A Complete Politicalisation of UK Science?

There are many areas of Science and Technology requiring substantial funding. Funding is limited. There has never been a 'perfect' way of allocating this limited resource. Vested interests and favoured groupings have always played roles. This has certainly been the case in the UK, where peer review has provided the basic allocation mechanism. The UK PM's 'plans' to make the UK a 'science superpower' (never afraid to use hyperbole?) are, however, somewhat disturbing (https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/uknews/boris-johnson-sets-out-plan-to-make-uk-science-superpower-as-sir-patrick-vallance-to-run-new-agency/ar-AALfArI?ocid=uxbndlbing). The PM is appointing Sir Patrick Vallance (who advised him over the Covid19 pandemic), to run a new Science and Technology Office. That body will be instructed to maximise the UK's scientific strengths. It will be close to government, as it will be based in the cabinet office. A new National Science and Technology Council, will also be established, to be personally chaired by the PM. That council will be actioned to provide strategic direction on the use of science and technology as 'tools' to tackle society's challenges and to 'level up the country'. This seems like a grab for UK Science funding for political exploitation. Several points can be made. Firstly, scientific and technological literacy, in UK government circles, has always been traditionally very weak. There are few science graduates in UK politics. Dressing up in a white lab coat, doesn't give the wearer any real insights. Secondly, there is a very strong possibility that politicians will push for 'pet' projects. Thirdly, science and technology might end up being used to mask government failures (e.g. in the eventual analysis of its performance over the Covid19 pandemic). Fourthly, failure by government to act decisively on important issues (like climate change) might be more easily hidden behind funded 'greenwash'. Fifthly, by this means, science and technology funding, can be offered as inducements (in the name of levelling up) to parts of the country, where the government has not been traditionally popular. This is generally described as 'pork barrel politics'. These changes seem unlikely to produce a 'science superpower'.