Scotland's External Affairs Secretary comments on Horizon research announcement

Responding to the announcement that the UK is to re-join the Horizon research programme, External Affairs Secretary Angus Robertson said:

“While it’s welcome the UK Government has finally listened to the Scottish Government, which has long called for full participation in Horizon, this announcement simply confirms the folly of Brexit.

“The impact of three years of delays and uncertainty for this sector cannot be repaired overnight. On top of disrupted research and lost job opportunities, the ongoing lack of free movement limits EU researchers’ ability to work in Scotland and vice versa.  

“Ministers will be looking closely at the details of the agreement to ensure that Scotland’s interests are fully represented. However, the fact remains that the only way to meaningfully reverse the damage of Brexit and restore the benefits Scotland previously enjoyed, is for an independent Scotland to re-join the European Union.”