The government previously set out its position on the use of phages to tackle AMR in the written evidence that was submitted to the inquiry in April 2023 (10). This reaffirmed the government commitment to exploring phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics. While current evidence on phage therapy is promising, more robust data is required to fully understand the role phages could play in combatting AMR. The government continues to work closely with partners to understand, and support, the growing evidence base for bacteriophage therapy. The government is developing the 2024 to 2029 AMR national action plan (NAP). The NAP will recognise the importance of exploring a range of different research areas, including phages, to develop a comprehensive therapeutic suite for treating and managing infections in humans and animals. There are several barriers to the development and deployment of phage therapy including quality assurance, supply chain adequacy, financial approvals, health, safety and containment, and usage guidelines, some of which were highlighted in the committee’s report and by contributors to this paper. The government will not produce a further statement on its assessment of phages at this time or publish a roadmap that depicts how phage manufacture and regulation will be embedded in the UK. The government will continue to seek, monitor and evaluate developments made in phage therapy research and use of phage therapies as part of reviewing progress on the wider government AMR programme.