Britain’s technology community has reacted with alarm to reported plans by incoming prime minister Andy Burnham to abolish the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), warning that a major Whitehall reorganisation could disrupt progress at a critical moment for artificial intelligence, scientific innovation and economic growth.
Officials have reportedly been asked to develop proposals that would transfer much of the department’s science and technology remit into an expanded business department.
The plans had not been formally approved when they were reported, leaving open the possibility that Burnham could reconsider the move as he finalises the structure and priorities of his new government.
Under the proposals, the enlarged business department would be led by Jonathan Reynolds, while responsibility for overseeing the use of AI across the public sector could move to cabinet secretary Antonia Romeo rather than remaining under direct ministerial control.
Industry figures and political insiders have questioned whether removing a dedicated department for technology and innovation would weaken the prominence of sectors expected to play an increasingly important role in Britain’s economy and national security.
Matt Clifford, an AI adviser to outgoing prime minister Keir Starmer and his predecessor Rishi Sunak, warned that restructuring government at such a crucial point could divert senior science and technology officials away from delivering policy.
One Labour MP reportedly described DSIT as the “department of the future”, reflecting concerns that dismantling it could send the wrong message to investors, researchers and innovative businesses.
Dom Hallas, executive director of the Startup Coalition, also opposed the proposed changes. He warned that placing technology within a much larger business department could force British tech to compete with established industries for ministerial attention, while consuming months of government time.
Technology investor Barney Hussey-Yeo highlighted the UK’s scientific capacity as a significant competitive advantage and argued that converting this strength into economic power should remain a central government priority.
The controversy has particular relevance for innovation-led sectors such as agricultural technology, where progress increasingly depends on a combination of AI, automation, robotics, data science and publicly supported research. Any disruption to government responsibilities, funding relationships or innovation policy could create additional uncertainty for businesses attempting to commercialise new technologies.
The reported reorganisation comes as AI assumes greater importance across economic, security and foreign policy. Starmer previously described the technology as the defining opportunity of the current generation, while Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has identified it as a major forthcoming foreign-policy challenge.
Burnham’s team did not respond to The Guardian’s request for comment, and the proposed abolition of DSIT remained unconfirmed. However, the strength of the reaction demonstrates the pressure facing the incoming administration to provide clarity over how science, technology and innovation will be represented at the heart of government.
Source: The Guardian
