Funding of Jodrell Bank Observatory

That this House notes with grave concern the decision by UK Research and Innovation to withdraw £2.8 million in annual funding from Jodrell Bank Observatory, placing at risk the future of the Lovell Telescope and e-MERLIN, the UK's national radio astronomy network; further notes that, unless alternative funding is secured, all scientific observations at the site are expected to cease by 1 April 2028; recognises that Jodrell Bank is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a cornerstone of British scientific achievement, from tracking Sputnik in 1957 to its ongoing contribution to international radio astronomy and its strategic importance for space domain awareness, recognised by a NATO Excellence Award; is deeply concerned that this decision puts up to 28 jobs at risk, threatens the research of nearly 3,000 scientists worldwide, and undermines science education and the training of future researchers and engineers; believes that reducing Jodrell Bank to a tourist attraction with no live scientific function would be a closure in all but name and a devastating loss to the UK's scientific standing; further believes that the £2.8 million saving is a false economy set against the UK's £300 million investment in the Square Kilometre Array Observatory, whose international headquarters is sited at Jodrell Bank; and calls on the Government to halt the withdrawal of funding, work with the University of Manchester to secure a sustainable long-term solution, and reassure staff, scientists and communities that this national asset's future will be protected.