instances, the Commission will seek assurance from clubs that they have carried out due diligence on their gambling partners and that consumers in Great Britain cannot transact with the unlicensed websites. The Commission may also take steps to independently verify effective blocking measures are in place.

We will be working with sport governing bodies to review their gambling sponsorship Codes of Conduct.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the decision of the Supreme Court in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16, what guidance they will issue to (1) the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and (2) agencies and public bodies that work with the Department, about updating their policies and written guidance; whether they will consult the organisation Sex Matters in doing so; and whether the revised policies and written guidance will be laid before Parliament.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Supreme Court ruling made it clear that the provision of single-sex spaces is on the basis of biological sex. Service providers and those delivering public functions should note and follow the ruling. It is important that we ensure dignity and respect for all. Trans people should have access to services they need but in keeping with the ruling. The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), as Britain’s Equalities watchdog, is developing updated guidance to support service providers and is currently consulting on its code of practice for services, public functions and associations. This consultation will close on 30 June 2025. The Government is considering the implications of the Supreme Court's judgment.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the Arts Council England's report Leading the Crowd published on 15 May.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The Government works closely with Arts Council England who support arts and cultural organisations to develop their fundraising skills and capacity to attract more private investment.

We welcome this report, and are committed to ensuring that the UK has the best framework for philanthropy, and that partnerships between government, philanthropists, businesses and civil society are maximised.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support British filmmaking businesses, in the context of the announcement of 100% tariffs on films produced in the UK by the US President on 5 May 2025.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Although an authorisation for the Dept of Commerce to introduce tariffs on films produced outside the US was announced on 5 May, no such tariffs have so far been introduced.

The deep ties between the US and UK film industries provide mutual economic and cultural benefits to both countries as film production is an inherently international business with global audiences. .

The UK agreed a landmark economic deal with the US on 8 May, and we are committed to maintaining our strong partnership.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to support the film industry, in the context of President Trump’s announcement of 100% tariffs in the US on films produced in the UK.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Although an authorisation for the Dept of Commerce to introduce tariffs on films produced outside the US was announced on 5 May, no such tariffs have so far been introduced.

The deep ties between the US and UK film industries provide mutual economic and cultural benefits to both countries as film production is an inherently international business with global audiences. .

The UK agreed a landmark economic deal with the US on 8 May, and we are committed to maintaining our strong partnership.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, which stakeholders she is consulting as part of the Arts Council England review.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Baroness Hodge is conducting extensive nationwide engagement with stakeholders via interviews, visits, and roundtables to gather diverse perspectives for a comprehensive review.

The Review launched a survey on 20 February which enables anyone with a view to share their opinions. To date we've had over 7500 responses; the survey closes on 30 June.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have, if any, to cap the prize offered by large scale commercial prize draws.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Large scale commercial prize draws are not regulated as a gambling product under the Gambling Act 2005. There is currently no provision in the Act to introduce a cap on the prizes offered by prize draws.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government, following the decision of the Supreme Court in For Women Scotland Ltd v The Scottish Ministers [2025] UKSC 16, whether they will issue guidance to sports public bodies about the implementation of the Supreme Court ruling; and whether they plan to withdraw grants from sporting organisations that do not comply with that ruling.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

We have always been clear that when it comes to women's sport, biology matters. Our sports bodies need to come up with policies that protect fairness and safety, whilst ensuring everyone has the opportunity to participate in some form.

It is for each sport's National Governing Body to set their own policies for who can participate in domestic competitions. Our Sports Councils produce guidance to provide domestic sports bodies with the framework and support to determine the right position for their sport. Our Sports Councils are considering the implications of the Supreme Court ruling for their guidance.

A public consultation on the EHRC’s Code of Practice is now underway. We would encourage people to ensure their views are heard by submitting a response to the consultation. The Government will consider the EHRC's updated draft Code of Practice once it has been submitted and engage the EHRC to ensure it provides the certainty and clarity service providers need, in line with the Supreme Court ruling.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to give local government new powers to prevent adult gaming centres from opening.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

Local authorities play a crucial role in the regulation of gambling at a local level and have a range of powers in relation to gambling premises. We want local authorities to feel empowered to make decisions that are in their communities’ best interests. We will look to complement local authorities’ existing powers in relation to licensing of gambling premises, in line with the gambling white paper published in April 2023.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2025 to Question 49772 on Chinese Embassy: Planning Permission, if she will publish the (a) State of Conservation Report and (b) Historic England advice.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Executive Summary of the State of Conservation Report is published on UNESCO’s website: https://whc.unesco.org/document/218772. There are no plans to publish the full State of Conservation Report at the current time.

Historic England’s advice is published on Tower Hamlets’ planning website: https://development.towerhamlets.gov.uk/online-applications/applicationDetails.do?activeTab=documents&keyVal=DCAPR_145208

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made in the production of an interim report on the National Youth Strategy.

Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

The interim report, Today’s Youth Tomorrow’s Nation will be published shortly. To inform the report, a number of activities have been undertaken. These included a rapid evidence assessment, focus groups in each region and a national survey. In addition, findings from engagements with young people conducted by DCMS officials have been included, as well as findings from round-tables carried out by the Regional Youth Work Units.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how many appointments have been made to the Shadow Football Regulator; and how many of these were previously employed in her Department (a) employees, (b) advisers and (c) appointees to DCMS-appointed Sports Advisory Groups in the last five years.

Answered by Stephanie Peacock - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

All appointments to the Shadow Football Regulator are made in accordance with Civil Service Commission rules. As at 1 June, the Shadow Football Regulator has 42 employees. 11 employees joined the Shadow Football Regulator having previously been employed in DCMS; two employees joined having formerly advised DCMS.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what estimate her Department has made of the economic contribution of coach travel to the tourism sector.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

Coaches play a vital role in the tourism sector, providing transportation for millions of people every year to experience local attractions, scenic destinations such as coastal towns, or embark on excursions, often at budget-friendly rates. According to research published by the Confederation of Passenger Transport in 2024, coaches facilitate 450 million journeys each year and coach passengers spend £8.3 billion every year in local economies.

The government remains committed to collaborating with stakeholders to strengthen our partnerships and encourage sustainable growth within the sector, including coach travel.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what steps her Department is taking to help support (a) small and (b) independent artists in securing adequate levels of payments from music streaming services.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

The Government recognises the vital importance of ensuring that all music creators, including independent artists, are appropriately compensated for their work. Many have raised legitimate concerns about remuneration from streaming platforms and we take these issues seriously. Through a dedicated working group, we are facilitating industry-led action on music streaming remuneration, with the aim of making meaningful progress.

We recognise that positive steps are being taken by parts of the industry, such as the decision by some, but not all, labels to disregard unrecouped advances in legacy contracts on a rolling basis. These are welcome moves that reflect an increasing recognition across the sector of the need for more equitable outcomes. However, there is still a clear need for further progress. Too many musicians and song writers are expected to work for a pittance. We remain committed to pursuing practical, effective solutions that empower our world-class industry and its creators to thrive.

Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of beach closures caused by pollution on tourism in coastal communities.

Answered by Chris Bryant - Minister of State (Department for Culture, Media and Sport)

DCMS recognises the importance of clean and accessible beaches to the tourism offer in coastal communities.

For too long, water companies have discharged unacceptable levels of sewage which affect coastal beaches.

That is why the Water (Special Measures) Act will drive meaningful improvements in the performance and culture of the water industry and the Independent Water Commission will make recommendations to shape further action to transform how our water system works and clean up our waterways for good.

As part of Price Review 2024 (PR24), water companies will be delivering over £11 billion to improve nearly 3,000 storm overflows across England and Wales which OfWat expects will reduce storm overflow discharges by 45% by 2030, compared to 2021 levels. Water companies are prioritising investment at storm overflows near Bathing Waters, with improvements being delivered at them all by 2035.”

While DCMS has not conducted a specific assessment of the impact of beach closures caused by pollution on tourism, we continue to engage with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which leads on water quality, to ensure that the environmental health of coastal areas supports a thriving tourism sector. Moreover, it stands to reason that if tourists feel our beaches aren’t safe or clean, this will impact tourism figures.

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