Andy Burnham's plan to scrap technology department triggers backlash

Prime Minister Andy Burnham's proposal to abolish the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has ignited a strong backlash from members of Parliament, Whitehall officials, and experts in the technology sector. The plan, part of a broader government restructuring, has caused significant unease among those who view science and technology as critical to the UK's future economic and national security.

Critics argue that dissolving DSIT at this juncture would be a grave error. Matt Clifford, an AI advisor to previous prime ministers, stated on X, "This would be a big mistake. Right now is a critical moment for tech as an economic and national security issue. Tying up our most senior science and tech officials in a [reorganisation] wastes time and energy that’s desperately needed for the actual substance."

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This would be a big mistake. Right now is a critical moment for tech as an economic and national security issue. Tying up our most senior science and tech officials in a [reorganisation] wastes time and energy that’s desperately needed for the actual substance.

Sources familiar with the plans suggest that DSIT's responsibilities would be absorbed by a more powerful business department, potentially led by Jonathan Reynolds. Oversight of AI in the public sector might shift to the cabinet secretary, Antonia Romeo, rather than a dedicated minister. This potential shift has alarmed figures within the technology sector, who emphasize AI's likely dominance in future government policy decisions. Yvette Cooper, the Foreign Secretary, recently highlighted AI as a major foreign policy challenge for the next two years, while Keir Starmer previously called it "the defining opportunity of our generation."

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A mega [business] department would mean British tech competing with British steel for attention. And waste 6 months reorg-ing when time is of the essence. Not good.

Concerns are also mounting that such a reorganization could hinder the UK's global standing in the tech sector. Dom Hallas of the Startup Coalition warned on X that changes to DSIT would be a mistake, adding, "A mega [business] department would mean British tech competing with British steel for attention. And waste 6 months reorg-ing when time is of the essence. Not good."

Technology investor Barney Hussey-Yeo expressed sadness over the potential closure, stating, "The UK has a major competitive advantage in its scientific capacity. Turning that strength into economic power – DSIT’s job – would be my idée fixe as prime minister." Burnham's team is finalizing these plans ahead of his official takeover as prime minister.

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The UK has a major competitive advantage in its scientific capacity. Turning that strength into economic power – DSIT’s job – would be my idée fixe as prime minister.