The triumph of the Lionesses on Sunday is yet another example of a British renaissance in many sports, such as cycling, rowing and swimming. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, Team GB won one gold medal; 20 years later in Rio they had 27 and we were one of the top three countries in the world.
This transformation into a sporting superpower was the result of a sustained programme, funded by the National Lottery, with clear leadership, ruthless decisions and long-term financial commitment that allowed athletes and coaches to train and innovate with confidence.
Whoever becomes our new prime minister next month will inherit a promise that Britain will become a “science superpower”. Making sure that this happens is the single most important activity with which
