Thread by @RAEngNews

And now we kick off with each panellist outlining their parties' positions for R&D in the UK.
@ChiOnwurah says "We are committed to building an innovation nation" with the aim of increasing GDP to 3% by 2030 and scrapping tuition fees. #GE2019Hustings

"We are funding science at a faster rate than any other government...we're aiming for £18 billion to be spent on science by 2024" @Metcalfe_SBET shares what a Conservative government hopes to achieve #GE2019Hustings

"Science is an international exercise and requires international collaboration...funding will be continued and it is vitally important that the free movement of people carries on" @SamGyimah shares what a Liberal Democrat government aims to achieve #GE2019Hustings

Compelling question from the audience: " Do the speakers know what a post doc is, how many there are in the UK and what is their salary?" #GE2019Hustings

Great questions from the audience: How will the government ensure spending is spread equally across the UK? How will parties increase their own understanding of science to help direct policy? How do you aim to bring international talent here with brexit looming? #GE2019Hustings

The Academy works to ensure sustained investment in engineering research and innovation by demonstrating the societal and economic benefits they can bring.
For an overview of the Academy's work in this area: raeng.org.uk/policy/enginee… #GE2019Hustings

"We need a government that champions and believes in engineering – it will be essential for addressing climate change etc. We need to excite young people with engineering and the role that engineering can play in achieving net zero." - @ChiOnwurah #GE2019Hustings

@ChiOnwurah The National Engineering Policy Centre published a manifesto on "Engineering priorities for our future economy and society" to address many issues such as the engineering skills gap and climate change. See it here: raeng.org.uk/policy/nationa… #GE2019Hustings

@ChiOnwurah "We need to strike that balance between investment into research and development (ensuring both are equal) and getting it right is crucial but it shouldn’t be down to government to direct this" What do you think? #GE2019Hustings

@ChiOnwurah What do you think it your parties' strongest policy?
@SamGyimah - open immigration system is a critical success factor for the UK to attract the brightest and best
@Metcalfe_SBET - An education system that isn't narrow to maintain our position as a leading nation #GE2019Hustings

@ChiOnwurah @SamGyimah @Metcalfe_SBET What do you think is your parties' strongest policy? @ChiOnwurah - Infrastructure investment to create a denser innovation ecosystem. We want a green industrial revolution. #GE2019Hustings