The Society of Antiquaries of London is concerned about the long-term consequences of cuts to Higher Education funding for subjects which fall within its areas of interest principally, but not exclusively Archaeology, History of Art, and History. We reject as ill-founded the view that these subjects are of little significance to society and the economy. Understanding the past is key to understanding our place in the world. Its practical implications are wide-ranging, delivering heritage-led regeneration and tourism, the public health benefits of informed planning and placemaking, critically informing public policy on social justice and cohesion, and contributing through long-term understanding to modelling and developing responses to climate change. There is thus clear evidence that these subjects, in which UK scholarship is internationally renowned, are not only central to society but are of great economic value. As such, cuts to their funding will do long term harm to the UK