Government funding for Defford radio telescope set to end

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 06:09 · Archive

Government funding is ending for e-MERLIN, a network of seven radio telescopes including one at Defford in Worcestershire.

Government funding for e-MERLIN, a network of seven radio telescopes spread across England and centred on Jodrell Bank Observatory, is set to end. The network is used by scientists to study the universe, with the Defford dish in Worcestershire forming part of the system.

West Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has written to the Government calling for the funding to continue. She has accused ministers of putting the UK's scientific reputation at risk with the decision. Baldwin said the decision was particularly difficult to understand after the Prime Minister indicated his opposition to ending the programme.

Baldwin argued that the Government should maintain funding for the existing system, which operates at a fraction of the cost of alternatives and benefits international research efforts. She claimed the network has important science benefits and can support the UK's national defence programme.

How it is being reported

• The Worcestershire landmark that could fall silent after funding decisionWEST Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has urged the Government to save an iconic radio telescope at Defford as funding for a nationally important network of dishes is set to end.Malvern Gazette · 24 Oct, 05:00
• The Worcestershire landmark that could fall silent after funding decisionWEST Worcestershire MP Dame Harriett Baldwin has urged the Government to save an iconic radio telescope at Defford as funding for a nationally important network of dishes is set to end.Worcester News · 24 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Dame Harriett Baldwin · Defford · e-MERLIN · Jodrell Bank Observatory · Worcestershire

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