UKCMRI is to play a central role as part of the UK's first ever
National Infrastructure Plan launched by Prime Minister, David
Cameron, on Monday 25 October.
The plan recognises that to ensure the UK remains a world leader
in science and research it needs to continue to support the highest
value scientific research. Earlier, in the Spending Review, the
Chancellor, George Osborne, announced the science budget of £4.6
billion would be maintained including £220 million capital
investment in the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation
(UKCMRI).
Speaking at a CBI conference in London, David Cameron said:
"I can announce today the UK's first ever national
infrastructure plan setting out the infrastructure Britain needs
and how we will unlock some £200 billion worth of public and
private sector investment over the next five years to deliver
it.
"This is incredibly exciting, and it shows how, together, we can
help create the right framework for growth in which British
business can thrive and compete with the rest of the world."
He added: "When you're looking for growth opportunities you
don't stick a pin in a map and drop down a research centre here or
arbitrarily back an industry there - you go with the grain of what
is already working… We are investing £220 million in a new
world-class Centre for Medical Research and Innovation."
The government argues the infrastructure investment programme
will help rebalance the economy and give industries the right
conditions in which to grow.