Dominic Cummings to appear before MPs in first public appearance since leaving No 10
Former top aide to Prime Minister to be questioned by the Science and Technology Committee
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dominic Cummings is set to appear before MPs in his first public appearance since leaving Downing Street.
Wednesday morning will see the former top aide to the Prime Minister be interrogated by the Commons Science and Technology Committee.
Mr Cummings will give evidence on the Advanced Research & Invention Agency (Aria) – an independent body that he is regarded as the designer of – after concerns have been raised over a lack of transparency.
Launched just four weeks ago, Aria is backed by £800 million – as set out by Chancellor Rishi Sunak in the March 2020 budget – to fund “high-risk research” and to support “the most inspiring inventors to turn their transformational ideas into new technologies, discoveries, products and services” according to the UK government.
The government also describes the agency as having “a much higher tolerance for failure than is normal”, stating that “freedom to fail is often also the freedom to succeed”.
Mr Cummings will be appearing before the Commons Science and Technology Committee, which is comprised of cross-bench Members of Parliament, and will be discussing these issues of transparency.
Mr Cummings has not been seen within the confines of Number 10 since he left his role in November after appearing to lose a power battle with the prime minister.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments