Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether their Department has run any (a) recruitment and (b) internship schemes aimed to increase the number of people from underrepresented groups in the workforce in the last year.
Answered by Ian Murray - Minister of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
In the past year, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has actively supported and hosted two internship schemes.
DSIT welcomed 35 interns through the Summer Internship Programme (SIP) and 17 candidates via the Autism Exchange Internship Programme (AEIP). These schemes are specifically designed to provide work experience to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those who are neurodivergent, from ethnic minority communities or from socioeconomically disadvantaged communities.
Several of our interns were also offered extended placements following their initial internships, reflecting our department’s commitment to providing long term development opportunities. Additionally, all our SIP interns were paired with DSIT Fast Streamers who mentored them throughout their placements, supporting their growth and guiding them through the Fast Pass process into the Civil Service Fast Stream.
The AEIP, delivered in partnership with Ambitious about Autism, has always been a cornerstone of DSIT’s inclusive internship offer. The 2025 cohort were provided with tailored onboarding and workplace adjustments support, including communication guidance for line managers to ensure a positive and accessible experience.
These programmes reflect DSIT’s ongoing efforts to foster a more inclusive workforce and to create pathways into government careers for individuals who may face systemic barriers to employment. The department remains committed to exploring and implementing alternative entry routes that continue to prioritise diversity and inclusion.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions her Department has had with representatives from (a) YouTube and (b) other social media platforms on tackling dangerous (i) DIY, (ii) lifestyle and (iii) recipe content on their platforms.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Online Safety Act is being implemented by this government and introduced measures to tackle illegal content online and harmful content for children.
The child safety duties in the Act are clear on protecting children from harmful content – including dangerous substances and stunts.
Ofcom, who are responsible for enforcing the Act, engage regularly with companies as YouTube. Ministers and officials regularly engage with stakeholders, including Ofcom and social media companies, to strengthen online safety for children and adults.
We are committed to the Act and will not hesitate to go further to protect people, particularly children, where we need to.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions her Department has had with representatives from YouTube on tackling inappropriate advertising on its platform.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Online Safety Act is being implemented by this government and introduced measures to tackle illegal content online and harmful content for children.
The child safety duties in the Act are clear on protecting children from harmful content – including dangerous substances and stunts.
Ofcom, who are responsible for enforcing the Act, engage regularly with companies as YouTube. Ministers and officials regularly engage with stakeholders, including Ofcom and social media companies, to strengthen online safety for children and adults.
We are committed to the Act and will not hesitate to go further to protect people, particularly children, where we need to.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps her Department is taking to ensure Ofcom regulation does not lead to censorship of lawful content online.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Safeguards for freedom of expression have been built into the framework of the Online Safety Act. Ofcom is independent but must act in a way that is compatible with the European Convention of Human Rights, including in relation to freedom of expression. This is particularly important as Ofcom develops codes of practice and make enforcement decisions.
In-scope companies must implement safeguards for freedom of expression when fulfilling their duties. The framework's focus on transparency and user reporting will also enable users to more effectively appeal incorrect content removal.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she plans to bring forward legislative proposals to prevent the removal of lawful content online.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
Safeguards for freedom of expression have been built into the framework of the Online Safety Act. Ofcom is independent but must act in a way that is compatible with the European Convention of Human Rights, including in relation to freedom of expression. This is particularly important as Ofcom develops codes of practice and make enforcement decisions.
In-scope companies must implement safeguards for freedom of expression when fulfilling their duties. The framework's focus on transparency and user reporting will also enable users to more effectively appeal incorrect content removal.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent discussions her Department has had with social media platforms on the impact of content removal policies on freedom of speech.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Online Safety Act ensures accountability for tech companies for the safety of their users while upholding freedom of expression online. Ofcom and social media platforms have freedom of expression duties for which they can be held accountable. The Act does not prevent adults from seeking out legal content, nor does it decide what legal content platforms should or should not allow for adults.
The government works closely with Ofcom to ensure the framework is implemented effectively and proportionately, including in relation to freedom of expression. The government regularly engages with a wide range of organisations, including social media platforms, to support implementation.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, whether she has had recent discussions with Ofcom on the protection of lawful free speech online.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Online Safety Act ensures accountability for tech companies for the safety of their users while upholding freedom of expression online. Ofcom and social media platforms have freedom of expression duties for which they can be held accountable. The Act does not prevent adults from seeking out legal content, nor does it decide what legal content platforms should or should not allow for adults.
The government works closely with Ofcom to ensure the framework is implemented effectively and proportionately, including in relation to freedom of expression. The government regularly engages with a wide range of organisations, including social media platforms, to support implementation.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what steps the Government is taking to reduce animal testing in the UK.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
I refer the hon. Member for Ashfield to the answer of 12th May 2025 to Question 49421.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if he will hold a consultation on the introduction of a digital ID system; and if she will publish the results.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government is committed to making the state more efficient and easier to interact with through harnessing technology. We want to learn from countries who have digitised government services for the benefit of their citizens.
We are looking at whether a new digital ID could help tackle illegal immigration, transform public services, and bring benefits to people’s everyday lives. No firm decision, estimate or assessment has yet been made.
Asked by: Lee Anderson (Reform UK - Ashfield)
Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:
To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what recent conversations he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the introduction of a universal digital ID card.
Answered by Kanishka Narayan - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology)
The Government is committed to making the state more efficient and easier to interact with through harnessing technology. We want to learn from countries who have digitised government services for the benefit of their citizens.
We are looking at whether a new digital ID could help tackle illegal immigration, transform public services, and bring benefits to people’s everyday lives. No firm decision, estimate or assessment has yet been made.