Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies last week secured a debate in Parliament calling on the UK Government to recognise and preserve the value of charity-funded medical research.
Speaking in the backbench business debate in Westminster Hall ahead of the Spending Review, James emphasised the “extremely valuable scientific and medical contributions that medical research charities make” and highlighted the funding they have lost as a result of Covid-19.
He called for the Chancellor to consider further support for them, for example via a Life Sciences-Charity Partnership fund.
Speaking in the debate, he said:
“Charity-funded medical research has lost a great deal as a result of covid-19. If its contribution to the UK and, indeed, to the world is to continue, the Government must consider further support, particularly ahead of tomorrow’s spending review.
“Life sciences research and development is funded through a broad partnership between Government, universities, the private sector and charities. In 2019, charities funded £1.9 billion in UK research and development. This year, medical charities have seen the closure of their charity shops, the cancellation of fundraising events and a drop in public donations.
“The AMRC (Association of Medical Research Charities) estimates that such charities lost 38% of their fundraising income between March and May 2020, leading to an immediate shortfall of £310 million this year. Predictions go on to warn of a 41% fall in research spend in this financial year, and reports from the Institute for Public Policy Research expect a shortfall of up to £7.8 billion in UK research and development spending between now and 2027.
“The British Heart Foundation alone lost £10 million in revenue during each month of the spring lockdown, and current restrictions will cost another £7 million. Because of this, the organisation has already halved its research budget for next year - a reduction of £50 million. Likewise, Cancer Research UK has been forced to cut £44 million from its research spending. Unfortunately, this approach has been necessary among many other charities, too. The current trajectory shows that it will be at least half a decade until we return to pre-pandemic levels and without a change there will be significant implications for jobs and health outcomes.
“It is vital that we fund research to better prevent, diagnose and treat illnesses. Preserving charity-funded medical research needs to be a priority for the Government. We now stand at a crossroads and decisions taken in the days and weeks ahead can influence the future of charity-funded medical research for the next decade. As we reach the end of the transition period and want to retain our status as a global leader in this sector, we must provide the support that is necessary.”
Calling for the Chancellor to consider a life sciences charity partnership, James added:
“Organisations, including the AMRC, the Royal College of Physicians, the British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Muscular Dystrophy UK and the Francis Crick Institute, have all been in touch with me in the run-up to this debate calling for a life sciences charity partnership fund. This proposal centres on the three-year settlement to provide a match-funding arrangement that would contribute £310 million in year one to protect and enhance our status as a science superpower.
“Charity-funded medical research has been an intrinsic part of our national R&D ecosystem for decades, contributing to major scientific breakthroughs, the advancement of knowledge and economic growth. Without action soon, we risk years of poor research outcomes and thousands of highly skilled jobs being lost.”
The Spending Review announced £14.6 billion for research and development , including £400m for Universities and Research Institutions. James is now lobbying the government further to ensure charity-funded medical research is among the beneficiaries of this.
