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Even under the watered down version of the Haldane Principle in the 2017 Act, ministers have no power to make instructions about individual research grants. https://twitter.com/profdanhicks/status/1360941059275128836
'Section 103 sets out that the Haldane principle is the principle that decisions on individual research proposals are best taken following an evaluation of the quality and likely impact of the proposals (such as a peer review process).' (UKRI Framework Document)
'The “Haldane principle” is the principle that decisions on individual research proposals are best taken following an evaluation of the quality and likely impact of the proposals (such as a peer review process).' HER Act 2017, Section 103 (3).
Government can lay down a general principle for allocations, but can they single out a specific grant for not following that principle? Still less, can they prospectively refuse a further grant proposal that they haven't even seen yet?
'The Secretary of State may not give a direction under this section in respect of functions exercisable by Research England pursuant to arrangements under section 97 which is framed by reference to—
(a)particular courses of study or programmes of research.' HER Act, Sec 102 (3).
(a)particular courses of study or programmes of research.' HER Act, Sec 102 (3).
If as I think Colonial Countryside was funded by Arts Council and Lottery Fund, not so clearly protected by 'academic freedom', then perhaps it needs to make its next bid to AHRC or ESRC, let peer review decide, and we can see how keen ministers are to defend academic freedom.
