How have cuts to development spending affected UK scientific capability and reputation?
The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee will hold the second session of its inquiry into Science Diplomacy by hearing from Lord O’Neill, followed by leading health and international development charities.
In the first panel, the cross-party committee will ask for Lord O’Neill’s perspective on the UK’s capabilities and international reputation in health. Questions will likely focus on risks to the UK’s international reputation for scientific leadership in health research and whether this has been impacted by policy changes in recent years.
MPs may ask for his views on the closure of the Fleming Fund – a UK aid programme tackling antimicrobial resistance – and how this will affect preparations for future pandemics and wider global health.
In the second panel, the committee will question representatives of Malaria No More and STOPAIDS on the UK’s approach to addressing global health challenges, and the impact of ODA spending cuts on its international standing and diplomatic objectives.
Meeting details
Questions could also explore the impact of cuts to science programmes in the US, opportunities that these cuts may create for nations such as China to fill the gap, and witnesses’ assessments of the UK’s Science and Technology Network.