His contribution to the Commons discussion on changes to safeguard the funding of British embassies - that the policy of the previous Labour Government (of which he was a leading member) was "mad" - suggested that he will be offering up some pretty candid thoughts in future.

BBC: A Year On Part 2: The old lags flourishing in Commons

But it should not interfere with the long-term position that this government is committed to British science and is funding it very well indeed.

BBC: NEWS | Science/Nature | Poles 'vital for climate science'

It will also withdraw support from extremist groups - even non-violent ones - and cut off funding to those opposed to what the government calls "fundamental and universal" British values.

BBC: Updated anti-extremism strategy published

The new policy has seen the withdrawal of funding for groups the government says are non-violent extremists - organisations that it says oppose "fundamental and universal" British values.

BBC: Hearts and minds: London's street battle with al-Qaeda