'We'll find way to save Jodrell Bank,' Burnham says

'We'll find way to save Jodrell Bank,' Burnham says Prime Minister Andy Burnham has vowed to protect the Jodrell Bank Observatory, describing it as a vital national asset. The Lovell telescope, which has stood in Cheshire since 1957, is the world’s third‑largest steerable radio telescope. In July this year, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) announced that the site would not be prioritised for further funding once its current agreement concludes in March 2028. Burnham declared, "Every 1 of my procreation went connected a schoolhouse travel to Jodrell Bank, and determination is nary mode that we tin spot its demise, and it won't hap nether my government." UKRI explained that its decision for the tract was "the effect of a comprehensive, evidence-based prioritisation process". Speaking after a question in the House of Commons about the observatory’s future, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to prevent its closure. Congleton MP Sarah Russell, whose constituency includes the Jodrell Bank site, said it "is facing a important occupation successful the mean word due to the fact that of backing cuts". She urged Burnham and No 10 North to collaborate with her and Macclesfield MP Tim Roca to address the funding shortfall. Burnham added, "I cognize determination are changes that person been made successful narration to probe funding, but Jodrell Bank is simply a practice plus for the country, arsenic good as a probe asset." He confirmed that he would arrange the meeting she requested, stating, "There indispensable beryllium a mode to prevention Jodrell Bank, and I springiness a committedness today, astatine this despatch box, we volition find it."