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Advanced Research and Invention Agency Bill - Clause 6 and new amendments
07 June 2021
Lead MP
Stephen Flynn
Debate Type
Bill Debate
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Other Contributors: 37
At a Glance
Stephen Flynn raised concerns about advanced research and invention agency bill - clause 6 and new amendments in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Mr. Stephen Flynn opened the debate, moving to read clause 6 a second time but did not provide detailed arguments on specific amendments.
Called for clarity and withdrawal updates regarding speakers in the debate. Noted several new clauses and amendments being proposed, including setting ARIA’s primary mission to health research, transitioning to net-zero carbon emissions, financial transparency and accountability measures, regional impact reporting, FOI compliance, and parliamentary oversight.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Asked for clarification on whether ARIA currently has a mission and if so, what it entails. He inquired about the alignment of the proposed missions with the original purpose of finding high-risk, high-reward research.
Stephen Metcalfe
Con
South Basildon and East Thurrock
Responded to interventions by Richard Fuller and Chi Onwurah. Argued that specifying a mission for ARIA, such as health research or climate change, could constrain its ability to explore innovative areas of research beyond known problems and solutions.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Acknowledged that the SNP amendments were in agreement with Labour’s proposals from Committee stage. Stated that these amendments sought to improve the bill as it progresses.
Theresa May
Con
Walton
She supports giving ARIA the freedom to look widely and not restricting its mission. She emphasises that ARIA should aim for blue skies thinking but also have a purpose, leading to real improvements in people's lives. She agrees with some degree of risk-taking and failing as part of innovation.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Intervenes to agree that ARIA must be prepared to take high risks and fail occasionally in order to achieve desirable objectives.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Agrees with Theresa May about the importance of ARIA being successful but expresses concern that without freedom of information requests, there could be no real impact despite theoretical innovation.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
Onwurah emphasises the need for ARIA to have a clear mission focused on climate change. She argues that without this, there is risk of cronyism and projects disconnected from public interest. Onwurah also supports regional equity in research funding.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Doughty agrees with the importance of climate change as a mission for ARIA, linking it to global health research. He believes continuing world-beating research is crucial.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Fuller questions whether the amendment means climate change should be the sole mission of ARIA for 10 years, suggesting this could limit its flexibility and scope.
Stephen Metcalfe
Con
South Basildon
Metcalfe dismisses the idea that finding cutting-edge science is ARIA’s mission beyond climate change, arguing it should focus on exploring new frontiers without strict metrics.
Guildford
Richardson raises concerns about the limitations imposed by a single mission for ARIA, using the example of preparedness for flu versus coronavirus pandemics to argue that such specificity could be problematic.
Dawn Butler
Lab
Brent East
Butler supports focusing on climate change as it aligns with the UK's ambitious targets and aims to avoid undermining these efforts.
Called for speakers to limit their time to accommodate everyone on the list.
Layla Moran
Lib Dem
Oxford West and Abingdon
Welcomed ARIA's potential but raised concerns over the Secretary of State’s unchecked powers to choose leaders. Proposed a strong accountability mechanism in amendment 11 for transparency. Highlighted the absence of climate emergency measures, proposing new clause 3 to ensure no increase in carbon emissions and directing a quarter of ARIA’s budget towards green technologies.
Richard Fuller
Con
North Bedfordshire
Argued for the importance of innovation but against excessive oversight that would hinder ARIA's flexibility. Suggested avoiding bureaucratic layers initially to allow ARIA’s growth. Criticised making climate change a core mission, stating it overlooks other potential areas where ARIA could make unique contributions due to its innovative mandate.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Graham Stringer agrees with the hon. Member for North East Bedfordshire, highlighting that politicians should not interfere in technical decisions of research but can prioritise areas like health over defence. He disagrees with the SNP representative's use of the Barnett formula to support regional levelling up and criticises it for benefiting cities like Glasgow more than Manchester or Birmingham despite similar circumstances. Stringer argues that dealing with COVID-19 has had a significant impact on reducing carbon dioxide emissions, surpassing climate change efforts in recent times. He supports ARIA’s core mission while advocating for some level of political oversight to ensure effectiveness and accountability. Stringer suggests having the Department of Health as a client department to develop innovations and take them straight to market.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
She argues that ARIA’s current mission is too vague and lacks clarity on its primary objectives. She emphasises the importance of addressing climate change through research and innovation, suggesting that it should be a central focus for ARIA. Blackman also highlights concerns about ensuring fairness in funding distribution and preventing cronyism within the organisation.
Stephen Metcalfe
Conservative Party
South Basildon and East Thurrock
[INTERVENTION] Stephen Metcalfe interjected to point out that the potential reward for high-risk, high-reward research is uncertain but could include major technological advancements such as the next internet or mRNA technology. He emphasised the importance of allowing scientists the freedom to explore and fail in order to discover new industries.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
Supports amendments 14 and 8, arguing that transparency is vital for public bodies with large budgets. Cites examples of other organisations subject to FOI despite smaller operations. Criticises the notion that ARIA will be burdened by FOI requests and suggests it aligns with legal obligations under international treaties.
Kate Osborne
Lab
Jarrow and Gateshead East
Highlights the importance of a clear mission for ARIA to ensure societal returns on taxpayer investment. Argues that ARIA should focus on addressing climate change as part of its broad objective. Raises concerns about lack of direction, strategy and accountability in the Bill. Emphasises transparency, citing FOI exemption as problematic.
Owen Thompson
SNP
Midlothian
Mr. Thompson argues that ARIA needs a clear mission focus to align with global best practices and ensure accountability, transparency, and effective oversight of public spending decisions.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
Mr. Zeichner supports all Opposition amendments, particularly amendment 12 which seeks to establish a mission for ARIA. He notes the importance of aligning scientific efforts with addressing climate change and achieving net zero emissions.
Ruth Jones
Lab
Newport West
Committed to the creation of ARIA but expresses concerns about its unclear mission and purpose. Emphasises the need for a well-defined mission set by Ministers to ensure success. Advocates for clear oversight mechanisms such as Freedom of Information Act compliance and Public Contracts Regulations adherence. Supports Labour's amendment 12 on net zero focus, urging for strong environmental commitment in the first decade.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Welcomes Government investment and strategy but does not specifically address amendment 12. Emphasises the need for R&D benefits across all regions, especially Northern Ireland, to ensure innovative projects can thrive.
Virginia Crosbie
Con
Ynys Môn
Virginia Crosbie supports the ARIA Bill, emphasising its broad remit and importance for research freedom. She argues that restricting ARIA’s mission to specific goals like net zero would be counterproductive given existing legislation on climate change. She cites examples from her constituency of Ynys Môn showcasing potential innovation hubs and entrepreneurs in vertical farming, highlighting the need for flexibility and trust in scientists without bureaucratic constraints.
Guildford
Angela Richardson supports the ARIA Bill, particularly focusing on procurement amendments. She argues against prescribing specific missions to ARIA, emphasising its role in exploring unknown areas without such constraints. She also highlights concerns over slowing down ARIA’s operations if it were subject to public contracts regulations and advocates for internal audits as a check and balance mechanism.
Graham Stringer
Lab
Blackley and Middleton South
Agrees with Aaron Bell on the need for assessment of emergency decisions, particularly regarding Test and Trace versus the vaccine taskforce. Stringer highlights the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of such initiatives post-implementation.
Duncan Baker
Con
North Norfolk
Mr. Duncan Baker opposes amendments that would subject ARIA to FOI requests, arguing it could undermine the competitive edge of innovative or cutting-edge scientific developments by exposing them to scrutiny. He also criticises new clause 3 and amendment 1 for constraining ARIA's freedom across all facets of science and research. Furthermore, he highlights the importance of a visionary CEO without needing Parliamentary approval, ensuring nimble decision-making.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Emphasised the importance of ensuring that all regions, including Northern Ireland, benefit equally from ARIA's levelling-up initiatives. He sought assurance that Northern Ireland would receive its fair share of funding and support.
Kwasi Kwarteng
Conservative Party
Derby North
Mr. Kwarteng defends the Bill, stating that it aims to make the UK a science superpower by creating ARIA to support high-risk R&D. He acknowledges the importance of oversight while emphasising autonomy for innovation success. Mr. Kwarteng expresses gratitude to various members and committees for their constructive scrutiny during the debate.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Mr. Ed Miliband supports the establishment of ARIA, highlighting its potential to fill gaps in high-risk scientific investment but raises concerns over transparency and accountability. He also stresses that the cuts in overseas development aid undermine trust and moral authority on climate issues, impacting UK’s reputation at COP26.
Greg Clark
Con
Tunbridge Wells
Praised the ministerial team for bringing the Bill to a successful conclusion, congratulated officials and Clerks, highlighted the importance of ARIA's unique approach and diversity. Emphasised that £800 million budget should focus on few substantial projects rather than many superficial ones. Recommended strong leadership in appointing the chair and chief executive, suggested the Select Committee support rather than constrain the agency’s ambitions.
Stephen Flynn
SNP
Aberdeen South
Expressed gratitude towards those involved, particularly the House Service and research team. Reiterated key points made by previous speakers without restating them. Briefly thanked everyone for their efforts.
Daniel Zeichner
Lab
Cambridge
Acknowledged the positive experience of the Bill's passage but expressed doubt over the impossibility of improvement and suggested that suggestions made should be considered in the Lords. Questioned the vague job ads for the chair and chief exec, raising concerns about the lack of a clear direction and mission from the House. Highlighted concerns over BEIS allocations and the impact on research programmes.
Mark Logan
Con
Wigan
Welcomed the Government's Advanced Research and Invention Agency Bill, highlighting Bolton as a town of invention with a suitable infrastructure for future inventions. Emphasised the importance of cultural diversity in fostering creativity and welcomed the job advertisement for ARIA’s CEO position. Suggested willingness to discuss further points with the Department and the new CEO.
Sarah Olney
Lib Dem
Richmond Park
Welcomed the Bill but expressed support for amendments on climate change, arguing that inventions must meet net zero targets to be sustainable. Cited vaccine research as an example of science responding effectively to a challenge and suggested that ARIA will naturally focus on tackling climate change. Advocated for constructive scrutiny to improve scientific research.
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