Leaving the EU Employment Levels in the Science and Technology Sector 2023-03-15
2023-03-15
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Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP asked about the impact of leaving the EU on job levels within the scientific community.
What assessment has been made regarding the effect of Brexit on employment rates in the fields of science, innovation, and technology?
My Department's work will ensure that we are breaking down barriers and levelling the playing field, so that more women can enter STEM jobs in research and innovation. This includes UK Research and Innovation funded STEM ambassadors in schools and, just last week, the Government announced £150,000 funding to support women who are taking career breaks and need skills to get back into STEM careers.
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Assessment & feedback
The impact of Brexit on employment levels was not addressed. Instead, focus was on gender equality in STEM jobs.
Changed Subject
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP noted that universities in the UK have lost nearly £1 billion in EU funds, resulting in cancelled grants. Many EU-based researchers are leaving due to perceived hostility.
Thanks to Brexit, universities in the UK have lost almost £1 billion in EU funds with 115 cancelled grants last year alone. My constituent Ms McCallum's long-term partner is French and cannot secure a visa for work in Scotland because of complexities and costs. What steps are being taken to reduce visa costs for skilled workers?
We do not underestimate the importance of attracting top talent to work in science and technology. We have created routes like the global talent visa, high-potential individual route, and scale-up route.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for reducing costs were not mentioned, only new visa categories.
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Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP pointed out that UK law has failed to address online harms such as fake reviews and subscription traps despite Government claims of action.
Since our departure from the EU, we need a regulatory path for businesses investing in the UK and consumer confidence. However, no legislation addresses these harms, another delay means broken promises again. When can we expect the digital markets, competition and consumer Bill to be laid before Parliament?
We have committed to delivering it in this Session. Further details will be announced by the Leader of the House.
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Assessment & feedback
No concrete date or timeline was provided for Bill introduction.
Deferred
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlighted the high-quality workforce for science and technology in the UK, mentioning companies like Johnson Matthey in north Hertfordshire.
Will the Secretary pay tribute to the quality of our workforce for science and technology? In north Hertfordshire, we have companies doing great work in environmental fields. Will she do all she can to get us back into EU programmes?
It is because of our best and brightest that we can lead. I pay tribute to those in north Hertfordshire, looking forward to visiting them soon. Our position on Horizon has not changed.
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Assessment & feedback
The Secretary did not commit to praising the workforce or rejoining EU programs specifically.
Deferred
Response accuracy