Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Markus Campbell-Savours and Ian Murray

Wednesday 12th November 2025 Commons Chamber

[The Minister for Digital Government and Data (Ian Murray)]

The hon. Lady raises an important question about digital inclusion, which is right at the heart of the Government’s strategy. We just heard from the Opposition that they are against digital ID and digitalising this country—[Interruption.] I knew my answer would be popular, Mr Speaker. I am very happy to meet the hon. Lady to talk about that specific project in her constituency.

[Markus Campbell-Savours (Penrith and Solway) (Lab)]

T3. The Information Commissioner’s Office faces constant criticism for weak freedom of information enforcement and sluggish decisions. Why must Britain lag behind countries like Sweden and Norway, where citizens routinely access information in under a week, and how can MPs meaningfully hold the commissioner to account?

[Ian Murray]

The ICO is operationally independent of Government and is accountable to this Parliament. The Information Commissioner can appear in front of Select Committees to discuss the ICO’s performance, and I would encourage my hon. Friend’s Select Committee to pursue that.