VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Science and Technology Facilities Council: Finance

Asked by Sarah PochinReform UKDepartment for Science, Innovation and TechnologyTabled Answered 19 March 2026UIN 908404

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of proposed changes to the budget of the Science and Technology Facilities Council on research facilities and programmes.

Answered by Ian Murray

The Science and Technology Facilities Council is currently working with the sector to model different spending scenarios for its portfolio in particle physics, astronomy and nuclear physics.

No final decisions have been made. The impacts of different scenarios and sector feedback will be considered when taking final decisions. We are clear that curiosity driven research must be protected.

The UK remains committed to physics and international physics collaboration, including as the second-largest contributor at CERN.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim