Wes Streeting will this week set out a plan to welcome 20,000 world-leading scientists, AI experts and engineers to Britain over three years – arguing that Donald Trump’s hostility towards global science means the UK should open its doors. The former health secretary, who resigned in May in protest at Sir Keir Starmer’s premiership, is preparing to challenge Andy Burnham and others in a leadership race that could be triggered if Burnham wins next week’s Makerfield by-election.
Streeting’s global talent programme would be housed in No 10 with a budget of £250m, loosening immigration restrictions to “attract the best and the brightest minds from around the world”. “Trump is saying to world-leading scientists, engineers, AI experts – you’re not welcome here. I would tell them: we’ll welcome you with open arms,” he said. “Voters who want lower levels of migration aren’t opposed to inviting tomorrow’s Nobel prize winners to make their discoveries here in Britain.”
“Wes Streeting proposes a £250m global talent programme for 20,000 scientists and using North Sea oil tax receipts to cut energy bills.”
In a speech next week, the Ilford North MP will also propose that tax receipts from two controversial new North Sea fields – Jackdaw and Rosebank – be funnelled directly into cutting energy bills and emissions. “Businesses and households are held back by high energy costs,” he said. “The tax receipts from new North Sea oil and gas fields should be funnelled into cheaper energy: insulation, heat pumps, and electrification to cut bills and emissions.”
The policy puts Streeting at odds with the energy secretary, Ed Miliband, who has faced intense pressure from the oil industry and opposition parties to allow production at those fields. Streeting argued that blocking new drilling would open the door to Reform UK. “Opponents of the North Sea say it sets the wrong example to the world. But the worst example we can set is that net zero can only be delivered on the backs of the poor and working people’s jobs. This is the route to Nigel Farage walking into Downing Street and destroying our renewables industry.”
The leadership hopeful’s intervention comes as Starmer’s position has looked precarious since Labour’s drubbing in May’s local and devolved elections, and after his defence secretary John Healey dramatically resigned last week in a row over funding. Streeting, who resigned as health secretary in May, has made it clear he will take part in any contest – a contest that could begin within months if Burnham succeeds in his bid to return to Westminster in next week’s by-election.