Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, on what date Lisa Johnson of Starship Technologies was appointed to the Robotics Advisory Group; what process was followed in making that appointment; and what assessment was made of potential conflicts of interest arising from her employment.

DSIT established the Robotics Advisory Group (RAG) to provide the government with independent, expert advice on robotics and autonomous systems policy. The appointments were made following an open "Expressions of Interest" process run by DSIT in late 2025, which invited experts from industry, academia, and trade bodies to apply by submitting a CV and a statement of their expertise directly to the department.

Lisa Johnson was appointed to the group on 15 January 2026 alongside other members. She was appointed following an open expression-of-interest and assessment process, including ministerial approval, in line with what was the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology’s standard governance procedures. Lisa Johnson has declared relevant interests in accordance with the Department’s standard arrangements for members of external advisory groups.