THE PASSIONATE plea of Droitwich’s MP Sir Peter Luff for more female role models in science and engineering have been backed by Prime Minister David Cameron.
Speaking during Prime Minister’s Questions last Wednesday (April 9), Mr Cameron praised Sir Peter for his campaign to boost recruitment into science and engineering.
The Mid Worcestershire MP asked the Prime Minister for a response to a report entitled ‘Through Both Eyes’, by campaign group ScienceGrrl, which looked at under-representation of women in science and engineering careers.
In response, the Prime Minister said: “It is really important for the future of our country – not just for gender equality but for our economic future – to get more women into STEM subjects and into engineering.
“We are working with employers, professional bodies and academic institutions to implement the Perkins review of engineering skills, and I think one of the most powerful things is role models like the one that my hon. Friend mentioned in his question.”
And speaking after the debate, Sir Peter thanked the Prime Minister for a ‘thoughtful and generous reply’.
“This is a crucial issue for the nation. We are undergoing a manufacturing and engineering renaissance.” he said.
“British life sciences are world-leading, our technology sector is flourishing.
“But in all these areas we face a serious shortage of scientists and engineers – particularly of female graduates and apprentices.
“Worcestershire is a centre of advanced manufacturing. If local companies are to flourish, it is crucial we do more to bring boys and girls into science and engineering.”
