Key Burnham ally joins Prospect calls to pause science cuts

Steve Rotheram, Liverpool Metro Mayor, has today called on the Prime Minister to pause controversial science cuts until the full impact can be understood. Rotheram, who is a key friend and ally of Prime Minister Andy Burnham made the call in a joint statement with Councillor Louise Gittens, Chair of Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority.

The statement comes as part of a campaign by Prospect trade union against the science cuts. Cuts to the budget of the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) amounting to 30% on nuclear, particle physics and astronomy have put hundreds of science jobs at risk and threatened the future of world-leading UK science sites such as Jodrell Bank observatory, the multidisciplinary hub at Daresbury Laboratory, Boulby Laboratory and others. Prospect, the trade union for scientists, represents the affected staff and haes been leading the campaign against the cuts.

Daresbury Laboratory is one of the facilities most affected by the cuts and lies within the Liverpool City region. It is Rotheram’s concern over this facility in particular, following a meeting with Prospect, that has prompted him to speak out.

In the joint statement Rotheram and Gittens say:

“Daresbury is not a run of the mill research facility. It is one of the UK’s two primary research and innovation campuses, UKRI’s northern headquarters and home to world-leading expertise in particle accelerator science, high-performance computing and AI.

“Its scientists, researchers and technicians are helping to develop technology for the Large Hadron Collider, test high-energy radiotherapy techniques with the potential to improve cancer treatment, and provide advanced computing expertise that helps British businesses to innovate and grow.

“These are highly specialised capabilities, built up over decades. The uncertainty over the future risks the loss of the very people who make them possible. Once that expertise leaves, it cannot just be switched back on when circumstances improve.”

The statement goes on to argue for a pause in the cuts:

“Decisions of this magnitude cannot be viewed simply through the lens of short-term savings. Their wider consequences for jobs, investment, skills and Britain’s ability to compete internationally need to be properly understood too.

“We are therefore asking government to pause the proposed STFC changes and undertake a thorough assessment of their economic and regional impact, with meaningful input from the places and organisations affected.”

Prospect are bringing an emergency motion to the TUC Congress next week in Brighton with the aim of formalising union opposition to the cuts and pile more pressure on the government.

Prospect senior deputy general secretary Sue Ferns OBE said:

“Science facilities like Daresbury are key institutions in local economies, creating high value jobs and anchoring local research clusters. Leaders like Steve Rotheram understand how important these research facilities are to their local economies, and it is fantastic to have his backing for our campaign to rethink these cuts.

“It is time for government to listen to the united voices of scientists, their unions, and local leaders and step back from the brink on these cuts before irreparable damage is done.”