Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, if he will make his policy to protect funding for life sciences research in the Budget, in the context of protecting and enhancing the status of UK cancer research.

The Government does not comment on future Budget decisions outside of fiscal events.

However, the Government recognises the vital role that life sciences research plays in supporting economic growth, attracting investment and improving patient outcomes across the UK. Through the Life Sciences Sector Plan, the Government has set out measures to strengthen the UK's life sciences ecosystem, including through investment in a new Health Data Research Service and action to improve the speed and efficiency of commercial clinical trials

The Government continues to support a strong health research ecosystem. Through the National Institute for Health and Care Research, the Department of Health and Social Care spent £141.6 million on cancer research in 2024/25, reflecting the high priority it places on cancer research.

In addition, the Office for Life Sciences’ Cancer Healthcare Goals Programme has been supported by £42.8 million of government funding to accelerate the development of new cancer therapies and technologies that enable earlier, more effective diagnosis.