Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what recent discussions he has had with the Science and Technologies Facilities Council on the potential impact of the withdrawal of funding for e-Merlin at the Jodrell Bank on the UK's reputation for radio astronomy.

I met with the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) Executive Chair, Professor Michele Dougherty, in August to discuss the council’s strategic programmes and infrastructure investments. Current funding for e-MERLIN remains in place until 31 March 2028, allowing for a managed transition for the research community. To maintain the UK's long-term capability in radio astronomy, the Government continues to prioritise investment in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, with £327 million committed between 2021 and 2030. Jodrell Bank will continue to host the international SKAO headquarters, supporting global scientific collaboration.