Esther McVey has accused the government of “scientific vandalism” after it cut funding for the telescope at Jodrell Bank.
Ms McVey said the £2.8 million cut would have widespread consequences, not only for the future of the observatory, its staff and the local economy but also the UK’s wider global standing in terms of science.
Ms McVey said: “Jodrell Bank has been at the forefront of radio astronomy research worldwide for nearly 70 years, supporting many hundreds of scientists to further their work in that time. It also is a very visible sign of the UK’s commitment to world-leading research.
“In terms of government spending, £2.8 million is tiny but the impact on our global credibility in terms of scientific research (should it be taken away) will be immense.
“I vehemently oppose these cuts and will work with whoever I need to, to try and ensure funding is reinstated.”
The Jodrell Bank site was first established in 1945 and pioneered radio astronomy and the study of galaxies. Since then, it has been played a vital role in the study of distant galaxies and training future astronomers.
Ms McVey has written to Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds demanding answers.
She said: “We need to know what assessments were made before this decision was taken, in terms of UK-based research, our global standing within the scientific community and the region’s economy.”
The UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) said it had no option but to cut the observatory’s budget because research costs for physics and lab costs had escalated.
Unless an alternative source of funding is secured, all scientific work at the observatory and its telescope network are expected to end on April 1, 2028
