V

Viscount Stansgate (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 10 September 2026

Debate

Jodrell Bank Observatory: Funding

Contribution

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that Answer. Since I first tabled the Question in July, I have been struck by the amount of public support there has been for Jodrell Bank, which is an iconic symbol of our contribution not just to radio astronomy but to world-class science. I am heartened by reports that the Prime Minister wants to find a way to preserve Jodrell Bank—which is, after all, on the doorstep of No. 10 North—but respected bodies such as the Royal Astronomical Society and the Institute of Physics have expressed great concerns about the extent of potentially devastating cuts to international partnerships, projects and UK astronomy that will do great damage. Is it true that the STFC has to find a cut of £162 million? Is that figure correct? Finally, does my noble friend agree that public support for science is vital if we are to utilise our science and technology expertise for economic growth and that projects such as this are part of a vital ecosystem that we cannot afford to put at risk?

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