During the first ten days of the new Government three references were made about STEM.  The first was in the House of Lords and was part of the Kings Speech organised by Jean Coussins. Here is some of her text, the rest of the information is available here:

A plan of action was submitted by the All-Party Group on Modern Languages to the then Schools Minister in February, so I hope the new Government will support this and start notching up some early changes and successes, knowing that the benefit of trips and exchanges not only applies to the take-up of languages but enhances many other areas of the curriculum, including geography, history, STEM subjects, art and sports. There is also an important positive impact of reciprocal mobility schemes on the supply chain for MFL teachers, and we know from DfE figures that we are looking at a chronic shortage there, second only to maths.

The second comment was made in Parliament on the 22nd of July relating to “Aerospace Industry: Northern Ireland”, organised by Liberal Democrats MP, Sarah Dyke the MP for Glastonbury and Somerton and here is her text:

In a segue from Northern Ireland to Somerset, Leonardo is an aerospace manufacturer located just outside my constituency. Last month it held its AeroWomen event to highlight the diversity of careers for women in the sector. Does the hon. Member agree that the Government can play a role in encouraging more girls and women to study science, technology, engineering and maths—STEM subjects—and to work in this field, which would help to close up the skills shortages that the industry faces?

The final item was in the House of Lords on 26th July in the context of “Education for 11- to 16-Year-olds (Committee Report)” by Jim Knight, a Labour member from Weymouth and this is his comment:

My Lords, it is a pleasure to follow that excellent speech from the noble Baroness. I should, however, start by reminding your Lordships of my education interests in the register, particularly as chair of the boards of the E-ACT multi-academy trust, STEM Learning and CENTURY Tech. I also sit on Pearson’s qualifications committee.