A recent Westminster Hall debate, chaired by Martin Vickers MP, saw Ian Sollom (St Neots and Mid Cambridgeshire, Liberal Democrat) lead a discussion on the significant contribution of mathematics to the UK. The debate underscored the premise that a thriving mathematics ecosystem is fundamental to the Government's growth ambitions.
In 2023, mathematical sciences contributed an estimated £495 billion to the UK economy, accounting for 20% of the total gross value added. This figure, likely an underestimate due to the downstream benefits of mathematics (e.g., algorithms, encryption), surpasses the contribution of the entire manufacturing sector. The impact is accelerating, with a 6.2% increase between 2019 and 2023 in jobs requiring undergraduate-level mathematics skills. Mathematics is identified as crucial for future advancements in AI, quantum computing, and climate modelling. The UK maintains a strong mathematical tradition, with 4% of global mathematical sciences researchers producing 14% of highly cited articles, and is home to the world's leading science and technology cluster by intensity in Cambridge.
Despite this robust heritage and current strength, concerns were raised that recent policy decisions risk undermining the UK's mathematical future. These include cuts to the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme, closure of university mathematics departments, cancellation of the exascale supercomputer in Edinburgh, and real-terms cuts to the UK Research and Innovation budget for 2025-26. These decisions, spanning multiple governments, are viewed as potentially leading to a 'mathematical recession' at a time when the global economy is becoming increasingly quantitative.
To secure the UK's mathematical future, three key areas were emphasised: research funding, higher education, and mathematics in schools. Calls were made for:
- A new, long-term funding settlement for mathematical sciences, noting that only 40% of a previously announced £300 million in EPSRC funding for mathematical sciences was ultimately allocated.
- Strengthening the post-16 mathematics education pipeline, addressing a forecast sharp drop in UK mathematics undergraduate entrants.
- Ringfenced funding for access and outreach initiatives, particularly for specialist post-16 institutions like the Cambridge Maths School, which demonstrate success in promoting social mobility and mathematical excellence.
- Addressing the significant reduction in the national commitment to mathematics education due to scaled-back programs such as the Advanced Mathematics Support Programme.
- Collaboration with universities to ensure strong mathematics provision in all regions and prioritising mathematics teachers in recruitment strategies.
- Reviewing the mathematics curriculum to rebalance content and prioritise 'teaching for mastery'.
The debate concluded with an urgent call for a comprehensive national strategy for mathematics, coordinating efforts across research, higher education, and schools, to ensure the UK maintains its competitive edge and nurtures mathematical excellence for future growth and innovation.
The full debate transcript is available here.
Related: read Ian Sollom's article on this debate on policticshome.com.
Last updated 10 June 2025