HARTLEBURY MP Peter Luff’s campaign to inspire more young people to take up careers in science, technology and engineering formally got under way as he introduced his Ten Minute Rule Bill to the House of Commons.

The Conservative’s Ten Minute Rule Bill, Science, Technology and Engineering (Schools Careers Information) Bill, is aimed at inspiring school-aged children to pursue engineering careers.

In his speech to the Commons yesterday, Mr Luff said: “Recent experience has shown me that the shortage of engineering and technological skills is one of the greatest avoidable threats to our nation’s prosperity and security.

“What I am trying to do in the Bill is simple and focused - to increase demand from young people, to make them more enthusiastic about pursuing STEM [science, technology, engineering and maths] subjects and careers, whether as apprentices or graduates.”

He added he wanted to “inspire them about the possibilities in engineering, science and technology, to show them by practical example and experience while at school that engineering and technology are exciting and important careers and then to sustain that interest throughout their time at school.”

After leaving the Chamber, Mr Luff said: “I am very pleased with the reception my bill got from MPs on all sides of the House. This shows an understanding of the real problem we face in the UK with a shortage of scientists and engineers.”

He added: “This Bill is the start of what I hope will be a successful two-year personal campaign to get young people interested in science and engineering. I am delighted by the positive reaction to this first step.”