Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the remarks made by the Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation in evidence to the Commons Science and Technology Committee concerning the establishment of a high level forum on the impact of Brexit for science and research (7th Report, Session 2016–17, HC 502), whether representatives of small and medium sized enterprises will be included in this forum.

The Government has been talking extensively to stakeholders. My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation is setting up a forum with a number of senior representatives of UK research and innovation organisations to discuss opportunities and issues arising from the UK’s exit from the European Union. This group will work with Government to ensure it has the best evidence to keep the UK punching above its weight in research and innovation. The membership of this forum will be confirmed shortly.