BHF comment
MPs discuss critical value of charity-funded research
The indispensable role of charity-funded research in UK R&D has been discussed in parliament today, thanks to a backbench business debate led by James Davies MP and Chris Green MP.
The MPs highlighted the vital contributions of charity-funded research and urged Government to invest in a Life Sciences-Charity Partnership fund – a time limited co-investment scheme between Government and charity-funded research – ahead of the Spending Review.
The MPs warned that failure to invest in charity-funded research would irreversibly damage the UK’s life sciences sector and threaten the Government’s ambitions to cement the UK as a ‘global science superpower’.
Opening the debate, James Davies MP emphasised the “extremely valuable scientific and medical contributions that medical research charities make”.
Protecting medical breakthroughs
Covid-19 has had a devastating impact on medical research charities. At the BHF, we have had to halve our research investment from £100m to £50m this year. Together with the Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), we are asking Government to commit to a Life Sciences-Charity Partnership Fund in the upcoming Spending Review. This investment would preserve the vital contribution of charity-funded research to the UK’s research ecosystem and help to secure the pipeline of talented scientists and medical breakthroughs.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our Chief Executive, said: “We are immensely grateful that James Davies MP and Chris Green MP have brought this vital issue before Parliament ahead of the Spending Review. The support amongst MPs from across the House was clear to see.
“We urge the Government to act now and honour its commitment to UK science. Medical research has provided a path out of this pandemic, but without urgent investment in charity-funded research we risk delaying the next generation of life saving treatments and cures for the diseases which will continue to cost lives long after we manage the current crisis.
"Investment at this crucial time will help to secure the UK’s position as a global leader in life sciences, a better recovery for the UK’s economy and a better future for people living with heart and circulatory diseases.”