There are no women in the government's new science and technology committee

Norman Lamb

The UK government's Science and Technology Committee has been criticised for failing to appoint any women to its new cohort of members.

The nine-strong, all-male committee was announced on Tuesday on Twitter and people immediately started highlighting its lack of diversity or scientific credentials.

"Good to see you've gone with the fully diverse package of both young AND old, white men," wrote Twitter user John Ottaway, who describes himself as a science geek in his Twitter profile.

Another Twitter user by the name of Tarjinder wrote: "I'm more concerned about the level of expertise in science/tech as that will have an impact on decisions made."

We are pleased to announce that our membership has been confirmed and @CommonsSTC is up and running: https://t.co/YniGfSyB07 http://pic.twitter.com/45uejKeTW6
— Sci & Tech Committee (@CommonsSTC) September 12, 2017

The Science and Technology Committee is tasked with making sure the UK government makes policy changes and decisions based on solid scientific evidence and advice.

Good to see you've gone with the fully diverse package of both young AND old, white men 👍
— John Ottaway (@JohnOttaway) September 12, 2017

I'm more concerned about the level of expertise in science/tech as that will have an impact on decisions made.
— Tarjinder (@teach_well) September 12, 2017

No women, two scientists. Great work - you're fully in touch aren't you? No wonder the lunatic fringes of politics are winning, fools.
— David Strover (@The_Strovinator) September 12, 2017

Apologies if I have missed something, but are there no woman on this important committee ? @uniofbrighton @BritishSciFest
— Prof Debra Humphris (@debrahumphris) September 12, 2017

MPs confirmed as new members on Tuesday include Norman Lamb, Bill Grant, Darren Jones, Clive Lewis, Stephen Metcalfe, Neil O'Brien, Graham Stringer, and Martin Whitfield.

The UK government is actively trying to encourage more girls and young women to study science, technology, engineering, and maths before going on to pursue a career that requires these subjects.

A spokesperson for the committee told Business Insider that each political party puts forward their own members through "well established processes".

They added that there are still three more people to be appointed to the committee and that some of the new members have raised concerns about the lack of diversity at present.

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