NCUB calls on new Business Secretary to champion science, research and innovation

Following on from the Cabinet reshuffle, the National Centre for Universities and Business has called on the new Business Scretary Grant Shapps to champion science, research and innovation by recommitting to the public spending pledges made at last year’s Spending Review to reach £20bn by 2024-25 and £22bn over the next two years.

Commenting on the ministerial reshuffle, Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of the NCUB said: “ I congratulate Grant Shapps on his appointment as Business Secretary. He is inheriting an important portfolio, cutting across energy, business enterprise, industrial sponsorship and scientific research.

“Some will be disappointed to see that the ministerial posts with specific responsibilities for science and universities do not appear to have been elevated to Cabinet appointments.

“However, Grant Shapps has an opportunity to champion science, research and innovation at the highest level of government as important decisions are made over the coming days and weeks. A critical first step will be recommitting to the public spending pledges made at last year’s Spending Review to reach £20bn by 2024-25 and £22bn over the next two years. This commitment recognises that the UK’s world class universities and business innovation will be essential in driving up UK productivity and achieving long term economic growth.”