Health Research

Lord Davies of Brixton Excerpts

Wednesday 12th February 2025 Lords Chamber

Asked by

[Lord Davies of Brixton]

To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the implications for health research in the United Kingdom of the funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health announced by the government of the United States of America.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Care (Baroness Merron) (Lab)]

My Lords, the United Kingdom’s world-class health research ecosystem makes us a natural partner for the United States’ research and life sciences communities. When UK health researchers collaborate internationally, it is most commonly with researchers in the United States. While it is too soon to make a full assessment of the impact of any changes in National Institutes of Health funding on health research in the UK, we continue to monitor and remain committed to strategic UK-US health research collaboration.

[Lord Davies of Brixton (Lab)]

I thank the Minister for her reply. It is part of the Government’s policy to emphasise health research to improve the health service and to power economic growth, which is why the announcements of arbitrary and material cuts to research in the US have potentially bad effects, given the extent of international collaboration in research and joint funding. Will the Minister give a clear commitment to do whatever it takes to protect health services research in this country from the madness being perpetrated in Washington?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I note my noble friend’s observation. I certainly can give the assurance that the United Kingdom will continue to support and promote its research capability at home and, where we can, internationally. It might be helpful if I tell your Lordships’ House that, on 10 February, a United States district judge temporarily blocked the Administration’s cuts following a lawsuit which was led by attorneys from 22 US states. There is a further hearing scheduled for 21 February, so it is wait and see, and we continue to keep a close eye.