Cross-sector letter urges Government to commit to continued R&D investment ahead of UK Budget and Spending Review
The Royal Society of Chemistry has signed a cross-sector letter to Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP urging the Government not to undermine the long-term economic and societal benefits of research and development in the UK.
We have joined together with 37 other organisations to reiterate how important R&D can be in contributing to economic growth and improving the lives of citizens. The correspondence, coordinated and prepared by the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE), comes ahead of the upcoming Autumn Budget and Spending Review, which will take place on 30 October.
Since July's General Election, it has been extremely positive to see the new Government recognise the vital role R&D will play in growing the economy and delivering on its missions.
R&D drives productivity and economic growth and raises living standards, which benefits individuals and communities across the UK. Long-term investment in R&D will create good jobs and ensure that the UK is equipped to meet challenges such as mitigating and adapting to climate change, achieving net zero ambitions, improving human health and tackling other emerging global problems.
However, reports of a re-profiling of investment leading to additional costs in the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology's 2025/26 budget, with no extra financing provided to cover a shortfall, are very concerning.
It would mean deep cuts across other areas of investment, with significant negative consequences for the UK’s world-leading R&D sector, putting the brakes on growth and undermining confidence. Cutting UK R&D now would be a false economy: the sector would lose stability, expertise, and momentum.
In the letter, we urge the Government to use the Budget and Spending Review to commit to continued investment in R&D and signal, at home and abroad, that the UK is serious about R&D’s role in contributing to sustained economic growth. You can read the letter in full on the CaSE website.
You can support our campaign by writing to your local MP to highlight this issue and ensure science retains a prominent position on the agenda at Westminster.
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