Scrapping UK tech ministry would slow growth, industry groups warn Burnham
( July 20, 2026, 08:59 GMT | Official Statement) -- MLex Summary: The UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology should not be abolished or have its functions dispersed across government, two technology industry associations said in a letter to incoming prime minister Andy Burnham, warning this would be "the wrong change at the wrong time." TechUK and the Startup Coalition said breaking up work that includes the AI Security Institute and the organization UK Research and Innovation would slow investment and growth. They urged Burnham to strengthen tech leadership at the center of government instead. He was last week reported to be planning to fold the technology department into a larger business department.Statement follows. Letter attached....
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