With great sadness I must resign from government.
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Michelle Donelan MP
@michelledonelan
MP for Chippenham constituency. Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle.donelan.mp@parliament.uk
Michelle Donelan MP’s posts
The intolerant woke bullies have had their brief period in the sun, but it is now over.
Under our Bill, universities and student unions will face fines for supporting cancel culture.
It is a sad day for freedom of speech - given the toxic environment at has made it untenable for to maintain her position there. No academic should ever have to fear for their personal safety.
Enough is enough. I’ve prepared a package of sanctions against following concerning incidents over many years. Disappointed it has come to this but proud to stand up for Jewish students. NUS will not have a seat at the table until we see real change
As the Prime Minister has announced, we will be setting up a UK-wide replacement for Erasmus+. It’s outlook will be global, not limited to EU, & the programme will incorporate opportunities which reflect the government’s promise to level up the country. More details shortly.
A leadership election won’t help the economy, won’t help us tackle the cost of living, wont help us to defend Ukraine or deliver on our manifesto committments. Boris has proven he can do this. 1/3
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If this is the case I shall be donating it in full to a local charity.
My husband & I are very excited & blessed to be expecting a baby next year. I’ll be taking a short maternity leave from DCMS. I’ll reduce the number of constituency visits during this time but I shall still be on hand throughout to help local residents supported by my great team.
I am deeply concerned by NUS antisemitism, including the remarks of the new President and the previous suggestions that Jewish students should be 'segregated'. Students deserve better from their representative organisation.
thetimes.co.uk/article/75451e
It is unacceptable that an academic is having to be supported by the police due to threats to her physical safety.
thetimes.co.uk/article/3a3993
Instead of selling we have announced a sustainability package to future-proof it:
🔓 New freedoms to produce some of their own shows
🧑💼 Double number of C4 jobs outside London
🎥 Double C4 skills investment to 10M
🇬🇧 Increase % of shows from independent UK producers
In the era of deepfakes and digitally distorted images, it’s even more important to be able to have reliable sources of information you can trust. No elected member of parliament should be misleading the public with fake images. This is pretty desperate stuff from Labour...
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Readers added context
This image of Rishi Sunak at a beer festival has been doctored. The real pint glass used was clean and branded, and the expression on the other person’s face has been altered.
twitter.com/rishisunak/sta…
news.sky.com/video/prime-mi…
It’s not every day you become the head of a brand new government department.
Today I met with my new leadership team to discuss our mission for the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology🧪👩🏽🔬💻
Let's make Britain the most innovative economy in the world 🌍
The Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III will be a special moment in our nation's history, and what better way to mark the occasion with an extra May Bank Holiday Monday and communities celebrating together and paying tribute to our new King.
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Let’s not forget we wouldn’t have such high employment without his bold calls on vaccine procurement & rollout & so much £ help. I'll be supporting the PM this evening because on the big issues he's made the right calls. 2/3
Earlier today I publicly backed to be our next Prime Minister. The country is facing many challenges - now is the time for unity, stability, delivery and relentless focus.
It is crucial we come together and unite behind this common mission.
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In the meantime, I now ask the that universities come forward and offer her a suitable position in their own faculty - we must stand up for free speech #FreeSpeech
It’s clear to see why #PutPennyOnTheBallot is trending this evening - consistently polls as the candidate most likely to win the Conservatives a historic 5th term. That deserves to be put to the members.
Yesterday the Chancellor announced his plan for a new era of growth. It’s bold, it’s unashamedly pro-growth and it will help people and businesses across the country.
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I am considering a range of possible measures, including reporting the NUS to the Charity Commission & full suspension from all engagement with Government - to be replaced by alternative student voices- unless they take immediate steps to regain the confidence of Jewish students.
My article in on why we need Liz Truss as the next Prime Minister.
thetimes.co.uk/article/sunaks
#Liz4Leader
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will you listen now and back the bill?
Only can unite the , deliver for the British public and ensure our best days our yet to come. #Liz4Leader
🇬🇧 Delighted to be supporting in the Leadership Contest. Tough, driven and determined, I’ve no doubt that Penny has the skills, vision and experience to lead our party, and our country, through these difficult times ahead. #PM4PM
People across the country are backing Penny’s no-nonsense plan to get us back on track. We need a PM that wants to serve the country above all else, put petty squabbles aside and get on with the job. Leadership is about putting the public 1st, and that’s why we need #PM4PM
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This is the second time in ten years the NUS has elected a President with a history of antisemitic works. While many in the NUS are genuinely committed to equality, this speaks of an organisation with deeper, systemic issues.
is clearly the candidate who can unite the and deliver for the British public plus her policies will mean our best days are yet to come. That’s why we are backing #Liz4Leader
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Our Freedom of Speech Bill, currently before Parliament, will ensure universities continue to do more to not only protect academic freedom but also promote it & end the culture where some believe they can threaten, intimidate & harass those with whom they disagree to silence them
The Online Safety Bill is back and I’ve made some changes.
It now includes stronger protections to keep children safe, and new duties to support free speech and give more power to users.
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Dissent, disagreement, debate and peaceful protest are fundamental to any democratic society. Physical intimidation or threats against those with different views is always unacceptable and action must be taken against the perpetrators.
It’s appalling that and don’t see academics requiring police protection as a problem. The idea that some views need to be met with physical violence or threats has absolutely no place in our country, let alone on our university campuses. thetimes.co.uk/article/8ade7a
“We cannot tax our way to growth” the no-nonsense, common sense candidate who gets things done #Liz4PM #CHELTENHAM #Conservatives
We can’t tax our way to growth and the idea that we can continue with the highest tax burden in 70 years whilst folk face a cost of living crisis is for the birds - we need to be on their side and let them keep more of their own money #Liz4Leader
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This only reinforces the need for our Free Speech Bill. Will finally wake up and realise there is a problem?
Great intro speech by in hustings Cheltenham - he was spot on - has proven she can deliver and her vision for our country is exactly what we need #Liz4Leader
We need a leader who is prepared to get ahead of Britain’s problems, not simply to react to them after they hit. Have a read of why is that leader, and about her plan to help us beat low growth and skills gaps before they become ingrained
mailplus.co.uk/edition/news/n
STUDENT MESSAGE 1: Universities are responsible for their own fees but the Government has been VERY clear if universities want to continue charging the full fees, they are expected to maintain the quality, quantity and accessibility of tuition.
The Turing scheme will open up the world to British students from all backgrounds
Unbelievable decision by . It lets down students & parents. Students shouldn’t be on a different path - restrictions have been lifted. Their position isn’t reflective of vast majority of our great unis. I will call their President today
Absolutely honoured and thrilled to be promoted by to Minister of State in . Very excited to continue to work with !
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To all the SUs doing good work for your students in universities across england, please, ask yourself how your ongoing association with the NUS will make many Jewish students feel. It is a difficult step, but it’s time to consider disaffiliation, unless matters improve quickly.
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I always focus on what matters to my constituents, which is cost of living and delivering the manifesto that I, and this government was elected on. 3/3
Congratulations to the first recipients of our #LifeSciencesInnovativeManufacturingFund. Our life sciences industries are a huge asset, and today’s £17m grants have unlocked £280m in private investment. We’re backing the UK to become the leading Life Sciences destination! 🔬 🧪
It’s great to be back after myself and my husband welcomed a baby boy. Huge thanks to for her maternity cover. Looking forward to driving policy and DSIT’s work on some of the UK’s most important areas, developing tech to improve lives & creating jobs of the future.
Today we're launching our mission to make the UK a science and tech superpower. The £370m for things like AI and bioengineering announced today will be the starting gun for a Britain that lives smarter, longer, happier and healthier. 🔬🇬🇧🛰️ Read more in my piece for 👇
Students deserve a fair deal.
There are no government restrictions on face to face teaching.
I've written to every university, making clear we expect them to be offering a high quality face-to-face student experience, in both teaching and extra-curricular activities.
Congratulations to Professor Sarah Gilbert who has been awarded an RSA medal for her work on the coronavirus vaccine. Her and her team are a huge credit to and our world class higher education system #InternationalWomensDay
The International Technology Strategy takes us even closer to becoming a tech superpower by 2030🌍
Yesterday I launched this strategy with to boost the talent and ambition of UK tech, which created the telephone, the world wide web & the electric light bulb💡
I think as we enter some of the toughest times for the global economy in memory, we need a leader with a strong track record for asserting Britain’s place in the world. Supporting our allies, attracting trade & turbocharging innovation is what will do
Beyond excited to be heading to Liverpool for the Insignia exchange. 🇮🇹➡️🇬🇧🇺🇦🎤
I am a HUGE fan, and am particularly looking forward to meeting to discuss how we plan to put Ukraine at the heart of this event.
I am on my way to Brussels today to meet with and discuss the UK’s association to Horizon, as we look to push forward these vital discussions 🇪🇺🇬🇧
gov.uk/government/org
New Labour's obsession with targets and quotas pushed people into courses that didn’t get them into graduate jobs. One size fits all token targets might get people in the door but they don’t help people to get on in life which is my relentless focus.
thetimes.co.uk/article/seven-
Very sad news from Brazil this evening. As the only player to win three World Cups, I'm sure many of us will look back on Pele's life tonight and consider him not only one of the greatest sportspeople of all time, but one of THE global icons of the 20th century.
Science and technology can change our world and improve lives by opening the door to stronger growth, better jobs and bold new discoveries.
And that's what the brand new Department for Science, Innovation and Technology aims to do.
gov.uk/government/new
Today and I have announced £100m for a new Taskforce to increase the UK’s capabilities in AI foundation models, which include large language models like ChatGPT.
will advise us on the development of the taskforce 🎥👇
gov.uk/government/new
The delivery of the new Framework announced today will begin immediately with an initial raft of projects, worth around £500m in new and existing funding, which will help ensure the UK has the skills and infrastructure to take a global lead in game-changing technologies.
Today marks my last day as Secretary of State for a little while as I go on a short maternity leave, and I’ve been reflecting on the amazing achievements of the department over the past few months.
Here are a few of my proudest moments so far 🔽🧵1/14
Huge congratulations to Liverpool. The city loves music and knows how to throw a party, so I’ve no doubt it will host a spectacular experience for the thousands in attendance and millions watching at home on the . #Liverpool #Eurovision2023 #WeStandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 🇬🇧
Having a growing economy means we can fix our problems at their source. The British people want a bold, principled and decisive leader who is going to tackle our challenges head-on and put their priorities first is undoubtedly that leader. #Liz4Leader
Prime Minister has listened and acted decisively today to ensure that our vitally important plan to protect jobs and grow the economy goes ahead. We must come together and focus on delivering.
We can not walk willingly into a recession - we need to change course - we need and her plan.
#Liz4Leader
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My letter to all students outlining the guidance if they are still planning to return home for Christmas, including to and from Tier 4 areas.
Students would be joining an existing household and will not count as a separate one.
The details of the events which led to Molly Russell’s death are heartbreaking. The inquest has shown the horrific failure of social media platforms to put the welfare of children first. We owe it to Molly’s family to do everything in our power to stop this happening again. 1/2
This is disgusting and need action to be taken 👇🏻
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Keir Starmer must act over Rupa Huq’s digusting comments at #LPC22 about the Chancellor.
“Superficially he is a black man” because he’s Conservative is a vile thing to say.
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Results of my Chippenham constituency survey on the next Prime Minister clear favourite
Today I spoke with many University Vice Chancellors about the great work they are doing to help with the #community fight against #COVID2019. I want to say a massive thank you for all the work you are doing to support students at this time as well helping with the National effort
87% of Nobel Prize winners came from academically free countries, while 1% came from academically restricted countries. Free speech is about more than fairness, it’s the lifeblood of a world class university system. We need to protect it.
If true, this is utterly appalling and shows yet more evidence of a toxic culture in the NUS that further alienates it from those it should represent. I am preparing a range of measures the Government can take unless things change quickly.
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"Highly dangerous and highly irresponsible”: Sir Mark Rowley (fmr counter-terror boss at Met) responds to @LBC after we reveal students at a workshop held at the NUS’s annual conference were told not to report anyone they were concerned about to Prevent.
lbc.co.uk/news/students-
The continued success of the world leading UK tech sector is a Government priority - we’ve worked through the night to get this done. Safeguarding thousands of jobs without the need to spend taxpayer money.
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Silicon Valley Bank UK has today been sold to @HSBC.
This transaction has been facilitated by the @bankofengland in consultation with HM Treasury.
No taxpayer money is involved and customer deposits have been protected.
Find out more 
gov.uk/government/new
gov.uk/government/newA quick update from the train back to London after a productive day meeting with EU Commissioner in Brussels today.
When it comes to international collaboration, I'm determined to get the best outcome for UK scientists, researchers, innovators and businesses.
Sending my thoughts and prayers to HM The Queen and the whole Royal Family as we await news about her medical supervision. I am sure everyone across the country will be wishing Her Majesty well at this difficult time.
Today, I met with and EU research & business stakeholders in Brussels to discuss the UK’s expectations and terms of association with .
I’m determined to get the best deal for our leading British scientists when it comes to international collaboration.
I know many students are worried about what Covid-19 means for their future. I’ll be answering your questions about exams and university live on Facebook today at 3:30pm with &
(🧵1/3) Straight to work at DCMS, where I was delighted to be appointed Sec of State last night. Packed first day relaying my passion for digital, tech and the creatives to be the engines of UK growth - before heading to the home of British innovation, the Science Museum.
Delighted to get back to work as Secretary of State for after my maternity leave.
From expanding rural connectivity and delivering the Online Safety Bill to bold AI plans, I'm looking forward to continuing the government’s mission across our future technologies.
Penny stood out in tonight’s debate as someone who isn’t in this for the career, but because she believes in public service. She is running her campaign in the same we she will govern: no-nonsense, principled and determined. #PM4PM
I condemn the appalling & antisemitic intimidation of the Israeli Ambassador at the London School of Economics last night after the event. It is distressing that another incident has shown the importance of our work on both free speech and antisemitism.
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1/4 Ambassador @tzipiHotovely was invited to speak with students at the @LSEnews about the new era in the #MiddleEast. It was a successful, open and fruitful discussion that went ahead as planned. Outside the venue, there was a demonstration organised by
Art is for everyone, no matter where you live. That's why we're increasing arts funding in culturally deprived areas by 95% spreading it across England. Yorkshire & the Humber is getting a 35% increase - brilliant to see some of their world-class culture for myself yesterday
I’m pleased to see that more 18 year old applicants in England have achieved their first choice Higher Education offer today than on Results Day last year #AlevelResults #universities #ExamResults #resultsday2020
This has been a difficult week for all of us. I have been impressed by the resilience of our University staff and students. Many of whom have also joined the community fight against #COVID19 helping in multiple ways. Thank you!
Inspiring to join to meet today. Extraordinary ambassadors for sport. We will continue to invest in grassroots sport to bring on the next generation of Lionesses and I'll work with to ensure girls have equal access to sports #letgirlsplay
Today I'm launching our International Tech Strategy alongside , to deepen collaboration with our allies and turn the technologies of tomorrow into global industries🌍
Driving UK growth while strengthening our national security💪🏻
gov.uk/government/new
I have just joined an industry roundtable to discuss the Silicon Valley Bank UK situation.
We recognise that the tech sector is often not cashflow positive as they grow and I am determined to stand with them as we do everything we can to minimise impact on the sector.
This week and I met to discuss and our goal to make the UK the most innovative economy in the world.
His insight and expertise were invaluable and I look forward to working with partners across the globe as we develop our science and tech capabilities.
University students on critical courses such as medicine and healthcare will still receive face-to-face education and can still travel back to campus as planned. Universities will confirm the list of eligible courses with their students: gov.uk/guidance/natio
Welcome to who will be picking up the baton as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation & Technology today as I go on a short maternity leave.
After an incredible first few months of I'm excited to see what the department achieves next.
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A warm welcome to Chloe Smith, the new Secretary of State at @SciTechgovuk 
@NorwichChloe will be championing British science, innovation and technology while @MichelleDonelan takes a short maternity leave.
More on recent appointments: gov.uk/government/new
@NorwichChloe will be championing British science, innovation and technology while @MichelleDonelan takes a short maternity leave.
More on recent appointments: gov.uk/government/new
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Today I established a Higher Education Taskforce with various sector representatives. We will identify & resolve some of the challenges now faced esp around capacity. We will continue to meet daily as our priority remains students. A letter to students & VCs is also on the way!
We should continue to raise the quality bar in our world leading universities for all students. Suggesting students from disadvantaged backgrounds benefit from lower standards is offensive, patronising and plainly wrong.
I have no hesitation in saying that diversity of opinion is just as important as diversity of background.
Today at I set out the Government's enduring commitment to protect freedom of speech in our universities.
Gross intolerance of this kind causes immense damage to academics & students. This new report gives greater weight to my view supported by the candidate I’m backing for PM , that free speech in our education system must be protected & promoted
