Unfortunately the UKRI/ STFC continues to push its their “nothing to see here” message in its latest update: https://www.ukri.org/publications/what-stfc-is-investing-in/factsheet-jodrell-bank-e-merlin-and-ukri-funding/
Tim Roca MP’s social media post that Denis highlighted above chimes with that.
I do not see this as a positive message from the MP. It attempts to put a positive spin on the STFC announcements. But there is nothing new. STFC funding for e-Merlin, of which the Lovell telescope at Jodrell Bank is a critical component, will cease in April 2028.
University of Manchester note to staff: https://www.staffnet.manchester.ac.uk/news/display/?id=34224