The Foresight Programme provides an opportunity for stimulating business and others to think creatively about the future. The Foresight reports are totally independent of government. Some of their conclusions we agree with. Of course, some not. The important thing is that we have an open and wide debate.
Foresight provides a useful tool for assessing future priorities.
We need to make sure we make the most effective use of it. I am therefore asking Lord Sainsbury, the Minister for Science and Innovation, to conduct a review of Foresight, to build on the success it has had and ensure that it maintains its focus on the challenges that lie ahead. Today I want to talk about science and technology. Its importance to the UK and the future challenges and choices we face. Whether to go back to a cycle of cuts in spending and decline in our science base or to increase investment and provide new opportunities.