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 the UK's international scientific partnerships.

Major international subscriptions, including participation in world-leading facilities and collaborations, are being fully protected through Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)’s prioritisation decisions. This safeguards UK access, influence and leadership in international scientific partnerships. 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. Options were assessed against scientific excellence, long-term research impact, strategic importance to the UK and international leadership. Prioritisation decisions relating to individual projects do not impact the UK’s overall commitment to membership of international research infrastructure like CERN and SKAO.