Tim Roca MP has welcomed prime minister Andy Burnham’s “clear commitment” that the Government will find a way to safeguard the future of Jodrell Bank.
The commitment came during a debate in the House of Commons on 1st September, when Congleton MP Sarah Russell called for action to address funding cuts that threaten world-leading scientific research at the internationally renowned observatory.
She said: “Jodrell Bank faces a significant problem in the medium term because of funding cuts.
“Would it be possible for him (Mr Burnham) to work with me and No 10 North, alongside my friend and colleague, the Member for Macclesfield, to address this issue?”
In response, Mr Burnham committed to working with Mrs Russell, as well as Macclesfield MP Tim Roca, and No 10 North, to ensure that “a solution is found” and that scientific research at Jodrell Bank can continue.
He said: “Every one of my generation went on a school trip to Jodrell Bank, and there is no way that we can see its demise.
“It will not happen under my Government.
“I know that changes have been made in relation to research funding, but Jodrell Bank is a heritage asset for the country as well as a research asset.
“I will indeed set up the meeting. There must be a way to save Jodrell Bank, and I give her a commitment today at this dispatch box, we will find it.”
Mr Roca, whose Macclesfield constituency includes Lower Withington, said that he spoke alongside Mrs Russell in a Westminster Hall debate about the “enormous scientific, cultural and economic importance of Jodrell Bank and the e-MERLIN network”.
He said that Mrs Russell had “talked powerfully” about it being “a travesty” if e-MERLIN and Jodrell Bank were to cease scientific endeavour.
He has asked for Government reassurance that ministers will send a “strong message” to the Government that “we want a viable future for the continuation of amazing science at Jodrell Bank, and in particular the Bernard Lovell telescope and the e-MERLIN network”.
The minister for the future of work Kate Dearden said the concerns about the future of the world-famous Jodrell Bank site had “been heard loud and clear”.
“I will feed them back to the relevant minister.
She said UK Research and Innovation had confirmed that its funding for the e-MERLIN network, which makes use of telescopes at Jodrell Bank, would wind down in 2028.
“However, I want to provide reassurance that Jodrell Bank will continue to be a significant centre for radio astronomy, science and research, with a strong future ahead,” she said.
