Lord Rogan has challenged the Government to provide assurances on how a newly established body which Boris Johnson claimed would help the country to “realise the limitless possibilities that research and technology has to offer and cement the UK’s place as a global science superpower” would benefit Northern Ireland.
Earlier this week, the Prime Minister said that the National Science and Technology Council, which he will chair, would “provide strategic direction on the use of science and technology as the tools to tackle great societal challenges, level up across the country and boost prosperity around the world.”
Mr Johnson also announced that he had asked Sir Patrick Vallance to head up a new Office for Science and Technology Strategy and take on the role of National Technology Adviser, in addition to his current positions as the Government’s Chief Scientific Adviser and head of the Government Office for Science.
Speaking in the House of Lords this afternoon, Lord Rogan said that, in principle, he welcomed the creation of the National Science and Technology Council and the Government’s commitment to operating it on a UK-wide basis.
But he asked Cabinet Office Minister Lord True: “What initial assurances can you offer me to persuade the people of Northern Ireland that something positive will come of this high profile announcement and that they will stand to benefit?”
Lord Rogan also expressed his alarm at the Prime Minister’s decision to personally chair the new body and to hand Sir Patrick Vallance the role of National Technology Adviser.
He asked the Cabinet Office Minister: “If this body is to work, would it not be a better for it to be headed by individuals whose time is not currently dominated by tackling a global pandemic?”
Lord True said the Government’s intention was for the National Science and Technology Council to “absolutely work in a cooperative way” in relation to the whole of the UK.
He continued: “Despite comments that have been made in certain quarters, the Prime Minister’s personal commitment to lead and support this is something which most will welcome.”
Addressing Lord Rogan’s concerns over the additional workload handed to Sir Patrick Vallance, Lord True added: “It is a considerable new role, but we have full confidence that Sir Patrick can perform both roles and he will be fully supported by the new Office for Science and Technology Strategy in the Cabinet Office.”
