Jarvis added: “Our scientists and experts working at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory [Dstl] do so much, often unseen, to keep our country and our allies safe at this increasingly dangerous and unpredictable time.”

Paul Hollinshead, Dstl chief executive, said: “This investment reinforces the essential work delivered daily by Dstl to protect the UK Armed Forces and defend the nation.

“As part of a broader infrastructure programme at Dstl, this new laboratory will strengthen our capacity to stay ahead of evolving biological threats and maintain the UK’s leading edge in defence and security.”