Government response to Don’t fail to scale: seizing the opportunity of engineering biology

This is the government's response, published 17 March 2025.

Summary written by Accountability Index from the government's response. It is not the government's own words.

The government welcomes the Lords report, says it agrees that engineering biology offers 'significant economic growth and impact', and accepts or agrees with most recommendations, with some qualifications and one it is 'not currently in a position to accept'.

• On the Industrial Strategy, it says it "will introduce a new Industrial Strategy in Spring 2025" and, on a national sector champion, that it "will work internally and with the sector to explore the feasibility" of one.
• On the £2 billion funding target, it does not recommit to it; it says further details of allocation "will be announced in due course", with departmental settlements announced in June.
• On immigration health surcharge and visa costs, it states it "is not currently in a position to accept this recommendation", citing the principle that those who use the immigration system should contribute to its cost.
• On DNA synthesis screening, it "will consider putting the guidance on a statutory footing in the future if we deem it necessary and appropriate", stating that moving too quickly risks damaging the sector.

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