European Framework Programme 10

Lord Markham Excerpts

Thursday 4th September 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Vallance of Balham (Lab)]

I am going to have to get somebody else to answer that question in writing, I am afraid, because I do not know the answer.

[Lord Markham (Con)]

My Lords, I think we would all agree that the UK has most of the leading universities and institutions in Europe. The result, as the Minister said, is that historically we punched well above our weight in this area. We contributed only 12% of the funds and received 14% to 15% of the funds back; now, in the latest round, we are still contributing 12% and receiving only around 10% to 11%, so we are now punching well below our weight. What can we do to address this now and in future rounds to make sure that our universities are not losing out?

[Lord Vallance of Balham (Lab)]

As I have said, we are actually above 13% for Pillar 1 in the university sector and we are increasing again. We took a big hit when we left—a very big hit—and it is taking a while to come back. We are now on track and doing better in increasing our share than any other nation in Europe. The biggest area on which to concentrate is the industry side. Industry took a big hit because of loss of confidence when we removed from the system, and that is going to take a little longer to come back.