WIREDGOV

techUK CEO Julian David comments on the 2015 Labour Manifesto

Launched yesterday, the Labour Manifesto set out some important elements for techUK members, including an ambition to "drive innovation and build on our strengths as a leader in digital technology" and references to robotics, genetics, 3D printing and Big Data. The Manifesto re-stated Labour's position on digital infrastructure, digital inclusion, apprenticeships and exploiting new technology and said that Labour would use technology to make public services "more inclusive, transparent and accountable", while backing the principle of "open data by default". It also set out a commitment to ensuring a long-term funding framework for science and effective oversight of the government's investigative powers – all issues that techUK called for in its own tech manifesto in September last year.

Commenting on the Labour Manifesto, techUK CEO Julian David said "The world is being transformed by tech and any successful vision of the UK's future must have the smart use of digital technology at its core. We are pleased that the Labour Manifesto, recognises the need to build on the UK's strengths and the sector will welcome the focus on raising productivity, using digital technology to reform public services, continued investment in communications infrastructure, a commitment to long-term science funding, and proper democratic oversight of investigative powers."

This insight is part of techUK's wider engagement with all political parties ahead of the 2015 General Election, building on our asks of the next potential government as laid out in "Securing our Digital Future: the techUK manifesto for Growth and Jobs 2015-2020"

techUK will be providing further analysis when all main party manifestos have been published later this week.