CaSE welcomes Andrew Griffith as new Science, Technology and Innovation Minister.

There will be much for Mr Griffith to consider in the science brief. He joins at an exciting time, with great political emphasis on the importance of science, innovation and technology to the UK’s future. We urge the new Science Minister to act as a champion for the R&D sector inside Government, making sure they follow through, and build on, progress in supporting R&D from successive Conservative Governments.

With a background in finance and experience of business and innovation, inside and outside of Parliament, Griffith will bring a fresh perspective on the UK science economy. He understands the importance of science and technology to addressing societal challenges and growing the economy, and in an initial comment talked about “unleashing capital to support these exciting opportunities.” There is an opportunity for the new science minister to focus on making the UK an attractive and competitive environment for businesses to invest in R&I.

Challenges that remain

Alongside funding, developing the science skills base will be essential to deliver the UK’s R&D ambitions. Earlier this year, the Government announced a major increase to immigration visa fees as well as the Immigration Health Surcharge, a move that will make it more expensive for skilled workers to come to the UK. CaSE urges the Science Minister to work with the Government to ensure that the immigration and visa system, and associated costs, do not act as a barrier to attracting international talent to the UK. This will require balancing priorities between DSIT and the Home Office.

On Horizon Europe, although a deal is done, it is important that the UK Government together with the UK sector work hard to encourage applications and drive participation rates back up, and re-establish links with the EU.

We look forward to working with Andrew Griffith to ensure science and engineering is at the heart of the UK’s future.

About Andrew Griffith MP

Andrew Griffith has been the Conservative MP for Arundel and South Downs since 2019. He was previously the Economic Secretary to the Treasury before being appointed Minister of State for the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology. Before that he was the Financial Secretary to the Treasury, and before that Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for International Trade.  

Griffith has been a member of the Science and Technology Select Committee since his election. He was also Adviser on Sustainable Infrastructure Investment for 3 months at the end of 2021, and was chosen by Boris Johnson to be “the UK’s Net Zero Business Champion” from late 2020 until the COP26 UN Climate Summit.

Andrew Griffith’s pre-parliamentary career included roles at Rothschild & Co, PwC, and Sky.