UK Government Pledges £86bn for Groundbreaking Science and Technology Research

The UK government has unveiled an £86 billion investment plan aimed at driving innovation in science and technology, funding research into areas such as new medical treatments, advanced battery technology, and artificial intelligence.

Under the plan, ministers will allocate £22.5 billion annually to research and development (R&D) over the next four years, including up to £500 million for regional authorities to direct funding toward local priorities.

The announcement precedes Wednesday’s spending review, where Chancellor Rachel Reeves will outline spending plans for the next three to four years. Reeves said the initiative is part of a “plan for change” to boost jobs, strengthen national security, and improve living standards, emphasizing that “Britain is the home of science and technology.”

Science and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle described R&D as “the foundation of breakthroughs that make life easier and healthier,” from life-extending medicines and AI innovations to greener technologies combating climate change.

The funding will benefit key sectors and regions, including life sciences in Liverpool, defence in Northern Ireland, and semiconductor development in South Wales. It continues the previous government’s commitment to spend £22 billion a year on R&D.

Seven major English mayoral authorities — Greater Manchester, West Midlands, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, Liverpool City Region, North East, and Greater London — will each receive at least £30 million. Other parts of the UK can also compete for a share of the funds.

Regional leaders such as West Midlands mayor Richard Parker and North East mayor Kim McGuinness welcomed the initiative, noting that it would support local industries, particularly in automotive and green energy sectors. Additionally, £4.8 million has been allocated for a partnership between Manchester and Cambridge to attract private investment.

Reeves will also announce reforms to the Treasury’s “green book” — the guidelines for assessing public investment — to address concerns that the current rules favor London and the South East. The revised framework aims to channel more funding to northern and midlands regions, including areas where Labour faces political challenges from Reform UK.

The spending review will prioritize £113 billion in new capital investment for housing, transport, and energy projects, enabled by earlier adjustments to the government’s debt rules. Ministers hope the investment, combined with additional NHS funding, will ease criticism over anticipated cuts to routine departmental spending.