Asked by: Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the economic risks, (2) social impacts, and (3) costs, of prediction markets; and what consideration have they given to further regulation or restriction of such systems.
Answered by Baroness Twycross - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
In order to operate in Great Britain, any prediction market would require a licence from the Gambling Commission, the independent regulator for gambling. If approved, they would be classified as a ‘Betting Intermediary’ and subject to regulation under the Gambling Act 2005. We will monitor the potential impacts of prediction markets and consider further action if needed.
Asked by: Lorraine Beavers (Labour - Blackpool North and Fleetwood)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, how her Department plans to promote the National Year of Reading within policy and strategy for public libraries.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Public libraries are central to the success of the National Year of Reading’s campaign to engage people of all ages with reading. The Reading Agency has been appointed to work with sector partners to deliver and support public library engagement. The Summer Reading Challenge in 2026, and World Book Night, the annual celebration of reading for adults on 23 April 2026, will be key moments for libraries during the National Year of Reading 2026. Throughout the year, The Reading Agency will provide public libraries with resources, toolkits, and print and digital materials to support their work.
This is part of the broader programme of government support for the National Year of Reading including the £5 million funding for secondary schools to purchase books the Chancellor announced during her budget speech.
Asked by: Lisa Smart (Liberal Democrat - Hazel Grove)
Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:
To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what is her planned timescale for further reviewing reform of annual society lottery licence limits.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Society lotteries are a vital fundraising tool for many charities, community groups, sports clubs and other non-commercial organisations. We want to see them continue to thrive, alongside the National Lottery.
On 26 June 2025, the Government announced it would not be making further changes to society lottery limits, and has no plans to review this decision.
Feb. 13 2026
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Source Page: National Citizen Service Evaluation 2023 to 2025Feb. 12 2026
Source Page: DCMS: spending over £500, December 2025Feb. 12 2026
Source Page: DCMS: spending over £500, December 2025Feb. 12 2026
Source Page: DCMS letter to Penultimate Investments Holdings Limited - Public Interest Intervention NoticeFeb. 12 2026
Source Page: DCMS letter to Penultimate Investments Holdings Limited - Public Interest Intervention NoticeFeb. 12 2026
Source Page: DCMS letter to Daily Mail and General Trust - Public Interest Intervention Notice