Capita's takeover of Defra science agency needs scrutiny, say Labour

Labour and Unions seek reassurances over Capita's role in forthcoming Food and Environment Research Agency joint venture to ensure public science research is safeguarded against commercial interests

Unions and the Labour party have sought reassurances that the takeover of the running of the environment department's science agency by outsourcing company Capita will not see commercial interests trump public science.

On Wednesday, ministers said the government would retain a 25% share in the Food and Environment Research Agency (Fera), which will be run by Capita from 1 April as a joint venture in partnership with Newcastle University.