As Andy Burnham prepares to take office as the UK's new Prime Minister, a contentious plan to abolish the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is sparking heated debate in Parliament, Whitehall, and the tech sector. The proposed axe of the department, which oversees key areas such as science and technology policy and AI regulation, has sent shockwaves through an industry that sees this moment as a critical juncture for technological advancement and economic growth.
Leading voices from across the political spectrum have expressed their opposition to the plans, with Matt Clifford, a former adviser on AI to both Keir Starmer and Rishi Sunak, calling it a "big mistake". He highlighted the significance of this period in terms of driving economic growth and ensuring national security through technological advancements. Industry figures like Dom Hallas, Executive Director of the Startup Coalition, have also voiced alarm, warning that a reorganisation would divert crucial time and energy from addressing pressing issues.
Under the proposed plans, key responsibilities within DSIT would be absorbed into a more powerful business department, reportedly to be led by Jonathan Reynolds, the chief whip. The oversight of AI's use in the public sector would shift from ministerial control to the Cabinet Secretary, Antonia Romeo. This move has sparked concerns among tech leaders who anticipate that AI and advanced technologies will dominate government policy decisions in the coming years – a sentiment echoed by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, who recently highlighted AI as a major foreign policy concern for the next two years.
Technology investors like Barney Hussey-Yeo have also spoken out against the proposed closure, arguing that harnessing the UK's scientific capacity to generate economic power should be a primary focus of government. Industry leaders worry that diluting focus on British tech by absorbing responsibilities into a larger business department would force it to compete for attention with traditional industries.
The controversy comes amid broader concerns within Labour regarding some of Burnham's initial decisions, including the anticipated appointment of Shabana Mahmood as Chancellor. As Burnham's team finalises government plans over the weekend, with significant cabinet appointments scheduled for Monday afternoon, those in the tech sector are holding out hope that the decision to scrap DSIT might be reconsidered in the coming days. A spokesperson for the incoming Prime Minister has yet to comment on the proposals.