Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether the Knockin telescope will continue to operate as part of the e-Merlin network.

The Knockin telescope and the Jodrell Bank Observatory, from which the e-MERLIN telescope network is operated, are part of the University of Manchester’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) funding for e-MERLIN remains in place until 31 March 2028, but is not planned to continue beyond this date.

Decisions on the future operation of Knockin, including whether it continues as part of e-MERLIN, are therefore for the University as owner and operator. The University of Manchester is exploring alternative funding arrangements. The Department and wider government are supporting those efforts.