Council leaders have united in opposition to multi-million pound funding cuts to science and research at Jodrell Bank Observatory, calling on the government to reverse the decision. The leaders of Cheshire East Council and the Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority have written to the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, demanding a rethink and a five-year extension of funding.
Council leaders demand rethink
In a letter to No 10, the leaders argue that Jodrell Bank is "far more than a local landmark" and describe the observatory as "one of the United Kingdom's most important scientific institutions". The funding cuts, they say, jeopardise the "active scientific function that gives Jodrell Bank its national and international significance".
The letter states: "We understand that UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) intends to withdraw funding from Jodrell Bank Observatory, with scientific observations expected to cease from April 2028 unless alternative arrangements can be secured." It urges the government to retain the £2.8 million annual funding for a further five-year period while a long-term solution is developed.
Telescope's future at risk
The Lovell Telescope, the UK's largest steerable radio telescope and the world's third largest, has been put at risk after UKRI announced it was withdrawing its funding. The telescope, a fixture of the skyline since 1957, is part of the e-Merlin array, a network of telescopes operated by the University of Manchester from the site. Under the plans, funding would end in March 2028, ending deep space investigation via the array unless an alternative funding stream is found.
A Manchester Evening News campaign to save the science funded by the annual grant has passed 2,000 signatories.
STFC defends decision
The Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) said it had undertaken a rigorous prioritisation process to focus investment on areas delivering the greatest long-term scientific capability. In a statement, STFC said: "The decision to withdraw funding from e-MERLIN at the end of its current funding agreement is the result of a comprehensive, evidence-based prioritisation process." It added that it continues to invest in Jodrell Bank's future through support for the UK's hosting of the SKAO headquarters, and that the current e-MERLIN funding agreement runs until March 2028, providing time to explore alternative arrangements.
The Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement is a separate entity and is not at risk as a result of the cuts.
