Spending Review: prioritise tech to drive Invest2035
On 11 June, the Chancellor of the Exchequer is set announce the next major fiscal event and complete the Comprehensive Spending Review. This will set departmental spending for the next three years and the decisions will shape the course for the rest of this Parliament, and decade...
The Spending Review, and Industrial Strategy (which we expect will follow the SR) mark a pivotal moment and a chance for the government to deliver actions that improve confidence for the UK tech sector and wider economy. The onus will be on the government to provide the stability necessary to drive investment and commit to true partnership with industry (read more on this here).
Spending Review, what do we know so far?
Phase 1 of the Spending Review 2025 took place alongside the most recent Autumn Budget (key announcements relevant for the tech sector can be found via our insight) and set departmental budgets for 2025 / 2026.
The government aim to use ‘Phase 2’ and this SR to deliver a mission-led, technology-enabled, and reform-driven settlement for public services.
Departments including the Department for Health and Social Care, and Ministry of Defence are rumoured to receive significant funding. The government also looks to boost capital spend and reduce day-to-day spend. Previous fiscal rules have freed up more than £100 billion in capital spend (longer-term projects) but this will mean a tight squeeze on day-to-day spending. Tech can play a role here, to make public services more efficient, user-friendly, and ultimately, more effective to improve lives.
Is growth still on the cards?
The UK Government is operating in a difficult environment, and economic and geopolitical headwinds continue to bite, but ‘growth’ is still the word.
The IMF has upgraded the UK’s expected growth rate this year to 1.2% from 1.1%, and predicts this will to rise to 1.4% by 2026, and reassured that an ‘economic recovery is under way’.
The domestic agenda for this government has been busy and a series of actions have signified steps to make change and guide growth:
- Pension reforms to create ‘mega-funds’ and pool more patient capital into infrastructure and high-growth firms (read more here);
- The AI Opportunities Action Plan to seize adoption and diffusion of AI across the private and public sector (read techUK take here);
- Announcing longer-term R&D budgets that mark an opportunity to improve private sector confidence in backing the best new research has to offer (read techUK take here);
- Planning reform to speed up planning decisions, make them more strategic and empower Mayors (albeit techUK call for more on telecoms infrastructure – read techUK take here);
- Action on regulation to ‘cut red tape’ streamlining regulators remits and reducing complexity in the regulatory system (read techUK take here)
But the government still operate in a difficult economic backdrop. Deloitte’s latest CFO survey showed risk appetite among CFOs has declined in the first quarter, with just 12% reporting that now is a good time to take greater risk onto their balance sheet. This was mainly due to tariffs, sanctions and restrictions to market access.
The pressure is on for the Spending Review, and framework of the new Industrial Strategy, to cut through the noise and support government departments with allocated spending portfolios that can deliver for, and with, the tech sector.
Our call for the government?
The government's multi-year spending review settlement must ensure the foundations are in place (skills, tax, infrastructure) to support the adoption, diffusion and scaling of digital tech across the whole economy. Budget allocation and investments should focus on key infrastructure and innovative technologies (including AI, quantum, semiconductors, future connectivity) that define the future and bolster the UK’s competitive advantage in already growing markets. Along with delivering on the vision of a modern digital government to support this.
But acheiving growth will only be possible in partnership with the tech sector. The Industrial Strategy green paper and AI Opportunities Action Plan recognised this. Industry has the deep expertise, risk appetite and use-cases to guide what will, and can, work. Their solutions are already enabling the delivery of more effective public services. AI and automation are reducing waiting times for the NHS, where GP practices trialling AI-powered triaging systems have been able to achieve as much as a 73% reduction in patient waiting times for appointments and the DVLA's plans to use automation to reduce wait times for licenses free up the backlog.
techUK, on behalf of our members, stand ready to support this - whether to back the UK’s high-growth firms at the forefront of cutting-edge innovation via our Scale-Up Action Plan, pursue global leadership in semiconductor industry via our UK Plan for Chips or to harness smart, principles-based regulation via our Pro-Growth Digital Regulation paper.
As we look back on this decade, it should be remembered as a time of bold action for ‘tech2035’.
For more on the Spending Review and Industrial Startegy, visit our Hub.
Antony Walker
Antony Walker
Antony Walker is deputy CEO of techUK, which he played a lead role in launching in November 2013.
Antony is a member of the senior leadership team and has overall responsibility for techUK’s policy work. Prior to his appointment in July 2012 Antony was chief executive of the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG), the UK’s independent advisory group on broadband policy. Antony was closely involved in the development of broadband policy development in the UK since the BSG was established in 2001 and authored several major reports to government. He also led the development of the UK’s world leading Open Internet Code of Practice that addresses the issue of net neutrality in the UK. Prior to setting up the BSG, Antony spent six years working in Brussels for the American Chamber of Commerce following and writing about telecoms issues and as a consultant working on EU social affairs and environmental issues. Antony is a graduate of Aberdeen University and KU Leuven and is also a Policy Fellow Alumni of the Centre for Science and Policy at Cambridge University.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07780603065
- Twitter:
- @techUKdepCEO
- Website:
- www.techuk.org/
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/antonywalker/
Edward Emerson
Edward Emerson
Edward leads the Digital Economy programme at techUK, which includes our work on online safety, fraud, and regulation for growth initiatives.
He has prior experience working for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport and has previously worked for a number of public affairs consultancies specialising in research and strategy, working with leading clients in the technology and financial services sectors.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-emerson-009189183
Archie Breare
Archie Breare
Archie Breare joined techUK in September 2022 as the Telecoms Programme intern, and moved into the Policy and Public Affairs team in February 2023.
Before starting at techUK, Archie was a student at the University of Cambridge, completing an undergraduate degree in History and a master's degree in Modern British History.
In his spare time, he likes to read, discuss current affairs, and to try and persuade himself to cycle more.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- linkedin.com/in/archie-breare-512346230
Alice Campbell
Alice Campbell
As Head of Public Affairs, Alice supports techUK’s strategic engagement with Westminster, Whitehall and beyond. She regularly works to engage with ministers, members of the UK’s parliaments and senior civil servants on techUK’s work advocating for the role of technology in the UK’s economy as well as wider society.
Alice joined techUK in 2022. She has experience working at both a political monitoring company, leading on the tech, media and telecoms portfolio there, and also as an account manager in a Westminster-based public affairs agency. She has a degree from the University of Sheffield in Politics and Philosophy.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Audre Verseckaite
Audre Verseckaite
Audre joined techUK in July 2023 as a Policy Manager for Data. Previously, she was a Policy Advisor in the Civil Service, where she worked on the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Bill at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, and at HM Treasury on designing COVID-19 support schemes and delivering the Financial Services and Markets Bill. Before that, Audre worked at a public relations consultancy, advising public and private sector clients on their communications, public relations, and government affairs strategy.
Prior to this, Audre completed an MSc in Public Policy at the Korea Development Institute and a Bachelor's in International Relations and History from SOAS, University of London. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, learning about new cultures through travel and food, and going on adventures.
Nimmi Patel
Nimmi Patel
Nimmi Patel is the Head of Skills, Talent and Diversity at techUK. She works on all things skills, education, and future of work policy, focusing on upskilling and retraining. Nimmi is also an Advisory Board member of Digital Futures at Work Research Centre (digit). The Centre research aims to increase understanding of how digital technologies are changing work and the implications for employers, workers, job seekers and governments.
Prior to joining the techUK team, she worked for the UK Labour Party and New Zealand Labour Party, and holds an MA in Strategic Communications at King’s College London and BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from the University of Manchester. She is currently taking part in the 2024-25 University of Bath Institute for Policy Research Policy Fellowship Programme.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07805744520
- Twitter:
- @nimmiptl
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimmi-patel1/
Theophile Maiziere
Theophile Maiziere
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- linkedin.com/in/théophile-maiziere-a32772111
Oliver Alderson
Oliver Alderson
Oliver is a Junior Policy Manager at techUK, working across Public Affairs and Digital Regulation policy. He supports the organisation’s engagement with government and parliament, contributes to shaping techUK’s regulatory agenda, and plays a key role in coordinating political outreach, policy projects, and flagship events.
He joined techUK in November 2023 as a Team Assistant to the Policy and Public Affairs team, before stepping into his current role. He has been closely involved in efforts to ensure the tech sector’s voice is heard in the policymaking process.
Oliver holds a Master’s in Policy Research from the University of Bristol and a BSc in Policy from Swansea University. During his studies, he contributed to mental health research as a Student Research Assistant for the SMaRteN network.
Outside of work, Oliver is a keen debater and remains active in the UK debating community, having previously led the Swansea University Debating Union. He enjoys exploring complex issues from multiple perspectives and values clear, thoughtful communication in policy discussions.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- 07505 890 596
- LinkedIn:
- https://uk.linkedin.com/in/oliver-alderson-a51312180
Jake Wall
Jake Wall
Jake has been the Policy Manager for Skills and Future of Work since May 2022, supporting techUK's work to empower the UK to skill, attract and retain the brightest global talent, and prepare for the digital transformations of the future workplace.
Previously, Jake was the Programme Assistant for Policy. He joined techUK in March 2019 and has also worked across the EU Exit, International Trade, and Cloud, Data Analytics and AI programmes.
He also holds an MA in International Relations from the University of Sussex, as well as a BA(Hons) in International Politics from Aberystwyth University. During his time at Aberystwyth University, he won the International Politics Dissertation Prize.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Twitter:
- @jww_tech,@jww_tech
- Website:
- www.techuk.org,https://www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwwuk,https://www.linkedin.com/in/jwwuk
Sabina Ciofu
Sabina Ciofu
Sabina Ciofu is Associate Director – International, running the International Policy and Trade Programme at techUK.
Based in Brussels, she leads our EU policy and engagement. She is also our lead on international trade policy, with a focus on digital trade chapter in FTAs, regulatory cooperation as well as broader engagement with the G7, G20, WTO and OECD.
As a transatlanticist at heart, Sabina is a GMF Marshall Memorial fellow and issue-lead on the EU-US Trade and Technology Council, within DigitalEurope.
Previously, she worked as Policy Advisor to a Member of the European Parliament for almost a decade, where she specialised in tech regulation, international trade and EU-US relations.
Sabina loves building communities and bringing people together. She is the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club and co-organiser of the Young Professionals in Digital Policy. Previously, as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community, she led several youth civic engagement and gender equality projects.
She sits on the Advisory Board of the University College London European Institute, Café Transatlantique, a network of women in transatlantic technology policy and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club designed for women.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Phone:
- +32 473 323 280
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
Daniella Bennett Remington
Daniella Bennett Remington
Dani joined techUK in February 2025 as a Policy Manager in the Digital Regulation team.
Prior to this, Dani worked in political monitoring where she was a consultant for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. In this role, she developed a strong understanding of parliamentary procedure, closely following all of the major developments in the tech centre and working with several key stakeholders and regulators.
She has an undergraduate degree in History from the University of Bristol and an MPhil in Modern European History from the University of Cambridge.
Outside of tech, Dani has a strong interest in addiction policy, particularly towards drugs, having written her dissertation on the topic as well as several subsequent research projects. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking and following all things motoring, whether that be F1, MotoGP or Formula E.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Twitter:
- @danibenrem
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniella-bennett-remington/
Mia Haffety
Mia Haffety
Mia joined techUK in September 2023.
Mia focuses on shaping a policy environment that fosters the expansion of the UK tech sector while maximising the transformative potential of technology across all industries.
Prior to joining techUK, Mia worked as a Senior Policy Adviser at the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) within the Policy Unit.
Mia holds an MSc in International Development from the University of Manchester and a BA(Hons) in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/miahaffety/
Samiah Anderson
Samiah Anderson
Samiah Anderson is the Head of Digital Regulation at techUK.
With over six years of Government Affairs expertise, Samiah has built a solid reputation as a tech policy specialist, engaging regularly with UK Government Ministers, senior civil servants and UK Parliamentarians.
Before joining techUK, Samiah led several public affairs functions for international tech firms and coalitions at Burson Global (formerly Hill & Knowlton), delivering CEO-level strategic counsel on political, legislative, and regulatory issues in the UK, EU, US, China, India, and Japan. She is adept at mobilising multinational companies and industry associations, focusing on cross-cutting digital regulatory issues such as competition, artificial intelligence, and more.
She holds a BA (Hons) in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of London, where she founded the New School Economics Society, the Goldsmiths University chapter of Rethinking Economics.
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Website:
- www.techuk.org
- LinkedIn:
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiahnanderson/
Daniel Clarke
Daniel Clarke
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
- Email:
- [email protected]
Authors
Mia Haffety
Mia joined techUK in September 2023.