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Britain to allocate $116 billion to R&D in spending plan

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 7, 2025

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· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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Britain to allocate $116 billion to R&D in spending plan
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LONDON (Reuters) -British finance minister Rachel Reeves will allocate 86 billion pounds ($116 billion) in this week's spending review to fund research and development, the Department for Science,

UK to Invest $116 Billion in Research and Development Initiatives

LONDON (Reuters) -British finance minister Rachel Reeves will allocate 86 billion pounds ($116 billion) in this week's spending review to fund research and development, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) said on Sunday.

It said the package, funding everything from new drug treatments and longer-lasting batteries to artificial intelligence breakthroughs, would be worth over 22.5 billion pounds a year by 2029/30, driving new jobs and economic growth.

Reeves will divide more than 2 trillion pounds ($2.7 trillion) of public money between her ministerial colleagues on Wednesday, making choices that will define what the year-old Labour government can achieve in the next four years.

The DSIT said the announcement on R&D follows Reeves' commitment last week to 15.6 billion pounds of government investment in local transport in city regions in the Northern England, Midlands and the South West.

($1 = 0.7398 pounds)

(Reporting by James Davey, Editing by Louise Heavens)

Key Takeaways

  • UK allocates $116 billion to R&D in spending review.
  • Investment targets drug treatments, batteries, AI breakthroughs.
  • Annual R&D funding to reach 22.5 billion pounds by 2029/30.
  • Part of broader 2 trillion pounds public spending plan.
  • Follows recent 15.6 billion pounds investment in local transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the UK government allocating for R&D?
The UK government is allocating 86 billion pounds, equivalent to $116 billion, for research and development in the upcoming spending review.
What areas will the R&D funding cover?
The funding will support various areas including new drug treatments, longer-lasting batteries, and breakthroughs in artificial intelligence.
Who is responsible for the spending plan announcement?
The announcement regarding the spending plan is made by British finance minister Rachel Reeves.
What is the expected annual value of the R&D package by 2029/30?
The R&D package is expected to be worth over 22.5 billion pounds a year by the fiscal year 2029/30.
What previous investment did Rachel Reeves commit to?
Last week, Rachel Reeves committed to 15.6 billion pounds of government investment in local transport for city regions in Northern England and the Midlands.

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