Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to Table 2 in the UKRI Budget Allocation, published on 17 December 2025, if she will itemise the wider priorities category of targeted investment in industrial strategy growth sectors, including spending allocated to i) climate adaption, environment and resilience, ii) space and iii) food, animal and plant health for each of the remaining years of the Spending Review period.

In addition to funding for the Industrial Strategy sectors, UKRI’s allocations towards strategic governmental and societal priorities and innovative company support include dedicated funding for wider priorities. This category is intended to be open to targeted investment in climate adaptation, environment and resilience, space, and food, animal and plant health, while retaining flexibility to respond to emerging priorities. Decisions on the detailed breakdown of funding across the specific areas will be taken in due course, informed by engagement with DSIT, other government departments, and external stakeholders including universities, researchers, industry and innovators. Further details of investments will follow in due course.

Other UKRI areas of investment may also have cross-cutting benefits for these areas, for example through investments in critical technologies and research infrastructure. UKRI will continue to manage its budgets dynamically to capture emerging opportunities and ensure maximum impact.