Driving Science & Technology

I am passionate advocate for science and technology and I have participated in groups across Parliament to this end - engaging with the UK scientific community, hearing from industry experts, and collaborating with the Government to help build on Britain's success in science (we are no.1 for tech in Europe, no.1 for life sciences, and no.1 for AI).

As a member of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, I have been working, every single week, with colleagues from across the House of Commons to investigate and inform the Government's strategy for the UK to become a science superpower by 2030. Areas of inquiry have included: delivering nuclear power; UK space strategy; the role of hydrogen in reaching net zero; commercialising quantum technologies; and governance of AI.

I also co-created the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence (APPG AI) when I was MP in 2017 with my friend Lord Clement-Jones. We wanted more focus from Parliamentarians on the opportunities and risks of AI for our society and economy. Now up and running, the APPG AI has regularly heard from world-class researchers and industry professionals at the forefront of AI engineering. This kind of engagement has been crucial for Parliamentarians and researchers alike.

Another important topic for me is diversity in STEM. I have been a member of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Diversity & Inclusion in STEM - working to ensure that men and women from all socio-economic backgrounds have an opportunity to pursue a future-facing career in STEM.