As major political parties release their manifestos ahead of the coming general election, our Director of Science Policy, Dr Jo Reynolds, explains what our priorities will be under the new government.
Last week a number of major political parties released their manifestos, outlining their commitments to the electorate across a range of issues. We have seen party leaders face each other in debates, as well as being probed by journalists in advance of the UK general election on 8 June.
All parties have prioritised supporting economic growth across the UK and each has set out its approach to securing the best outcomes for the UK as it leaves the EU. Many have shared their broad plans for science, innovation and education in their manifestos, including spending proposals and the role of universities. You can find out more about the proposals published so far in the links below.
Whoever wins the election on 8 June, the Royal Society of Chemistry will continue our work to make sure that science and innovation is a priority for policy makers. Science and innovation underpin economic growth, enabling the development of new technologies and products, and delivering solutions to global challenges.
The new government must ensure that UK science thrives. This includes setting a target of 0.7% of GDP for public investment in research and development. This is alongside an overall target of 3% of GDP for combined public and private investment in research and development.
Science and innovation must be a negotiating priority as the UK leaves the EU and UK scientists and innovators must continue to be active members of the international research community. Our three key priorities for the new UK government with respect to exit from the EU are as follows:
- Maintain access to international research and development funding programmes and research facilities, along with the collaboration opportunities these bring.
- Enable easy movement of skilled and talented scientists and students, to and from the UK.
- Develop a future regulatory system that achieves a balance between nurturing innovation, protecting the environment and human health and enabling the UK to trade internationally.
As soon as the new government is formed we will be working with our partners and using evidence from our community to demonstrate what is needed for the UK to continue to be a global leader and partner in science and innovation – we will continue to ensure that the voice of science is heard by policy makers.
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