What Does the Labour's Win Mean for the Scientific Community in the UK?

“Change” is the word that the Labour Party, led by Keir Starmer, set as the slogan of their campaign which led to a decisive victory in the recent UK general election. The Labour’s landslide win marks a pivotal moment for the country’s scientific community. After 14 years of Conservative rule, scientists are anticipating significant shifts in policy that could reshape the landscape of research, innovation, and higher education. “It will be a tall order”1 Keir vowed. Here are four aspects of which the scientific community is particularly concerned about.

University Funding, Support and R&D Investment

One of the foremost concerns among scientists has been the financial stability of universities, exacerbated by declining international student numbers and frozen tuition fees. Labour’s commitment to addressing these challenges signals potential relief for institutions facing financial strain. It is worth noting that all major parties expressed support for research and development to make the UK a “science superpower” as former UK prime minister Borris Johnson vowed.

Currently, the UK R&D spending stops at around 3% of the country’s GDP2, yet 40% of the country’s higher education institutes fear going bust by the end of the year due to an imbalance between income and spending3.

Labour is committed to extending funding cycles for research agencies, including UK Research and Innovation, the principal public science funder in the UK, to 10 years instead of the traditional 3-year plans used in government budgeting, according to Labour’s manifesto released on 13 June.

This extended timeframe will foster meaningful partnerships with industry, ensuring the UK remains a leader in global innovation. However, it is yet to be seen how the labour government will execute these plans.

Visa and Immigration Policies

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“Build the wall” and “Stop the boats4” were the most anti-immigration slogans championed by the conservatives in the last 14 years. Compiled with Brexit following a referendum in 2016 and the aftermaths of Covid-19, the country grew increasingly isolated.

The Conservative government’s tightening of visa regulations has been a point of contention among scientists, with concerns over its deleterious impact on attracting international talent to the UK, with international applications to UK universities dropping by 44% this year5. In this vein, the Labour’s victory raises hopes for a more inclusive approach to immigration policies, potentially easing restrictions that have hindered the recruitment of overseas researchers and international students. This shift is seen as pivotal in maintaining the UK’s attractiveness as a global hub for scientific collaboration and innovation.

Leadership and Cabinet Appointments

As Labour prepares to form the new government, attention turns to the appointment of key figures to oversee science and research. Peter Kyle and Chi Onwurah, prominent figures in Labour’s shadow cabinet for science and innovation, are viewed positively within the scientific community for their familiarity with science policy and commitment to advancing research agendas. “Kyle is ‘an influential figure close to Starmer, and I think most people would consider it a very positive outcome if he ended up continuing in that role,” says Wilsdon. Smith notes that Onwurah “has been around for a very long time and is very familiar with science policy,” adding that the science sector “would find themselves reassured if she has a role.”6

Their continued roles are expected to provide continuity and expertise, reassuring stakeholders about Labour’s dedication to supporting scientific endeavors.

Future Directions in Science Policy

Looking ahead, Labour’s ascendancy opens avenues for redefining the UK’s science and industrial strategy. The party’s emphasis on integrating research and innovation into economic recovery plans, coupled with promises to bolster renewable energy investments and address environmental challenges, underscores a proactive stance towards sustainable development and technological advancement7.

In conclusion, Labour’s electoral triumph represents a turning point for the UK’s scientific community, promising a renewed focus on funding stability, collaborative research opportunities, and supportive policy frameworks. As the new government under Keir Starmer takes office, scientists are cautiously optimistic about the potential for transformative changes that could elevate the UK’s standing in global science and innovation.