Department for Science, Innovation and Technology: Abolition

Debate between Lord Spellar and Baroness Twycross

Wednesday 14th October 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

Honestly, no.

[Lord Spellar (Lab)]

My Lords, we are concentrating a lot on the impact of AI on outside industry. To what extent is the Civil Service looking at using AI in its own internal operations? In particular, what impact will it have on the increased headcount that we have post Covid?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

We have a huge amount of work going on across government to make sure that we use AI to its potential, from the Department of Health and Social Care looking at how it will use it in a cutting-edge AI trial to transform cancer care—albeit that that is within the health service. We are confident that AI will improve public services and boost productivity, from identifying fraud and potential fraud to making sure that we have automated policy analysts and AI tutoring tools. We are rolling out AI tools that will save time and money to get the most effective Civil Service for the public.

Live Music Industry: Support

Debate between Lord Spellar and Baroness Twycross

Monday 23rd June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

The Government are committed to developing a truly plan-led system with a policy framework that is accessible and understandable to all. To that end, we intend to consult on a set of national policies for decision-making later this year. As I mentioned in a previous response, we want to enable new developments such as housing to co-exist with cultural infrastructure such as music venues. I understand the frustration behind the noble Baroness’s question.

[Lord Spellar (Lab)]

The Minister’s response is very welcome. Although the agent of change principle was introduced—I played some part in that in my role in the other place—local councils still do not seem to be getting the message. Does she accept that the money in music these days is in venues and events and therefore that people need to be able to learn their trade in small venues? Otherwise, our enormously successful music industry will not maintain its position. Nobody starts by playing at The O2; they start in local venues. Can we get that message through to local authorities?

[Baroness Twycross (Lab)]

I think that many local authorities recognise the significance of grass-roots music venues, not least as a way of attracting people to live in their areas. The Government are also of the view of my noble friend that supporting grass-roots music is vital. To that end, we are providing £2.5 million for Arts Council England’s Supporting Grassroots Music fund for the coming year.