Government Intends to Sell NHS Data, Science Minister Suggests

The Labour government is planning to sell NHS data to boost research and general revenue, Science Secretary Peter Kyle has suggested. Mr. Kyle said ministers are “not squeamish” about commercialising anonymised NHS data and will grab opportunities “with both hands.” The remarks came after Labour promised to introduce a Digital Information and Smart Data Bill, which would allow scientists to seek broad consent for areas of research and allow commercial researchers to make equal use of the UK’s data regime. A Data Protection and Digital Information Bill introduced by the previous government would also broaden the definition of “scientific research” to include commercial research, but the bill was aborted after the general election was called....