Russell Group writes to new Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Exchequer

07 September 2022

In a letter to the new Prime Minister and Chancellor, the Russell Group has set out the benefits of discovery research, innovation and talent development to the economy and urged Government to maintain investment in them to deliver growth and prosperity for the UK.

Following the confirmation of the new UK Government, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, has written to the Prime Minister Liz Truss and Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng extending his congratulations as they take on their new offices.

The letter sets out how the UK’s strengths in discovery research, innovation and talent development can play a pivotal role in making the country more sustainable and prosperous for the long-term, as well as where Russell Group universities can help deliver positive outcomes for the whole of the UK and support the new Government’s pro-growth economic approach.

In the letter, published today (7 September 2022), Dr Bradshaw added: "Continuing to deliver on research and innovation, and protecting the future talent pipeline, will send a clear signal about the UK’s ambition to build an ideas-driven economy and tackle challenges like climate change and health inequality.

"When Government and universities work together in a genuinely collaborative fashion, the potential benefits to our country are huge and I hope we can work with you to build the strong recovery the UK needs."

The full letter can be found below.