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

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of reductions to Science and Technology Facilities Council programmes on regional growth and high-skilled jobs in regions of the country facing cuts.

Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC), as part of UK Research & Innovation (UKRI), completed an evidence-based prioritisation exercise to ensure its portfolio remains financially sustainable and focused on the highest-priority scientific opportunities. As part of this process, STFC grant funding for Particle Physics, Astronomy and Nuclear Physics postdoctoral researchers was maintained at 2025/26 levels, while PhD studentships and fellowships were also protected helping to sustain the UK's skills base, research expertise and long-term scientific capability.

STFC continues to invest in major research infrastructure that supports regional growth and high-skilled employment, including £327 million in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) between 2021 and 2030. Headquartered in the North West, SKAO is expected to unlock around £225 million of foreign direct investment and £280 million of additional UK economic value.