Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Johnson of Marylebone and Martyn Day

Monday 6th November 2017 Commons Chamber

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

T7. Universities were shocked when a member of the Government took it upon himself to write to them seeking details of the professionals teaching Brexit-related courses. Is the Secretary of State comfortable with that sort of McCarthyite behaviour? If not, what will she do about it?

[The Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation (Joseph Johnson)]

That letter was sent not by the Government, but by an MP acting in an individual capacity. The Government have made it clear that they fully support academic freedom and have recently entrenched that further in law through the Higher Education and Research Act 2017.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Johnson of Marylebone and Martyn Day

Tuesday 14th March 2017 Commons Chamber

[Joseph Johnson]

Through the creation of UK research and innovation, a UK-wide global funding and research agency, we will continue to ensure that excellent science and research are supported throughout the UK in the years to come.

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

3. What steps his Department is taking to support the oil and gas sector.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Johnson of Marylebone and Martyn Day

Monday 19th December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

T4. International students are vital to the economy, contributing about £7 billion, according to Universities UK. Will the Minister confirm whether this Government plan to use the new teaching and excellence framework to link student visas to the quality of course and institution as a means of cutting immigration?

[Joseph Johnson]

No decision has yet been taken on the best way to differentiate in order to allow our best institutions to continue to attract international students. The Home Secretary has indicated that she will start a consultation in the new year, and all parties are encouraged to contribute to it.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Lord Johnson of Marylebone and Martyn Day

Monday 14th November 2016 Commons Chamber

[Martyn Day (Linlithgow and East Falkirk) (SNP)]

T3. None of the amendments to the Higher Education and Research Bill that were tabled by my hon. Friends the Members for Glasgow North West (Carol Monaghan) and for Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath (Roger Mullin) were accepted by the Government in Committee. What guarantees can the Minister give members of the Scottish research community that they will be fully represented in UK Research and Innovation?

[The Minister for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation (Joseph Johnson)]

The Higher Education and Research Bill will provide mechanisms, through UK Research and Innovation, to ensure that our science and innovation system stays at the cutting edge for decades to come. It will, of course, also ensure that the excellence and expertise that exist in all parts of the United Kingdom are fully reflected in decision-making structures.