Saqib questioned the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) about the government's lack of commitment to the sector. The previous Conservative Government aimed to turn the UK into a science and technology superpower by investing in and supporting this sector through targeted funding for cutting-edge research and development (R&D). Having committed and delivered £20 billion worth of funding, the previous government made it clear that they backed the scientific community in this country and wanted to work with them. The current government have not made any commitments for funding and continues to refuse to rule out cuts to R&D expenditure.
Commenting on the situation, Saqib said:
"One of the Secretary of State's first acts in post was to cut £1.3 billion of funding that would have been transformative in enabling cutting-edge research and development in the UK. Coupled with the department's refusal to rule out cuts to R&D expenditure and the lack of forthcoming funding for the sector, it is clear that the scientific community is not a priority for the Labour Government."
