Julian David CEO of techUK - comment on The King's Speech 2023
Julian David, CEO of techUK, said:
“techUK welcomes the announcement of several tech-focused pieces of legislation today in the King’s Speech.
Transport:
“The introduction of the Automated Vehicles Bill is an important addition; passing the Bill at speed will allow the tech sector to develop and trial new services for which they currently lack the legal framework. This is essential to maintaining the UK’s leadership in self-driving technologies.
“techUK also looks forward to engaging with the Department for Transport on the Draft Rail Reform Bill, to ensure the changes reflect the need for a modernised and innovative railway – including through the delivery of Great British Railways.
Criminal Justice Bill:
“With the Criminal Justice Bill, we await more detail of the elements focused on digitally enabled crime and violence against women and girls experienced online, we look forward to working with the Home Office to build on some of the positive work that is already taking place across the tech industry to address these issues.
Renewables and sustainability:
“We are disappointed that the commitment made in the King’s Speech to attract record levels of investment in renewable energy sources and reform grid connections was not matched with primary legislation. We await further details on how the Government will work to modernise the national grid in the Autumn Statement.
Investigatory Powers Bill:
“techUK members will also have concerns about the proposed Investigatory Powers (Amendment) Bill.
“During the passage of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 the Government worked closely with the industry so newly designed powers were targeted and included safeguards for service users. Any changes to the Act must include a commensurate level of consultation.
“However, so far, the Home Office simply has not engaged sufficiently with businesses, driving concerns that changes to the regime could be expansive and disproportionate. This must be rectified at the earliest opportunity to ensure that any changes to the 2016 Act are effective, informed and focused on addressing any capability gaps the Home Office is able to evidence.
Final remarks:
“Finally, we welcome the continued commitment to the Digital Markets Competition and Consumers Bill, Data Protection and Digital Information Bill, Media Bill and the UK’s ascension to CPTPP.
“While the King’s Speech provides the legislative outlook, techUK members will now eagerly await further details on how the Government will boost the competitiveness of the UK tech sector at the Autumn Statement in a few weeks' time”.
Julian David OBE
Julian David OBE
Julian David is the CEO of techUK, the leading technology trade association that aims to realise the positive outcomes that digital technology can achieve for People, Society, the Economy and the Planet.
He leads techUK’s nearly 100 strong team representing over a thousand British based tech companies, comprising global and national champions and more than 600 SMEs and ScaleUP companies. techUK is the voice of the tech industry in the UK with 21 member led programmes covering all of tech from ‘Chips to Clicks’ and addressing 11 market sectors from Defence and Central Government, through to Health, Consumer Electronics and Financial Services.
In 2021 techUK launched TechSkills, the employer-led accreditation organisation that aims to improve the flow of talent into the digital workforce and open up access for all to high value tech jobs.
Julian represents techUK on a number of external bodies including the Digital Economy Council, the National Cyber Security Advisory Council and the Department of Business and Trade’s Strategic Trade Advisory Group. He is member of the NTA Advisory Board of DIGITALEUROPE and is a member of the Board of the Health Innovation Network the South London Academic Health Science Network.
Julian has over thirty years of experience in the technology industry. Prior to joining techUK, he had a series of leadership roles at IBM including Vice President for Small and Medium Business and Public Sector. After leaving IBM he worked as a consultant helping tech SMEs establish successful operations in the U.K. His personal interests include Football (West Ham, Balham FC and Real Madrid) and Art.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Twitter:
- @techUKCEO
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/julian-david-8013b817/
