CaSE response to Andy Burnham’s appointment as Prime Minister

“Andy Burnham is the first prime minister from Northern England since Harold Wilson. More than 60 years ago Wilson delivered his ‘white heat of technology’ speech – a call for Labour to harness science to modernise British industry and drive economic progress – it is imperative on Andy Burnham to continue the longstanding support of UK research, but also to go further.  

“There is an opportunity for Burnham and his Government to empower all regions of the UK to develop thriving R&D and innovation systems. It is important that the UK Government, devolved Governments and local authorities work together to improve national coordination between local and national R&D priorities. To maximise the regional economic impact of R&D, we need an environment that is collaborative rather than competitive between regions, the Prime Minister will have a vital role in shaping this culture.

“It is also of the upmost importance that stability is provided for the R&D sector during this transition. I urge the new Government to think very carefully before changing the nations research priorities or structures.”