Incoming prime minister Andy Burnham is facing an early revolt from Britain's technology sector over reported plans to dissolve the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), just as he prepares to take office.
Burnham is set to become prime minister on Monday, formally taking over once Keir Starmer offers his resignation to King Charles at Buckingham Palace and the King asks Burnham to form the next government.
According to reports, officials have been asked to draw up plans that would split DSIT's responsibilities between an expanded Department for Business and Trade and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), as part of a wider Whitehall reshuffle. The plans have not been signed off on, but they have already caused unease among experts inside and outside government.
Tech Industry pushes back
TechUK and the Startup Coalition have jointly written to the incoming prime minister, urging him to reconsider, arguing the department acts as a single point of contact for researchers, start-ups, investors and policymakers, and helps turn government ambitions into practical support for the tech ecosystem.
Matt Clifford, who advised both Starmer and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on AI, criticised the proposal, arguing that dismantling X would be a mistake at a time when technology is central to both economic growth and national security. He also warned that the reorganisation would distract senior officials from more pressing priorities.
Timing under scrutiny
The backlash lands amid broader unease in the Labour party over some of Burnham's early moves, including the expected appointment of Shabana Mahmood as chancellor. Burnham's team is believed to be finalising government plans over the weekend, with major cabinet appointments expected Monday afternoon and a series of policy announcements likely including a cost-of-living package touching housing, energy and transport, to follow later in the week. Some in the tech industry believe there is still a window, over the next 48 hours, for Burnham to rethink the department's closure. Only time will tell what the next move will be.
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