MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary, responding
to the Government’s New Innovation Strategy, said:
“The UK is an innovation and science superpower. From life
sciences and medical research to artificial intelligence and
quantum computing, the UK is world-leading. Labour will always
champion our scientists and innovators.
“But this world-leading science and technology sector is being
failed by its government. Once again the Government’s warm words
are at odds with its deeds. Hundreds of millions of pounds were
raided from the core science budget this year, with programmes
axed and jobs lost. The Government's chaotic decision-making
means many programmes remain in the dark about the funding on
offer and find it impossible to plan ahead.
“While we welcome a strategy to increase access to finance for
tech companies to start up and scale up, a whole generation of
researchers is currently at risk of falling through the cracks.
The Government has turned its back on the estimated 17,000 early
career researchers who may not secure funding and see their
careers in jeopardy as a result of the pandemic.
“Over-promising and under-delivering is a hallmark of this
government. But our science sector deserves so much better. A
real focus on delivery is what’s needed to rebuild trust between
government and our country’s scientists, and to ensure the UK
continues punching above its weight.”
