Prominent figures across the global scientific community sharply criticized the move. Prof Catherine Heymans, Scotland's Astronomer Royal, called it "a real act of national self-harm."
Prof Michael Kramer, executive director of the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy in Bonn, described the decision as "scientifically, technologically as well as economically short-sighted."
He warned that eliminating these facilities isolates the nation's scientific infrastructure on the global stage.
"Internationally, people will look at that and will hardly believe it. You're cutting off the radio astronomy capability in the country," Kramer said.
Former leadership at the facility emphasized the severe long-term consequences for early-career researchers.
Prof Philip Diamond, former head of Jodrell Bank, noted that the cuts remove science capability essential for the long-term health of UK radio astronomy and the Square Kilometre Array.
In response, the Cheshire East Council resolved to formally petition the Minister of State for Science to preserve funding.
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UKRI is expected to release an official statement regarding the decision shortly.
