Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies has asked the Prime Minister to ensure that charity-funded medical research receives the funding it needs to overcome the hardships caused by the pandemic.
James, who last month secured a debate in Parliament calling on the UK Government to recognise and preserve the value of charity-funded medical research, this week raised the issue directly with the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson.
Speaking in the House of Commons, he said:
“At the recent spending review, over £14 billion was allocated for research and development. That was excellent news, but there is a concern that charity-funded medical research, which has been hit hard by the pandemic, will still be left behind. Will my right hon. Friend intervene to ensure that some of that funding is used to set up a life sciences charity partnership fund to boost medical research, protect thousands of skilled jobs and promote the UK’s position as a science superpower?”
The Prime Minister replied: “Yes indeed. I know that my hon. Friend, as a doctor, knows the vital importance of medical research and pure science. That is why this Government are investing record sums in science R&D - £14.6 billion in 2021-22. That is going to support all the life sciences sectors. If anybody wants evidence of why it is so vital to support those sectors, they have only to look at the events of the last few months.”
Speaking afterwards, James said:
“As I said in my debate last month, 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.
“It was therefore pleasing to hear that the Prime Minister is committed to ensuring that it won’t be left behind going forward.”
