Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Research and Development Bonds

Tuesday 27 January 2026 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Chris Coghlan asked about the potential merits of issuing research and development bonds up to 20 billion and investing in the EU SAFE defence bond fund.
  • The Minister responded that she is looking forward to a future meeting with Chris Coghlan to discuss the matter.
  • Bill Esterson requested a meeting to discuss Treasury support for a mental health research and development project at Maghull health park.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Chris Coghlan Lib Dem Dorking and Horley
Defence Economy Brexit Science & Technology
Context

The MP references historical context of refugees fleeing Nazis who contributed to atomic bomb development and the success of US economic dominance through public R&D, drawing an analogy with EU SAFE defence bond fund for potential UK investment.

Question

If she will make an assessment of the potential merits of issuing research and development bonds of up to £20 billion. Will we invest in EU SAFE defence bond fund?

Answer from Lucy Rigby (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)

I am grateful to the hon. Member for his question. Indeed, he and I have discussed this issue previously. We are due to meet to discuss it later this month, and I am very much looking forward to that discussion.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide an assessment of the merits or a commitment to invest in EU SAFE defence bond fund.

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Q2 Bill Esterson Lab Sefton Central
NHS Science & Technology Mental Health
Context

The MP mentions a plan for a world-leading mental health research and development facility at Maghull health park in his constituency, which is part of Mersey Care NHS foundation trust.

Question

Mersey Care NHS foundation trust has plans for a world-leading mental health research and development facility at Maghull health park in my constituency. Will the Minister meet me to discuss how the Treasury might support investing in such an important research and development project, not least as it is fundamental to the Government’s plans for improving healthcare?

Answer from Lucy Rigby (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)

My hon. Friend raises an important point. This Government are investing an extra £29 billion in our national health service. I would be happy to meet him to discuss it further.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide specifics on Treasury support for the R&D facility but offered to meet to discuss further.

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