Oral Answers to Questions

The debate on Oral Questions in the House of Commons covered a range of topics related to the Culture, Media and Sport department. Chris Bryant (Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism) responded to tabled questions on visitor levies in Scotland and Wales, the promotion of the Scottish Highlands as a film location, and the impact of AI on the creative industries. He expressed concerns about the potential impact of visitor levies on tourism in Scotland, but noted that the matter is devolved. He also highlighted the government's efforts to support the creative industries, including protecting the rights of artists and addressing the challenges posed by AI-generated content. In the topical questions section, the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Lisa Nandy, discussed the government's plans to put the creative industries at the heart of the economic strategy, including through the recent international investment summit. She also addressed concerns raised by the shadow Secretary of State, Julia Lopez, about the government's approach to the creative sector, emphasizing the need for decisive action and a budget that will deliver for the industry. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, Stephanie Peacock, responded to questions on supporting multi-sport grassroots facilities, grassroots and non-league football, and the impact of youth services on levels of antisocial behaviour in the Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes constituency. She highlighted the government's investment in these areas and the importance of providing high-quality, inclusive facilities for communities. The debate also included questions to the Second Church Estates Commissioner, Marsha De Cordova, on the Church of England's efforts to support parish life in small rural communities, the development of housing on derelict former church sites, the recognition of positive impact by individual members of the clergy, and the Church's work on interfaith understanding and the 30th anniversary of the ordination of women. Overall, the debate covered a wide range of issues within the Culture, Media and Sport portfolio, with the government ministers and other representatives highlighting the government's priorities and initiatives in these areas.