Spectre of huge cuts rattles research sector

Groups in last-minute plea to protect R&D as chancellor’s statement raises concerns over past promises

Key organisations and prominent names in the research sector have pleaded with the government not to row back on its R&D pledges, as the Treasury looks for savings ahead of this week’s budget. 

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is due to set out the government’s spending plan for the year ahead on 17 November, and he is expected to announce spending cuts worth £35 billion to help plug an estimated £55bn fiscal hole.