Jodrell Bank Observatory: Funding

Debate between Viscount Stansgate and Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath

Thursday 10th September 2026 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Stansgate]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the implications of UK Research and Innovation withdrawing funding for the Jodrell Bank Observatory.

[Baroness in Waiting/Government Whip (Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath) (Lab)]

My Lords, we recognise Jodrell Bank’s historic and continuing importance to UK science. Science and Technology Facilities Council—STFC—funding for the e-MERLIN radio telescope network remains in place until March 2028 but will not continue beyond the current agreement, following an evidence-based prioritisation process in response to rising cost pressures. We firmly support decisions that protect world-leading scientific research and ensure the long-term sustainability of the UK’s research portfolio. This is not a withdrawal from radio astronomy. The UK is investing £327 million in the Square Kilometre Array observatory to 2030, headquartered at Jodrell Bank.

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[Viscount Stansgate (Lab)]

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer. Since I first tabled the Question in July, I have been struck by the amount of public support there has been for Jodrell Bank, which is an iconic symbol of our contribution not just to radio astronomy but to world-class science. I am heartened by reports that the Prime Minister wants to find a way to preserve Jodrell Bank—which is, after all, on the doorstep of No. 10 North—but respected bodies such as the Royal Astronomical Society and the Institute of Physics have expressed great concerns about the extent of potentially devastating cuts to international partnerships, projects and UK astronomy that will do great damage. Is it true that the STFC has to find a cut of £162 million? Is that figure correct? Finally, does my noble friend agree that public support for science is vital if we are to utilise our science and technology expertise for economic growth and that projects such as this are part of a vital ecosystem that we cannot afford to put at risk?

[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.