Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

Departmental Contingent Liability Notification for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts HQ Project

02 September 2024 · Department for Science, Innovation and Technology

Proposed by Peter Kyle Lab Hove and Portslade

Foreign Affairs

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

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At a glance

Key points

  • UK Government seeks approval for two indemnities related to the ECMWF HQ project on the University of Reading campus.
  • One indemnity covers costs incurred by the university during construction.
  • Another indemnity addresses potential liabilities at the end of the lease term.
  • These actions aim to ensure the project's completion and ECMWF's continued presence in the UK.

Issue summary

This statement addresses the UK's commitment to fund the construction of a new headquarters for the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) on the University of Reading campus.

Action requested

The Government is seeking approval for two indemnities: one related to costs incurred by the university and another regarding potential liabilities at the end of the lease term. These indemnities are necessary to secure the project's completion and ensure ECMWF remains in the UK.

Key facts

  • The UK agreed to fully fund the construction of a new ECMWF HQ on the University of Reading campus.
  • Two contingent liabilities are required: one for costs incurred by UoR (£14.4 million) and another for potential liabilities at lease end (uncapped, estimated around £500k).
  • The project will maintain approximately 270-300 skilled roles in the UK with a net present value of £97m.
  • Detailed planning consent was received on 24 July 2024.
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