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Question
The shadow asks about the relationship between critical technologies and national security areas, procurement amendments, current funding commitments, regional innovation focus, seed fund adequacy for start-ups, and whether Horizon association will follow the Windsor framework.
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Question
Asked about the relationship between critical technologies and sensitive areas in the National Security and Investment Act, regulatory frameworks for each technology, regional innovation importance, procurement issues, science funding commitments, the £370 million commitment details, and association with Horizon Europe.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State confirmed that there are indeed more technologies than identified but prioritised five key strategic ones. She mentioned £20 billion investment by 2024-25 and a new spending commitment of £370 million. The Government committed to ensure geographical spread outside the south-east with 55% spend. Regarding Horizon Europe, she reiterated that the position has not changed; negotiations continue without a plan B timeline.
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Question
Asked about returning £1.65 billion to the science budget from supplementary estimates and mechanisms for coherent approaches across Government departments.
Minister reply
The Minister confirmed that funding remains available to finalise association with EU programmes, extending Horizon guarantee until June 2023. She stated no impact on the £20 billion per annum commitment by 2024-25 due to the returned funds. The Secretary of State committed to continue trying to associate with Horizon and engage in more conversations with the EU.
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Question
Welcomed the creation of the new Department and acknowledged the Secretary of State's statement. Critiqued the government's approach to Horizon Europe, highlighting that funding falls short compared to pre-Brexit levels and urged for a timeframe on association decisions. Also questioned visa fees for international talent and inquired about OneWeb investment progress and semiconductor strategy publication.
Minister reply
Defended the government's efforts to associate with Horizon Europe despite previous EU reluctance. Stated that the £20 billion R&D funding commitment is record investment. Emphasised job creation through industry support, not lowering visa fees. Mentioned imminent release of semiconductor strategy.
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Question
Asked for clarification on the Department's role in STEM education and workforce diversification efforts, noting existing plans from other departments.
Minister reply
Explained that while Education will lead on STEM education, her department would work closely to ensure strategic alignment with the framework. Departments will develop policies linked to the framework’s goals.
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Question
Challenged the government's commitment to R&D funding, citing Sir Paul Nurse review findings and urging for UK to be No. 1 in OECD nations by next year.
Minister reply
Reaffirmed £20 billion record investment in R&D spending by 2024-25 but emphasised strategic approach rather than just announcing funds.
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Question
Stressed the importance of international collaboration for science ambitions, particularly in visa system reform.
Minister reply
Agreed on attracting world-leading scientists and working across government to ensure visa systems do not act as a barrier.
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Question
Called for greater attention on Horizon Europe collaboration beyond just funding and highlighted challenges in life sciences sector.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the need to address challenges with Health and Social Care Department. Mentioned forthcoming actions.
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Question
Asked about government's response to America’s Inflation Reduction Act, which offers tax breaks and favourable regulation for onshore science and technology.
Minister reply
Emphasised creating a favourable climate for business. Mentioned Sir Patrick Vallance report on regulating emerging technologies.
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Question
Welcomed the Secretary of State’s role, focusing on visa system costs for attracting international talent to Oxfordshire's research community.
Minister reply
Promised clarity for researchers regarding association with Horizon Europe. Mentioned proactive steps like global talent network to attract top talent.
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Question
Sought government support for polar research departments in UK, highlighting the importance of coordination and encouragement.
Minister reply
Acknowledged the importance of polar research for geopolitical and net zero goals. Emphasised global approach to collaboration.
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Question
I declare an interest in my long-standing experience and love of the higher education system. I support the Secretary of State's focus on a more focused Department, but highlight low morale in the sector and the need for good management and dialogue with local businesses.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the challenges universities face and emphasises her open-door policy to collaborate with universities and break down barriers to foster innovation.
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Question
Welcomes the Secretary of State's statement on growing private and public investment for productivity. Questions whether implementation is key alongside funding and asks if there will be a focus throughout Government on scale-ups.
Minister reply
Agrees that it is not just about funding but also about implementation and scaling up, especially in the tech sector. The Department aims to support this agenda across Government.
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Question
Highlights York's initiatives for economic growth and criticises the slow pace of Government support. Questions how the Secretary of State will deliver for York.
Minister reply
Pledges to meet with the Member to address challenges experienced in her area, aiming to provide support not only in York but also across other regions.
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Question
Welcomes the Secretary of State's role in promoting growth. Questions whether a UK leading regulatory stance could allow for global leadership in areas like AI, focusing on both national security and economic opportunities.
Minister reply
Agrees that regulation can foster innovation but stresses the need to examine how regulators interact with businesses and researchers.
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Question
Thanks the Secretary of State for her statement. Asks what is being done to support small and medium-sized tech companies in areas like Reading.
Minister reply
Emphasises that the Department's science and technology agenda aims to support all businesses, including SMEs, through a strategic approach encompassing skills, regulation, data protection legislation, and digital markets.
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Question
Welcomes the national semiconductor strategy commitment. Questions if there is an opportunity to highlight British companies' leading role in semiconductor design as well as their attractiveness for investment.
Minister reply
Agrees that this is crucial not just for national security but also economic security and will publish the semiconductor strategy soon.
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Question
Highlights immediate funding issues for research projects at Welsh universities due to the end of European funds. Asks if the Secretary of State can discuss with Treasury the need for bridge funding in next week's Budget.
Minister reply
Acknowledges this issue and pledges to meet the Member to discuss it in detail.
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Question
Questions if the Secretary of State will include small and medium reactors in her framework, as they are technologically ready for rollout across the UK.
Minister reply
Agrees that this is vital and highlights collaboration with other Departments like Energy Security and Net Zero.
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Question
Critiques Prime Minister's scepticism towards Horizon, questioning if science changes the world through incremental developments. Asks about UK’s net benefit in associating with Horizon.
Minister reply
Reiterates belief that science can change the world and people's lives here, maintaining position on Horizon.
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Question
Welcomes the new Department for Science, Technology and Innovation. Questions about reassurance to formerly Horizon-funded researchers that they will not lose funding during negotiations.
Minister reply
Extends guarantee by another three months to ensure clarity and certainty while talks with EU continue.
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Question
Welcomes the Department's creation and the £370 million investment. Asks about learnings from the covid-19 pandemic, especially regarding Kate Bingham’s role in the vaccines taskforce.
Minister reply
Highlights lessons learned on working with industry and cutting through red tape, aiming to reduce bureaucracy.
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Question
I welcome the Government’s new science and technology framework, but will my right hon. Friend set out how the life science vision works within it and also speak of the amazing and rewarding jobs that will come with it?
Minister reply
The framework that we set up yesterday is the strategic overarching plan for how we get to be a science and technology superpower. Of course, we are working on many other strands to ensure that we can drive forward those policies to achieve those goals, including the life science vision.
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Question
Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker—last but not least. I warmly welcome this statement, and I welcome the Secretary of State and her fantastic team to the Front Bench. This statement is great news for science, and the £370 million deposit towards turning the UK into a science superpower is welcome. My constituents will be glad to hear it, as we are trying to get the Ulverston life sciences cluster off the ground. Will the Secretary of State agree to meet me and the GSK taskforce to see how it can best engage with the strategy and take it forward?
Minister reply
I would be delighted to meet my hon. Friend to discuss what is happening in his constituency. I think it will improve his constituents’ lives with more jobs and better paid jobs, but it will also improve the lives of all our constituents. This is how we drive forward our economy, how we grow our economy, how we create better paid jobs, how we improve our healthcare and how we tackle climate change.