Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Women in STEM Jobs

Wednesday 21 February 2024 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Hannah Bardell inquired about steps to support women in STEM jobs, emphasizing opportunities for constituents in Paisley and Renfrewshire North and Livingston.
  • Gavin Newlands raised concerns over sexism faced by female science undergraduates and inquired about measures to address cultural issues in STEM.
  • Carol Monaghan questioned whether discussions have occurred with the Home Office regarding emergency visas for female STEM academics collaborating with UK partners.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Hannah Bardell SNP
Science & Technology Women & Equalities
Context

The question is about supporting women in science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs.

Question

What steps she is taking with Cabinet colleagues to help support women into science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs.

Answer from Andrew Griffith

Our priority is to ensure that everyone, regardless of background, can pursue the exciting opportunities in STEM. That ambition fully extends to the hon. Members' constituents in Paisley and Renfrewshire North and in Livingston.

Not addressed: The answer does not specify concrete steps or commitments for supporting women in STEM jobs.

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Q2 Gavin Newlands SNP
Science & Technology Women & Equalities
Context

New data from Times Higher Education shows that female science undergraduates are twice as likely to experience sexism compared to their peers on non-science courses. Many have reported being patronised or belittled by their male classmates, and this behaviour goes unchallenged.

Question

New data reveals that female science undergraduates face higher rates of sexism than their peers. What steps is the Minister taking to address the culture of sexism in STEM so more women can pursue careers there?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

A key priority for this Government is ensuring that everybody, regardless of background, faces no discrimination and can pursue an occupation in STEM. The number of STEM apprenticeship starts by women has increased by almost 8% this year, and since 2016 a total of almost £8 million has been awarded to 152 remarkable women role models.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the issue but does not address the specific ask about addressing the culture of sexism in STEM.

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Q3 Hannah Bardell SNP
Scotland
Context

A vaccine firm in the MP's constituency, Valneva, does pioneering work and nearly half of its workforce are women. The company encourages women into STEM careers.

Question

Would the Minister consider visiting Valneva in Livingston to meet the company and see their fantastic work firsthand?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

Yes, and I commend the hon. Lady for having that very successful female-opportunity-giving firm in her constituency. I am in Scotland later this month and I will try to visit her.

Answered
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Q4 James Gray Con
Education Business & Trade
Context

The James Dyson Foundation in the MP's constituency has contributed £6 million to Malmesbury Primary School, promoting STEM education.

Question

Will the Minister join me in thanking and congratulating Sir James Dyson on his recent contribution of £6 million to Malmesbury Primary School?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

I warmly congratulate the Dyson Foundation on that. It is a fantastic example of philanthropy. We are consulting on establishing a national academy of mathematical science, backed by £6 million of funding. The consultation ends this Sunday and I hope many hon. Members will respond.

Not addressed: The answer does not address the specific ask about joining in congratulating Sir James Dyson.

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Q5 Stephen Metcalfe Con
Education
Context

Improving diversity in STEM is important for future success, bringing new ways of thinking and a better understanding.

Question

Can the Minister ensure that the Department for Education encourages people to think about STEM careers at the earliest possible level, particularly in primary schools?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

My hon. Friend makes an important point about diversity in STEM starting at the earliest possible age. I will of course talk to my colleagues in the Department for Education about doing precisely that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer acknowledges the importance but does not provide a specific commitment or timeline.

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Q6 Carol Monaghan SNP
Immigration Science & Technology
Context

A number of the MP's constituents working in STEM areas have expressed concerns about their research partners currently in Gaza.

Question

Can the Minister confirm whether any discussions have taken place with colleagues at the Home Office about providing emergency visas to female STEM academics who are collaborating with UK partners?

Answer from Andrew Griffith

I am not aware of that, but I will happily ask the question of Home Office colleagues and write to the hon. Lady.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer does not confirm discussions have taken place but promises to inquire with Home Office colleagues.

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