Burnham Vows to Rescue Jodrell Bank After UKRI Funding Cut
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has pledged to secure alternative funding for the Jodrell Bank Observatory, vowing to prevent the closure of the Lovell telescope despite a decision by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to end financial support in March 2028. The site, which houses the world's third-largest steerable radio telescope, faces a deadline of April 1, 2028, for all scientific observations to cease unless new funding is found. Burnham described the observatory as a vital heritage and research asset, committing to finding a solution after being questioned in the House of Commons by Congleton MP Sarah Russell. While UKRI cited a comprehensive prioritization process for the cut, scientists and over 150 public figures, including astronauts and musicians, have condemned the decision as scientifically misguided. The move threatens approximately 28 jobs and disrupts the e-Merlin array, a network of telescopes operated by the University of Manchester. Burnham acknowledged the changes in research funding but emphasized the need to preserve the site's unique historical and scientific value, promising to meet with local MPs to address the issue.