Department for Innovation Universities and Skills comments on reshuffle

John Denham, the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), has commented on the recent Ministerial reshuffle.

The changes see Lord Drayson, who along with Mr Denham also belongs to the Prime Minister’s new National Economic Council, join as Minister of State for Science and Innovation. Lord Drayson will also be attending Cabinet, providing the DIUS with extra influence and underlying the importance of its agenda.

Siôn Simon, the Labour MP for Birmingham Erdington, has joined as the new Minister for Further Education. His appointment follows that of Lord Tony Young, who will lead on engaging employers and learners in the Department’s skills agenda, particularly Train to Gain and apprenticeships.

David Lammy has also been promoted to Minister of State for Higher Education and Intellectual Property.

Mr Denham commented: “David Lammy’s promotion demonstrates how much progress we have made on getting recognition of skills as central to the country’s development.”

He added: "To support the UK economy through these challenges we need investment in talent and innovation more than ever.

"Talent and innovation are a key source of competitive differentiation in years ahead. DIUS is a key player in helping individuals, families and businesses. Working with our partners we directly support learners to improve their skills and gain sustainable employment; businesses to improve their skills base and become more competitive through Train To Gain; and students to go to university through financial support.

"Our science and research base supports this, and directly tackles some of the issues that will continue to cause economic shocks – such as food resources and climate change."