Jodrell Bank Observatory: Funding
Debate between Lord Bishop of Chester and Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath
Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath (Lab)
My Lords, I would not characterise this as replacing a national programme with a global one. UKRI worked closely with the astronomy community to make difficult but evidence-based decisions and choices that maintain a strong, balanced and sustainable astronomy portfolio overall. The UK has invested in the SKAO for many years as part of a range of astronomy investments. As a world-leading observatory headquartered in the UK, it helps to maintain British leadership in radio astronomy and delivers significant benefits to UK science and industry.
The Lord Bishop of Chester
My Lords, I declare the interest that Jodrell Bank is in my diocese, and we are rightly proud of the work done there, not least in releasing young scientists. What principles are His Majesty’s Government using in reviewing these projects, particularly in the communication of those reviews, in order that long-term stability might be prioritised?
Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath (Lab)
On communications, I think it has been recognised that communication can always be better and improved, and there is certainly a commitment from the Government to deliver that. I am so sorry—I know I should not say this—but I have momentarily forgotten the beginning of the right reverend Prelate’s question.
Baroness Ramsey of Wall Heath (Lab)
The principles are using an evidence-based approach and a prioritisation programme to look to the future, not only to our excellent and important heritage in our world-leading role in radio astronomy.