Prospect reps take science funding concerns to Prime Minister

Prospect reps from the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL) and Diamond Light Source spoke with Prime Minister Andy Burnham during his recent visit to Harwell Campus, raising concerns about proposed cuts to science funding.

Prospect reps took the opportunity to take their concerns directly to the Prime Minister, highlighting the importance of Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) facilities to UK science and the wider economy. They called for decisions on the cuts to be paused until a full assessment of their economic impact has been completed and asked for a meeting with the Secretary of State.

The meeting forms part of Prospect’s wider campaign against proposed cuts to the STFC budget, which could put hundreds of science jobs at risk and affect major UK research facilities.

Prospect has also secured support from Liverpool Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and Councillor Louise Gittens, Chair of Cheshire and Warrington Combined Authority, who have called for the proposed changes to be paused and their economic and regional impact properly assessed.