MP, Shadow Business Secretary, commenting on the
launch of the new research agency, the Advances Research and
Invention Agency, said:
“Labour has long called for investment in high ambition, high
risk science. From artificial intelligence to quantum
technologies and life sciences, the UK has long been at the
forefront of cutting-edge research and development. Labour will
continue to support and champion the work of our country’s
scientists.
“But Government must urgently clarify the mission and mandate of
this new organisation, following strong engagement with the UK’s
science base – those closest to the work. And it is important
ARIA does not have a blanket exemption from FOI laws as has been
reported, so taxpayers know how their money is being invested.
"Many researchers have been hit hard during the crisis but have
been excluded from government support, and there is still no
clarity about what the science budget will be in just six weeks
time and where it will be spent, leaving the industry in limbo.
Funding for ARIA must therefore be accompanied by a multi-year
roadmap for funding across the whole sector.”
Ends
Notes to Editors
Background
- The Government’s warm words on science have often not been
matched by deeds and their Industrial Strategy seems to have been
shelved, with decisions on science made piecemeal rather than
strategically. The Government have committed to doubling the
Science budget by 2025,
however, they haven’t provided clarity on exactly where that
money will be spent.
- The R&D roadmap published in July 2020 lacked any new
significant spending commitments and showcased a series of
ideals not actions. The Government have committed to providing
the British Business Bank with and additional £200m to invest
in R&D, however, there has been no expansion on when this
money will be available or what the qualifying factors for
investment will be.
- Medical research charities, which invest £1.2bn in UK
University R&D [annually], have been hit hard by the
coronavirus pandemic and vital medical research and trials have
been mothballed or axed. Yet almost all medical research
charities are ineligible for government support, in a
short-sighted decision which will have long-term implications for
the UK’s research sector.
- Post graduate and Early Career researchers are the future of
UK science, and yet Government has done little to support them
during this pandemic, whilst 90% of UK researchers are excluded
from support even though the virus prevents them finishing their
research.
