Research and Development Funding — [Peter Dowd in the Chair]

Emphasized the importance of research and development for economic growth, highlighting South Cambridgeshire's position as a life sciences superpower. Noted that companies like bit.bio are doing pioneering work despite being years away from commercial application. Advocated for increased funding in the biomedical catalyst scheme to leverage more private sector investment.

Concerned about the £120 million shortfall in UKRI funding and its impact on projects funded through ODA, including racial justice work at the University of Glasgow. Urges clarity on ARIA funding and calls for protection of international research collaboration. She also raised concerns about ODA spending reductions affecting research budgets.

The UK has a proud tradition of science, innovation, research and development that contributes £95 billion to the economy. However, the Government's failure to support this sector is concerning, with cross-party agreement on the importance of R&D funding being undermined by lack of action. The Government's cuts to overseas development are impacting international collaboration, while charity medical research has been ignored during the pandemic. Early-career researchers face uncertainty and job losses due to insufficient support from the Government. Regional disparities in R&D investment also persist, with the north-east receiving less per-head funding than other regions. She raised official development assistance and the impact of the pandemic on funding for BEIS R&D development programmes.

Mr Skidmore thanked the hon. Member for Cambridge for securing today's debate and praised the Government's renewed commitment to spend 2.4% of GDP on R&D by 2027. He highlighted his previous role as Science Minister where he advocated increasing both public and private investment in R&D, noting that other countries like Germany are now spending more than the UK. With only 302 weeks left until 2027, Skidmore emphasized the need for certainty and advance planning to meet the target.

He emphasised the need for adequate public research funding for brain tumours and highlighted that only 14% of UK spend on brain tumour research is from the Government. More than 100,000 people have signed a petition calling for increased government support in this area.

He congratulated the hon. Member for Cambridge on securing this debate and expressed disappointment that he did not burst into song at the end of his speech. Mr Clark highlighted the importance of UK science and technology in international collaboration, especially during the pandemic. He mentioned the government's commitment to invest 2.4% of GDP in science by 2027 and achieve a public R&D budget of £22 billion. However, he raised concerns about the uncertainty regarding UKRI's budget for the upcoming financial year and whether the UK's contribution to Horizon Europe would be deducted from the science budget. He also pointed out that temporary reductions in ODA spending are causing UKRI to terminate existing grants and unable to initiate new awards.

Welsh research is critical for global competitiveness, sustainable development and economic resilience. However, regional inequalities in R&D funding persist with Wales receiving only £250 per head compared to £587 in England. The MP highlighted the need for equitable funding to support marginalised economies like Wales and protect research projects at Bangor University. He raised the question of levelling up and ensuring that R&D benefits all areas across the UK.

Mr Shannon praised the Government's support for scientific research during the coronavirus pandemic and highlighted the importance of investment in healthcare and R&D. He questioned whether funding for Horizon Europe would be additional to the existing R&D budget, expressing concern over potential funding gaps. He also emphasised the need for collaboration between universities and businesses, citing Queen's University Belfast as an example.

Reminded hon. Members about the changes to normal practice due to hybrid arrangements, including amended timings for debates and a suspension between each debate.

Mr. McCabe congratulated the Member for Cambridge on securing the debate and welcomed ARIA's guaranteed life of at least ten years. He highlighted the need for long-term funding and support for research in areas like electric vehicle batteries and medical technology. He emphasised that unless there is significant support, UK will be behind Europe in gigafactory developments. Additionally, he called for a strategy to help regions outside London, South East, and Eastern England secure R&D investment. He focused on issues of levelling up and funding disparities in different regions.