Responding to the launch of the UK’s new “high risk” science agency Liberal Democrat Business Spokesperson Sarah Olney MP said: “Liberal Democrats have long called on the Government to invest in new technologies that will create future jobs – but a secretive fund spending taxpayer money with next to no oversight isn’t the right answer.
“We need to see serious investment in R&D as part of a comprehensive industrial strategy, that will have jobs, regional development and green growth at its core.
“It is vital that the fund’s Chair and CEO is placed in a transparent and impartial manner. The Government must urgently provide more information about the selection process and guarantee that we won’t witness the appointment of yet another Conservative crony.”