Valerie asks question on Horizon Europe

Treasury Questions took place on Tuesday 11 October 2022. The EU agreed as part of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement to provide the UK with access to a range of science, innovation and space programmes – including Horizon Europe, Copernicus and Euratom. However, the EU is refusing to resume talks and grant the UK ‘association’ until Brexit related disagreements are resolved. 

The Government failure to secure the UK’s membership of Horizon Europe has left scientists and engineers in limbo. Research and development are vital components to economic growth.

I asked the Minister:

“The Minister needs to be much more specific about the Horizon Europe programme. Is he aware that the Nobel laureate Sir Andre Geim has said that top academics are leaving the country in despair because the Government are not negotiating on Horizon Europe? When will the Government do something—now?”

The Minister replied:

“The right hon. Lady is right about the importance of this issue. The United Kingdom absolutely wishes to move forward, and we would hope that the European Union would move forward apace with us to reach an agreement.”