techUK CEO Comments On Queen's Speech

21 Jun 2017 03:20 PM

Brexit is the main focus but cannot be the sole priority for new Government, says Julian David.

Commenting on the Queen’s Speech, techUK CEO, Julian David, said:

“This Queen’s Speech confirms Brexit will be the key priority of the next Parliament.    It will be crucial that the Repeal Bill, alongside legislation on customs, trade and immigration, recognises the importance of the tech sector to our economic future. It is right that the Government seeks to achieve the broadest possible consensus on Brexit across both Parliament and business.  This will mean focusing on the future needs of our economy and society.

“The Government cannot focus on Brexit alone.  techUK welcomes measures to radically reform technical education and give people the tools they need for the high skilled, high wage jobs of the future.  Invention is in the UK’s DNA so plans to support the space industry and electric vehicles will keep the UK at the forefront of innovation. 

“We support the Government’s commitment to maintain the UK’s world class protection of people’s personal data.  This will include implementing the General Data Protection Regulation, the biggest transformation of data protection rules in a generation.  The Government must have a robust plan to support businesses through this process.”

Commenting on plans for new measures covering online safety, Julian said: 

“The tech sector shares the Government’s ambition of making the UK the safest place to be online.  It will work closely with the Government on its plans for a Digital Charter and counter extremism measures.  However, there is a fine line between strengthening protection and over reaching rules that constrain the creativity of businesses and citizens.  Collaboration, cooperation and trust are key to creating a safe and secure digital world.”