As ING's user community will be aware, the UK parliamentary Science and Technology Committee has launched an inquiry into astronomy and particle-physics research in the UK.

One of the four issues raised by the committee is future access by UK astronomers to optical telescopes in the northern hemisphere. ING is mentioned explicitly.

The Royal Astronomical Society has also highlighted this as a major concern, see:

STFC budget allocation: response from the Royal Astronomical Society

The parliamentary committee invites comments, by February 16th. Please see the Committee announcement and instructions for submissions at:

Committee announce new inquiry into astronomy and particle physics

The ING encourages its user community to participate in this discussion.