Is a hung parliament good for science?
9 Jun 2017 by Evoluted New Media
With a lot to lose from Brexit, the moderating force of a hung parliament could be good for science, say the Campaign for Science and Engineering as they launch their vision for UK science and engineering today.
With a lot to lose from Brexit, the moderating force of a hung parliament could be good for science, say the Campaign for Science and Engineering as they launch their vision for UK science and engineering.
The Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) has set out six priority areas for the new Government which include education, immigration, collaboration and regulation.
Dr Sarah Main, CaSE Executive Director, said: " Science has a lot to lose from a hard Brexit. So the prospect of a minority Government yielding a softer Brexit is likely to appeal to science leaders who have been pushing to retain a range of EU benefits. But confidence and certainty is key, and Parliament will need to work together to deliver that confidence, to support our scientific businesses and academia in delivering benefits to the economy and society.”
CaSE is calling on the Government to cultivate an environment where both science and engineering will thrive. Dr Main said: “CaSE has set out today its priorities for the new Government in six key policy areas. We will work with the new Government, in whatever form it takes, to ensure that the UK's strength in science, and the Government's investment, brings benefits across the UK."
The vision and priorities for the new Government can be seen here.
Following the news that the Conservatives will form a government with the Democratic Unionist Party, trade organisations have responded. CEO of the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA), Steve Bates, said: "The election has not delivered a Parliamentary majority for a clear way forward on Brexit but both the main parties, as well as the DUP, were clear in the campaign and in their manifestos on the desire to turn the UK into the most innovative country in the world. Our sector is key to taking the UK’s outstanding science base and translating it into economic jobs and growth. Measures to support this goal should attract broad support in the new Parliament."
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) reacted to the news by declaring their intentions to work with the new Government to ensure that Brexit negotiations include the pharmaceutical industry. CEO, Mike Thompson, said: "The Government can create the best possible environment for the pharmaceutical industry by securing an NHS that embraces innovation as the route to greater productivity and sustainability; by delivering a pro-business agenda to create real opportunities for growth in jobs and economic activity; and by negotiating a Brexit deal that prioritises patients and public health."
