London(UK)- In their most recent policy announcements, Rishi Sunak pledged to make Britain a “science superpower.” At the same time, Liz Truss promised to put the West Midlands “at the heart of our economic revival.”
As the leadership race enters its final fortnight, the Tory candidates continue to lay out their visions for the country, with the pair set to face off at tenth hustings in Birmingham on Tuesday night.
Before the event, the former chancellor pledged to create a “better UK alternative” to Horizon Europe, the EU’s flagship research programme.
It comes after the government filed a lawsuit over “persistent delays” in accessing the EU’s scientific programmes following Brexit, in the latest squabble between the two sides.
The Sunak campaign accused the EU of dithering and “playing politics” with Horizon, the bloc’s key research and innovation funding programme.
Mr Sunak’s allies said that while his administration would continue to push for the UK’s inclusion in the multibillion-euro project, the move would demonstrate that the UK is willing to step away from “EU politicking.”
They said the new rival scheme would be paid for with the money the UK would typically send to the EU for participation in Horizon.
Mr Sunak also said he would “turbocharge clinical innovation” by making the UK’s approval system for clinical trials easier to navigate.
Another proposal would see local councils encouraged to put forward empty commercial and industrial space that could instead be used for laboratories.
Mr Sunak said: “My plan will secure our status as a science and technology superpower, providing opportunity and spreading prosperity in every part of our United Kingdom.”
Meanwhile, leadership rival Ms Truss sought to win over Tory party members in the West Midlands, promising to put the region “at the heart of our economic revival” if she became prime minister.
She said this would be achieved through her plans for lower taxes, better regulation and supply-side reform.
Ms Truss also pledged to deliver critical infrastructure projects, including the Midlands Rail Hub, and support West Midlands Mayor Andy Street to deliver the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill metro extension in full.
She said she would also put the government’s total weight behind efforts to bring a battery gigafactory to the region.
Ms Truss said the West Midlands “can play a critical role in a new economic revolution in Britain”.
The promises come as Mr Sunak and Ms Truss prepare to face an audience of 1,000 Tory party members in Birmingham on Tuesday night in a hustings event hosted by Times Radio.
There are just two weeks until a new prime minister is chosen on 5 September.
