‘Cummings pet project’ research agency to go ahead, government confirms

The former No.10 aide wanted to create a ‘British Darpa’ but MPs say the plans are unfocussed

Dominic Cummings, former special adviser to the prime minister visited Barnard Castle during a national lockdown (Getty Images)

The government will press ahead with setting up a new research agency widely seen as the "pet project" of Dominic Cummings when he was in No.10.

Ministers say the Advanced Research & Invention Agency (Aria) - which Mr Cummings wanted to become a "British Darpa" – will carry out "high-risk, high-reward scientific research".

The £800m science and research body was last week christened “a brand in search of a product” in a scathing report by MPs, however.

The science and technology select committee said the proposed organisation, modelled on America's Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (Darpa) had an “unfocused” remit.

The project was included in two successive Queen’s Speeches in 2019, but today’s report found that government “has not clearly articulated the need for, or intended remit of, the proposed agency”.

The government on Friday moved to announce the policy again. Science and Innovation Minister Amanda Solloway said the agency would focus on "taking great leaps into the unknown".

Ministers say they plan to launch a recruitment campaign in the coming weeks to pick a chief executive and chair.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “From the steam engine to the latest artificial intelligence technologies , the UK is steeped in scientific discovery. Today’s set of challenges – whether disease outbreaks or climate change – need bold, ambitious and innovative solutions.

“Led independently by our most exceptional scientists, this new agency will focus on identifying and funding the most cutting-edge research and technology at speed.

“By stripping back unnecessary red tape and putting power in the hands of our innovators, the agency will be given the freedom to drive forward the technologies of tomorrow, as we continue to build back better through innovation.”