Committees

CHAIR COMMENT: Spring Budget, National quantum strategy and Sir Patrick Vallance’s review

15 March 2023

The Science and Technology Committee Chair, Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, has issued the following comment in response to the Budget 2023, the announcement of a national quantum strategy and Sir Patrick Vallance’s review of pro-innovation regulation of technologies also published today:

"I welcome the big focus on science and technology in this Budget. Sustained investment in research and development is key to boosting economic growth. That is why today I called for a rapid resolution of the question of the UK’s association with Horizon Europe.

I am pleased the Government has announced further backing for quantum technologies. The Science & Technology Committee will be launching an inquiry tomorrow to scrutinise the effectiveness of the Government's quantum plan to date and will now include the £2.5 billion investment announced today and how the UK compares globally in this strategically important area.

I also welcome the publication of Sir Patrick Vallance's review on pro-innovation regulation of emerging technologies. My committee will look carefully at the review’s findings, especially as we continue our inquiry into the regulation of AI. We hope to question Sir Patrick on his conclusions and recommendations before he departs as Chief Scientific Adviser."

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