Sustainable Aviation Fuel Bill (Second sitting)

Debate between Tom Collins and Joe Robertson

Committee stage
Tuesday 15th July 2025 Public Bill Committees

[Tom Collins]

Q Obviously, Innovate UK is our key player in that space. Do you see it as active in this space? Is there anything you would like to see us doing slightly differently to support SMEs and innovators better?

Professor Maslin: I have been very lucky, because in the past I have been able to get funding from Innovate UK and even from the TSB before that—that is how old I am. Innovate UK needs direction, with top-down prioritisation of this sector for the UK. Sometimes Innovate UK has stuff coming in, then selects what it thinks is good, but I think you need to mandate, in concert with the Bill, that it focuses on SAFs and makes that one of its priorities.

[Joe Robertson (Isle of Wight East) (Con)]

I have realised that Professor Maslin was an undergraduate tutor of mine quite a few years ago.

Professor Maslin: Oh, this is becoming a real embarrassment; it just makes me feel really old. But it is great to see you in a position of power.