Gordon Brown’s record on science, engineering and technology defended by Lord Sainsbury

Labour peer casts doubt on the Tories’ understanding of the importance of technology

Lord Sainsbury has defended Gordon Brown’s record in promoting science and technology in the wake of his exit from Downing Street.

Speaking at the Sainsbury Management Fellows annual dinner in central London, the Labour peer said the former prime minister had been a “huge supporter” of science and technology while in office. “[Gordon Brown believed] strongly that science, technology and innovation are the only way we will be able to compete in global markets against low-wage economies such as India and China,” Lord Sainsbury said.

Lord Sainsbury added that while he was not a “tribal” politician, he was not convinced that the Tory party understood the contribution that technology makes to the economy. “I am still not certain how well they understand this point, and it is, therefore, essential that the scientific and engineering industry keeps hammering away at this,” he said.

The peer said that with Gordon Brown as chancellor and subsequently prime minister, funding of basic science had been “very significantly increased”. He added: “The knowledge transfer record of our universities has dramatically improved so that they are now in the same league as American universities.

“The Technology Strategy Board has been set up and is working well.”

Lord Sainsbury added that he believed “we have turned the corner” in terms of young people going into science and engineering. The number of entrants on to engineering courses has increased in recent times and the number of youngsters taking apprenticeships has also gone up.

“It would be catastrophic for British industry if these reforms were put into reverse,” Lord Sainsbury said.