Northern Mayors respond to the exclusion of Northern universities from the Global Talent Fund

"We are deeply disappointed that universities in the North of England, some of the best and brightest in the world, have once again been overlooked in the allocation of national innovation funding, despite their research credentials.

"The North is home to some of the UK’s most innovative, high-performing universities. These institutions drive the development of lifechanging technologies and work hand in hand with industry to create good jobs and grow the economy. Their exclusion from the Global Talent Fund undermines their contribution to the UK’s economic success, as well as the Government's stated commitment to rebalance our economy.

"As Mayors, we stand ready to support the Government in its mission to make the UK a global science superpower. But to truly deliver on that mission, investment in innovation must reflect the full breadth and depth of talent that exists across the country, not continue to be concentrated disproportionately in London and the South-East.

"We are calling for urgent reform to ensure greater transparency and fairness in how public research and innovation funding is allocated. Strategic funds like this must support national growth, and that means recognising and investing in the full potential of the North of England and the fifteen million people we collectively represent.

"We urge UK Research and Innovation to think again, review this disappointing decision and work together with us on creating a new funding model that truly reflects the strengths and aspirations of all of our regions, to build a brighter Britain that works for us all."

Signed,

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
Andy Burnham,Mayor of Greater Manchester
Luke Campbell,Mayor of Hull and East Yorkshire
Oliver Coppard,Mayor of South Yorkshire
Lord Ben Houchen,Mayor of the Tees Valley
Kim McGuinness,Mayor of the North East
Steve Rotheram,Mayor of the Liverpool City Region
David Skaith,Mayor of York and North Yorkshire