Andy Burnham’s plan to scrap technology department triggers backlash | Technology policy
Andy Burnham’s plan to scrap the government’s technology department has sparked a furious response from MPs, Whitehall officials and tech experts.
incoming prime minister he asked the authorities drawing up plans to abolish the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology as part of a wider change in Whitehall.
The plans have not yet been signed but are causing serious unrest among experts inside and outside the government.
The reaction comes as Labor has concerns about some of Burnham’s early decisions, including the appointment of Shabana Mahmood as chancellor.
Matt Clifford, AI adviser to outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer and his predecessor Rishi Sunak, shared on [reorganisation] It wastes time and energy desperately needed for the actual substance.”
One Labor MP referred to the plans as “getting rid of the ministry of the future”.
Sources familiar with the plans told the Guardian Burnham’s advisers have asked officials to develop plans to transfer the bulk of science and technology policy to a stronger business department to be led by chief whip Jonathan Reynolds.
Responsibility for overseeing the use of artificial intelligence in the public sector will be given to cabinet secretary Antonia Romeo, rather than a minister.
People in the technology sector have raised alarm, saying that artificial intelligence and advanced technology will likely drive many of the government’s policy decisions over the next few years.
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper recently said she thinks artificial intelligence will be the most important foreign policy issue of the next two years.
Starmer called artificial intelligence “the defining opportunity of our generation” in a speech last year.
Artificial intelligence enthusiasts point to the success of British company DeepMind, which was acquired by Google in 2014, as evidence that the UK can play a global role in the industry.
But others say the latest US tech deal signed by Starmer shows the British AI industry is at risk of becoming a subsidiary of the American tech sector.
Dom Hallas, executive director of the Startup Coalition, shared on
He added: “A mega [business] department means British technology competes with British steel for attention. And waste 6 months restructuring when time is of the essence. “It’s not good.”
Technology investor Barney Hussey-Yeo said he was upset about the possible closure.
“The UK has a huge competitive advantage in terms of its scientific capacity,” he told X. “Transforming this power into economic power – DSIT’s job – will be my constant fixation as prime minister.”
Burnham’s team are finalizing government plans over the weekend in preparation for Monday, when the Makerfield MP will officially take over as prime minister.
Burnham will spend Monday afternoon making her most important cabinet appointments and then make a series of policy announcements later in the week.
These announcements are likely to include a cost-of-living package that could include actions to reduce housing, energy and transportation costs.
Some in the tech industry believe Burnham may reconsider the idea of shutting down the department within the next 48 hours.
A spokesman for the next prime minister did not respond to a request for comment.
