Oral QuestionDepartment for Science, Innovation and Technology

What steps he is taking to help improve domestic research and development capabilities.

Tabled: 10 October 2024Answered: 16 October 2024

Asked by

Mark Ferguson

LabourGateshead Central and Whickham

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology

Answer from Hansard

The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Peter Kyle)

The UK’s R&D system is a central strength and vital for the future prosperity and wellbeing of our citizens. We are recognised for the strengths of our universities system and research base, and we are investing through UK Research and Innovation to continuously improve our R&D capabilities. In July we launched five new quantum technology hubs, which are delivered by UKRI and backed by over £100 million-worth of Government funding. This will ensure that the British people benefit from the potential of quantum technologies in a range of areas, from healthcare and computing to national security and critical infra- structure alike.