CaSE analysis of other Parties 2019 Manifestos

Many of the other parties with candidates standing in the election have published their manifestos over the last few days. Here is a round up of some of the pledges they have made that are relevant to science and engineering in the UK.

SNP

The SNP has committed to seek the devolution of immigration powers so that “Scotland can have a migration system that works for [its] economy and society”. This could have a significant impact on the ability of scientists and engineers to live and work in Scotland if it were to lead to a less restrictive immigration system in Scotland than in the rest of the UK. The SNP has also committed to continue to push for a second EU referendum and to campaign for the UK to remain in the EU – which would allow the UK to continue to be fully involved in EU research programmes, as it is currently.

Green Party of England and Wales

The Green Party has set out investments it would make in research and development, relevant to its target for net-zero Carbon emissions by 2030. These include £1 billion for research and development for farming & forestry and £6 billion for research and development for industry, in order to help them meet new clean technology standards.

Plaid Cymru

Plaid Cymru has pledged to “push for Welsh participation in European Research Networks, and to ensure that Wales receives its fair share of research funding”. It has also said that it wishes to see enhanced tax credits for Research and Development. Of course, one of Plaid Cymru’s most significant policies is for a second EU referendum and to campaign for the UK to remain in the EU – which would allow the UK to continue to be fully involved in EU research programmes, as it is currently. Plaid has also said it will support women and girls to follow careers in key growth areas, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) fields.

The Brexit Party

The Brexit Party’s “contract with the people” does not say a great deal about science or research. However it does say the party will fully replace grants paid by the EU to universities and research bodies with domestic funds. It has also committed to investment in medical research and development.

DUP

The DUP manifesto contains several pledges for research and development. They have pledged to increase R&D investment to 3% of GDP and have supported CaSE’s language in our Manifesto for Science and Engineering to ensure that the UK remains a partner of choice for international research collaborations, including with the EU. The DUP has also pledged to increase funding available for SBRI and expand business support for start-ups. Additional pledges include creating a UK wide enterprise strategy which harnesses the skills and experience of those in sectors such as advanced manufacturing, engineering and technology to create and lead in the sectors of the future. 

Read our synopsis of pledges from the three largest UK-wide parties here.