Key facts
- Prime Minister Andy Burnham is considering abolishing the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
- The department's responsibilities would largely be absorbed by a more powerful business department.
- AI oversight in the public sector would move to the cabinet secretary.
- The proposal has faced strong criticism from within government and the tech sector.
- Critics argue the move would waste time and energy needed for critical tech policy development.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham is reportedly planning to abolish the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) as part of a broader government restructuring. The proposal, which has not yet been finalized, has ignited a strong backlash from Members of Parliament, government officials, and technology experts.
Sources indicate that much of DSIT's policy responsibilities would be transferred to a larger, more powerful business department, potentially led by Chief Whip Jonathan Reynolds. Oversight of artificial intelligence (AI) in the public sector would reportedly be assigned to Cabinet Secretary Antonia Romeo, rather than a minister.
The news has caused significant disquiet, with critics arguing that now is a critical juncture for technology, which is viewed as both an economic and national security issue. Matt Clifford, an AI adviser to both the current and former prime ministers, stated on X that such a move would be a "big mistake," wasting valuable time and energy on reorganization instead of focusing on substantive policy.
One Labour MP described the plan as "getting rid of the department of the future." Tech industry leaders have also voiced concerns. Dom Hallas of the Startup Coalition warned that a consolidated business department might force British tech to compete with other sectors like steel for attention, and that a six-month reorganization would be detrimental given the urgency. Technology investor Barney Hussey-Yeo expressed disappointment, emphasizing the UK's competitive advantage in scientific capacity and the importance of turning that strength into economic power, which he sees as DSIT's core mission.
Concerns are also surfacing within the Labour party regarding some of Burnham's early decisions, including the potential appointment of Shabana Mahmood as chancellor. The potential closure of DSIT comes at a time when AI is expected to heavily influence government policy. Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, recently characterized AI as a major foreign policy challenge for the next two years, echoing a sentiment previously expressed by Keir Starmer, who called AI "the defining opportunity of our generation."
Some in the tech industry hope Burnham may reconsider the proposal in the coming days. Burnham's team is finalizing government plans over the weekend ahead of his official assumption of office on Monday. He is expected to make significant cabinet appointments and policy announcements later in the week, which may include measures to address the cost of living.