Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

International Workers with STEM Qualifications

Monday 22 November 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Department aims to attract international workers with STEM qualifications through a global points-based immigration system.
  • David Davis met with Sir Patrick Vallance to discuss challenges in making Britain a leading science superpower.
  • Home Office and other departments are working with the chief scientific officer to ensure Britain's competitiveness in the global market.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Immigration Science & Technology
Context

The question arises from the need to attract top talent with qualifications in science, technology, maths, and engineering to bolster the UK's global competitiveness.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to attract international workers with science, technology, maths and engineering qualifications to the UK?

Answer from Priti Patel

Attracting international talent is a key component of our global, points-based immigration system, delivered as we promised the British public at the 2019 election. This system is designed to attract global talent, sponsored by employers, bringing the best scientists, engineers, academics, and other people with skills to our country.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific steps or commitments regarding attracting international workers in STEM fields beyond general statements about immigration policies.

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Q2 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Immigration Science & Technology
Context

The question is prompted by a discussion with the chief scientific adviser about the need for cross-departmental collaboration to ensure Britain can compete in attracting global science talent.

Question

Last week, I met the chief scientific adviser, Sir Patrick Vallance, to discuss the challenges facing Britain as we seek to become a leading science superpower. He spoke of the need for cross-departmental support, including from the Home Office, to ensure that Britain is competing in the marketplace of global excellence. Can my right hon. Friend update the House on what conversations her Department has had with UK Research and Innovation with respect to the global talent visa route, and how well she expects it to work?

Answer from Priti Patel

This is an important area in developing global talent and making sure that we, as a country, are attractive and can become the science superpower that we aspire to be. The chief scientific officer has indeed been leading this work with the Home Office and with the Treasury. In response to my right hon. Friend's question, I can say that there is a great deal of work taking place, that these routes are open and that he will hear a lot more about the applications and the numbers that are coming through, but I can assure the House that the Home Office and this Government are absolutely dedicated to making sure that we get the brightest and the best over to our country through this new route.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specific updates or concrete commitments regarding conversations with UKRI, instead giving general assurances about dedication to attracting talent.

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