MPs criticise government for taking MRC money needed for new research centre

English MPs have challenged the government to explain why it has taken money from the Medical Research Council (MRC) that was expected to go towards funding a new medical research centre.

The MPs raised the matter during a recent meeting of the House of Commons Innovation, Universities, and Skills Committee to review plans for the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation, which will be located in central London.

The centre, announced in December 2007, will bring together research teams from the MRC’s National Institute for Medical Research, the Cancer Research UK London Research Institute, and University College London. The Wellcome Trust will also fund scientists working at the centre, which is planned to open in …