The formation of the new Government by the Conservative Party with the support of the Democratic Unionist Party is now underway.

In the run up to the election the RSB wrote to candidates and party leaders asking them to ensure that their actions in the next Parliament would:

• ensure the UK has an excellent environment for science – with access to the best people, collaborations, investment, and regulations.
• always consider the science evidence relevant to decisions.

Following the outcome of the election Dr Mark Downs FRSB, chief executive of the RSB said, “It is essential that the Government provides the right environment for science, ensuring stability for planning, investment growth for development, talent access for excellence, and training for successful jobs.

“To have any chance of achieving this the Brexit deal must keep open the avenues to funding, collaboration and movement of people that are the life blood of successful science.”

Advice based on scientific evidence is vital for government decisions making, and it is essential this is conveyed via strong networks and communication channels with the science community, a full complement of departmental chief scientific advisers, well-supported Science and Technology Committees in both Houses, and aided by Cabinet attendance by the Minister for Science.

You can read more about the work of the RSB in the run up to the election and other resources over on our General Election 2017 page.