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.

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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.

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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.

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