In a significant speech, Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has laid out an ambitious vision for Britain's future, championing a multi-billion pound science and technology strategy while taking aim at political opponents she accuses of talking the country down.
A Bold Vision for a Technological Britain
Liz Kendall used her platform at the Science Museum in London to declare that Britain's 'best days lie ahead', directly contrasting her optimistic outlook with what she described as the pessimistic narratives of Reform UK and the Conservative Party. The Cabinet minister, who took on the role in September's reshuffle, was unequivocal in her belief that technology holds the key to solving some of the nation's greatest challenges.
She told The Mirror: 'This is about helping find new medicines, drugs and treatments for everything from cancer to dementia, so that people know that there's hope in future, that these terrible diseases can be treated and maybe one day even cured.'
The Multi-Billion Pound Investment Breakdown
The speech provided concrete details on how a massive £38.6 billion settlement for UK Research and Innovation, allocated for a four-year period, will be spent. This record funding for research and development is a cornerstone of the Labour government's economic and health strategy.
The funding will be distributed across several key areas:
- £14 billion for 'curiosity-driven research', the kind that has historically led to breakthroughs like the internet and new medical treatments.
- £9 billion to support emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and quantum computing.
- £8 billion dedicated to research addressing environmental challenges, including climate resilience and flood defence.
- £7 billion specifically earmarked to foster the growth of innovative companies, with the explicit aim of creating more jobs.
Political Contrasts and Economic Imperatives
When pressed on which groups she was criticising for their negative outlook, Kendall singled out both Reform UK and the Conservatives. 'I think we see a lot of that from Reform saying that the country is broken; from the Conservatives always talking about problems,' she stated. She positioned herself as a realist who recognises the UK's challenges but has unwavering faith in the ingenuity and talent of the British people.
Kendall directly linked the investment in science and technology to the country's urgent need for economic growth. 'We desperately need growth in this country. We need more money for our public services, and we know that science and tech companies are growing much, much faster and much more strongly. So I think it's a win-win for the British people,' she argued, highlighting the dual benefit of medical hope for patients and financial health for the treasury.
The announcement comes just ahead of a critical Budget, with Kendall, alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, signalling a government 'determined to seize the future' through strategic, forward-looking investment.
