Russell Group response to Spending Review 2020

25 November 2020

Responding to the Chancellor's Spending Review today, Dr Tim Bradshaw, CEO of the Russell Group said:

“Research and innovation are the best sources of solutions to the biggest challenges facing the UK – beating Covid-19, kickstarting the recovery, and creating a greener, more productive economy – so it is positive to see the Government recognising this with an ambitious package to support UK science. 

“Setting out multi-year funding for science and research shows the Government sees the potential benefits this investment can deliver for UK skills and innovation. We look forward to the Government setting out additional plans for investment in European research programmes in the coming weeks. While fiscal prudence is understandable, we urge Government to hold its nerve and deliver on the commitment to invest £22bn in R&D by 2024/25 as set out in their roadmap.  

“Research and innovation can also play a vital role in driving economic renewal in towns and cities across the UK. The Shared Prosperity and Levelling Up Funds offer an exciting opportunity to turbocharge this impact and support the jobs, high-level skills and local infrastructure that will build our communities back better and stronger.”

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