- First Minister writes to Prime Minister on Horizon Europe
First Minister has written to the Prime
Minister urging him to urgently secure the UK’s future in the
Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.
The First Minister said full association in the European
programme is vital to maintaining Scotland’s world-renowned
reputation in these areas.
The sector’s future level of participation in the €95.5 billion
Horizon programme has been uncertain since the UK Government’s
decision to pursue a ‘hard Brexit’.
The path has been open for the UK Government to reach a deal to
fully access the scheme following the ‘Windsor Framework’
agreement with the European Union on the Northern Ireland
protocol. Discussions between the UK Government and the European
Union are taking place, and the First Minister has said it is
vital that an agreement is reached to ensure that Brexit is not
allowed to damage Scotland’s research and innovation sectors
further.
The full text of the letter is below:
Rt Hon
Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London
SW1A 2AA
5th July 2023
Dear Rishi,
Last week I visited Brussels, which was a valuable and -
following Brexit - much needed opportunity to reinforce the
importance of the European Union to Scotland and to continue to
expand and strengthen our strong links with our European
neighbours.
Scotland’s universities are global leaders on research and
innovation, playing a vital role in tackling some of the major
social and environmental challenges we face. The Scottish
Government has been clear that full association to Horizon Europe
is vital in maintaining that excellent standing in research and
innovation and continuing to tackle global challenges. The scope,
scale and prestige of the €95.5bn programme is unparalleled and
no UK scheme could replace it adequately.
I raised Horizon association with Vice President Šefčovič and we
discussed the need for pragmatism with a view to rapid resolution
of this longstanding negotiation. I therefore welcome the news
that constructive discussions are taking place. I would ask that
you show the necessary leadership required and take a broad and
holistic view of the undoubted benefits arising from our
participation in the programme, rather than a narrow, political
calculation.
Horizon Europe delivers significant societal and economic gains,
and opens up access to the essential networks, expertise and
infrastructure which drive our R&I sector’s world-leading
competitiveness and are fundamental to the which will be central
to our future economic prosperity. The programme also helps set
European and International standards in a wide range of fields
including agriculture and health.
I urge you to agree a deal with the EU now to secure our future
in Horizon Europe through full association. We have a welcome
opportunity to improve our relationship with our European
neighbours and to remove this needless uncertainty for Scotland’s
universities and research community. It is vital that we take
that opportunity, and ensure that Brexit is not allowed to damage
these sectors further.
HUMZA YOUSAF
Background
First Minister’s letter to
the Prime Minister
