General Election 2019

Read the Royal Society's response to the General Election results.

Activity during the campaign

During the election campaign, the Society engaged in a number of activities to secure the best outcome for science. Below is an overview of this activity:

Science and innovation drive the economy, create jobs and enrich our society. The UK is facing major challenges and opportunities in the years to come, from shaping the fourth industrial revolution and harnessing the potential of emerging technologies for the public good, to tackling climate change and supporting an ageing population. If the UK is to rise to these challenges it is vital that the next government steps up its commitment and equips UK Science with the tools and support it needs to unlock its full potential. 

Our manifesto – Science that works for society 

The Royal Society’s manifesto outlines key steps the next government must take in order to harness the potential of science to power a cutting edge UK. Read our full manifesto, and letters to Party leaders. 

1. Secure a good Brexit outcome for science, including full participation in Horizon Europe
2. Increase investment in science to 3% of GDP by 2030, with 1% public investment 
3. Improve our immigration system to support the exchange of people and ideas 
4. Deliver the right policies and funding to achieve net-zero carbon emissions 
5. Reform education to provide everyone with the skills they need for the future 
6. Support the ethical development and application of new technology for the public good 

Science on the doorstep 

Whether it is Brexit, or climate change, healthcare or the economy – all of the major issues that voters care about are underpinned by science, research and innovation. 

Our briefing for parliamentary candidates (PDF), looks at the top issues for voters according to polling data – and outlines why we need to support our research and innovation system to tackle them. 

General Election hustings on Science, technology, research and innovation

On Tuesday 19 November, the Royal Society co-hosted a General Election hustings.

The panel featured: 

• Conservatives – Stephen Metcalfe – Former chair of the Science and Technology Committee 
• Labour – Chi Onwurah – Science and Innovation spokesperson 
• Lib Dem – Sam Gyimah – Lib Dem BEIS spokesperson and former Science Minister 

This hustings was co-hosted with the Foundation for Science and Technology, Campaign for Science and Engineering, British Academy, Royal Academy of Engineering and Academy of Medical Sciences.

Find out more

Read more about the Royal Society's work on:

Brexit and UK science

Research and innovation in the UK