Horizon Europe
(Linlithgow and East Falkirk)
(SNP)
1. What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on
association to the EU’s Horizon Europe programme.(904711)
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Affairs ()
We are in discussions with the EU on the UK’s involvement in EU
research programmes. We are doing this in good faith, and we hope
that the discussions will be successful. We are determined to
secure a fair deal for researchers, businesses and taxpayers.
Owen Jackson, the director of policy at Cancer Research UK, has
said that Pioneer, the Government’s proposed replacement for the
EU’s science programme, does not “match up” to association to
Horizon Europe. He has warned that if we do not rejoin, we
“will be at the margins, rather than at the centre, of these
important opportunities”
to win funding. Now that the Windsor framework is in place, will
the Minister update the House on recent meetings between the UK
Government and the European Commissioner responsible for Horizon
Europe?
We have always been at the centre of scientific innovation. I
will not give the House a running commentary on the negotiations,
but we do have optimism. We are confident that we will be able to
secure that fair deal for researchers, businesses and taxpayers,
with the kind of important research that the hon. Gentleman has
mentioned.
(North Wiltshire) (Con)
Britain’s outstanding contribution to Arctic and, indeed,
Antarctic science has been greatly aided over the years by
Horizon Europe. Can the Minister reassure me that our huge
contribution to the High North will be replicated, and soon, and
can he tell me when the negotiations will finally end?
I can assure my hon. Friend that the High North will be at the
centre of all our scientific work, and I acknowledge and praise
his important role in that region.
Mr Speaker
I call the shadow Minister.
(Cardiff South and Penarth)
(Lab/Co-op)
Thousands of jobs in some of our key technological and scientific
research institutions throughout the UK are now at risk. We are
leaching talent and competitive advantage, and the Government
have been dragging their heels. The Minister says that
negotiations are ongoing. How long will those key institutions
have to wait for an answer—days, months, or yet more years?
As I have said, I am not going to give a running commentary, but
we are negotiating in good faith, we have optimism, and we are
determined to secure a fair deal that recognises the researchers
whom the hon. Gentleman has described. We are expectant that the
negotiation will conclude in good order.
Mr Speaker
I call the Scottish National party spokesperson.
(Stirling) (SNP)
I am puzzled by the UK Government’s approach. There is
cross-party unity in the House, and the Minister is missing an
opportunity for a great deal of support. We all want to see our
universities back in Horizon Europe, and we all want to see the
thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of pounds guaranteed.
Just a couple of weeks ago, Professor Iain Gillespie of the
University of Dundee was in Brussels drawing attention to the
£900 million that Scotland’s universities secured from the last
funding programme. There is a willingness in Brussels, and there
is a willingness in Scotland; when will the UK Government match
that ambition?
We are willing, and we are negotiating in good faith. Scotland’s
scientific future will, of course, be a part of that, which is
another reminder of why Scotland is better, and will flourish,
within the Union.
