Oral QuestionDepartment for Science, Innovation and Technology

What steps she is taking to help ensure that the UK has sovereign AI capacity.

Tabled: 25 June 2026Answered: 1 July 2026

Asked by

Richard Baker

LabourGlenrothes and Mid Fife

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology

Answer from Hansard

The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Hilary Benn)

I meet regularly with the Chief Constable and his team to discuss a range of issues. While the Chief Constable has operational independence, the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office provides oversight of those powers to ensure that their use is necessary, proportionate and in accordance with the law.