Jodrell Bank Observatory: Funding

Debate between Lord Hintze and Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath

Thursday 10th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath (Lab)]

I recognise the strong public support for Jodrell Bank. It is not closing and will remain a vital UK science asset. As part of the STFC’s prioritisation exercise, to put the council on a sustainable footing, UKRI has protected discovery-led research in particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics, including the grant for post-doctoral researchers, which ensures that the UK leadership in those disciplines can be sustained in a more focused way.

My noble friend mentioned a figure of around £160 million. That is indeed the case by 2029-30, but UKRI is providing £135 million of transitional support between now and then. On the third point, I agree.

[Lord Hintze (Con)]

My Lords, I declare my interest in UK astrophysics, which I support through the Hintze Centre for Astrophysical Surveys. Embedded in this decision is the prioritisation of the SKA over e-MERLIN. What worries me is that there is no public data on why the SKA has been prioritised over e-MERLIN. Can the Minister please supply that data? I underscore that both are important.

[Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath (Lab)]

UKRI and the STFC made a strategic decision to focus resources on the next generation of radio astronomy capability. That decision was taken as part of an evidence-informed process and prioritisation exercise across our research portfolio.