has
stepped in behind the ‘talent and potential’ of the UK life
science sector by pledging the next Labour government will
unblock access to funding and vital cross border research and
development in Horizon, a key EU key funding programme for
scientific research.
With a budget of €95.5 billion, Horizon distributes funding for
research and innovation to tackle global challenges such as
climate change, knowledge transfer and medical advances.
The UK’s potential in life sciences was showcased no more
strongly than during the pandemic when the Covid-19 vaccine was
developed in Oxford. This success depended on a series of policy
interventions, including targeted long-term investment in life
sciences by successive governments. The beginning of the journey
was the founding of the Biosciences Innovation and Growth Team by
the Labour government in 2002.
This week’s dangerous schools scandal has exemplified the impact
of Conservative short termism. In contrast, from public services
to securing investment in business, science and technology, the
next Labour government will be mission driven and willing to take
the long term decisions needed to secure Britain’s economic
future.
The Labour leader has made jobs and growth the central mission of
his potential government, promising ‘power, wealth and
opportunity’ for every town, city and region in the UK. In
committing to unblocking access to the Horizon scheme, Starmer is
doubling down on this focus, “recognising the enormous potential
of the UK’s life sciences sector to create the jobs of the future
and turbocharge thriving local economies.”
The Party is promising to secure a new partnership between
scientists and universities. Pledging to cut red tape and reduce
bureaucracy to “showcase UK skills and ambition, backed by a
grown up government” Labour will boost economic growth and equip
Britain to compete in the global race for technological
innovation.
Labour analysis reveals that the UK is “criminally” missing out
on almost £1 billion per year in funding from Horizon because of
Conservative failures to reach agreement with the EU.
Despite the 2019 Conservative Manifesto commitment to “continue
to collaborate internationally and with the EU on scientific
research, including Horizon,” at current rates, over the course
of the funding programmed – scheduled to run from 2021 to 2027 –
the UK will lose out on almost £6.5 billion.
The result is UK scientists and institutions being held back or
forced to move to European countries to be able to compete for
the funds on a level playing field.
Labour have set out a plan to Make Brexit Work to deliver on the
opportunities Britain has, sort out the poor deal the
Conservatives negotiated, and end the Brexit divisions once and
for all.
MP,
Leader of the Labour Party, said:
“The UK’s life science sector could be rocket fuel for our
stagnant economy but is being held back by a government managing
day to day crises of their own making, unable to act for our
country’s future.
“Labour will not only act in the national interest, but we will
act quickly. The UK’s scientific talent and ambition shouldn’t
have to wait a minute longer for funding and certainty so they
can deliver on their ideas, for jobs and for our economy.
“My Labour government will be pragmatic partners, driven by
backing British ideas, skills and potential. We’ll get in the
room, slash the red tape, cut the bureaucracy and provide the
certainty the life science sector needs.
“Labour will work in lockstep with UK scientists to deliver the
‘economic dynamism’ they are capable of.”
Ends
Notes:
Horizon 2020 UK total:
€7,569,284,977.92
Divided by
7 years
Horizon 2020 UK
average
€1,081,326,425.42
Horizon Europe UK
total
€60,224,573.78
Divided by
3 years
Horizon Europe UK average
€20,074,857.93
1,081,326,425.42 – 20,074,857.93 = €1,061,251,567.49 less per
year on average. Equivalent to £908,155,416.36
Average annual loss of £908,155,416.36 multiplied by 7 years of
Horizon Europe programme = £6,357,087,914
