Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Research and Innovation

Wednesday 18 March 2026 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Adam Thompson raised concerns about the Science and Technology Facilities Council facing a significant reduction in funding despite overall Government increases.
  • The STFC's budget is flat over the spending review period but has seen overspends in previous years, affecting funding for other projects.
  • The Minister highlighted the Government's commitment to funding UK Research and Innovation, including a 500 million investment in AI companies and 1 billion free compute for British researchers.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Adam Thompson Lab Erewash
Science & Technology
Context

The MP is concerned about the significant reduction in funding for the Science and Technology Facilities Council, particularly affecting particle physics, astronomy, and nuclear physics.

Question

I am concerned that despite the Government's increases in funding generally, the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) is currently dealing with a significant reduction in funding. Michele Dougherty, the executive chair of STFC, has placed the blame on decisions made before her arrival. The scientific community will feel the brunt of this funding crunch. What steps are being taken to ensure UK science is not damaged by STFC's historical failings?

Answer from Liz Kendall

A lot of concerns have been raised by the physics community about this issue. The STFC's budget is actually flat over the spending review, but there have been overspends in its budget over the past five years, leading to a lack of funding for other projects. STFC and UKRI are looking at how to balance their budgets, and they will engage closely with the physics community over the coming months.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific commitment to protect UK science from historical failings was not addressed directly.

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Q2 Adam Thompson Lab Erewash
Science & Technology
Context

The MP's constituent George works at the STFC, which is facing significant reductions in spending across various areas of science. The STFC has warned staff about potential job losses.

Question

My constituent George works for the STFC. He highlighted that UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is developing a model that significantly reduces spending for all areas of science under the STFC's remit, including quantum science, particle astrophysics, and theoretical physics. Given that the STFC has warned staff about potential job losses and ran a voluntary exit scheme last year, can you reassure the research community, including my constituent in Chorleywood, that the STFC science facilities and national labs have necessary funding and will continue commissioning excellent research?

Answer from Liz Kendall

I reassure constituents in Chorleywood and people across the country that this Government has provided the biggest ever funding settlement for science. The STFC's budget is actually rising slightly but is flat over the spending review period because of inflation. We need to get budgets under control with expert help, prioritising important research while backing curiosity-led research, especially in physics.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific confirmation about avoiding job losses was not provided.

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Q3 Gagan Mohindra Con South West Hertfordshire
Defence Science & Technology
Context

The MP is concerned about the technological aspects of modern warfare and the importance of UK research in defence.

Question

Modern warfare relies on technology, so UK Research and Innovation funding is crucial for our defence. When you have spoken with the Defence Secretary about the defence investment plan, which sectors has she prioritised for investment in UK companies—drones, space, cyber, chips? Could you outline your vision of the role of UK tech in defence?

Answer from Liz Kendall

The biggest thing we could do to strengthen our defence and national security is to invest in research and development. Our Government has provided the largest funding settlement for UK Research and Innovation ever, unlike the Tories who want to slash this budget by £6 billion. We are backing the defence sector with 10% of the defence equipment budget going to support UK businesses.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific sectors or companies were named in the response.

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Q4 Ben Spencer Con Runnymede and Weybridge
Economy Science & Technology
Context

The MP is concerned that the Government's procurement strategy may undermine UK Research and Innovation funding by directing billions to non-UK companies.

Question

If UKRI funding continues to be undermined, how will the Government's procurement strategy ensure investment in British tech solutions? Will you back Liberal Democrat amendments for a comprehensive digital sovereign strategy, backing British tech, research and innovation, crucial for our economy and national security?

Answer from Liz Kendall

I am proud of this Government's plan to back UK AI companies with £500 million, and £1 billion free compute for British researchers. We are overhauling procurement to support innovative tech companies in the UK, both large and small.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific amendments were not addressed directly.

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Q5 Victoria Collins Lib Dem Harpenden and Berkhamsted
Science & Technology
Context

The MP is concerned about the massive investment in UKRI but also highlights issues within STFC's funding.

Question

What steps are you taking to increase levels of funding for UK Research and Innovation?

Answer from Liz Kendall

This Labour Government has put in the biggest investment into research and development ever, with £38 billion for UKRI, including £14 billion for curiosity-led research. We announced an ambitious plan to buy quantum computers by 2030 backed by £2 billion—world first.

Answered
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