MPs champion the mathematical sciences in Commons debate

MPs gathered in Westminster Hall this afternoon to debate the contribution of maths to the UK, in the first such dedicated debate in Parliament in 3 years.

Tabled by CaMS supporter Ian Sollom, attending MPs were briefed by us ahead of time as they went on to repeat our key campaign messages on the parliamentary record.

Opening the debate, Ian delivered a speech which outlined how maths is vital for the UK’s prosperity and security, and that maths is essential for driving progress in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and tackling climate change through advanced modelling:

Throughout the debate, CaMS’s campaigning work was referenced by speakers, including by Shadow Education Minister Neil O’Brien, who cited CaMS Chair Professor Jens Marklof’s view that the cancellation of support for the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme will harm the life chances of disadvantaged children and undercut the UK’s AI ambitions:

Contributions from the Chair of the Education Committee Helen Hayes, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Science, Innovation and Technology Victoria Collins, and MPs Chris Vince and Claire Young all added cross-party weight to the argument that the UK needs maths more than ever, and the Government must do more to support the mathematical sciences to thrive.

PoliticsHome have since published Ian’s article which links maths to the UK Government’s objectives of national security, economic growth and embedding AI across public services, ensuring these arguments reach an even wider parliamentary audience.

The debate is a springboard for  further campaigning work, as we continue to call on the Government to adopt the recommendations in our five-step Plan for Maths and fully unlock the subject’s potential for Britain.

Read the full debate transcript here.