Cambridge MP welcomes Horizon Europe news after Windsor Framework agreed
Cambridge’s MP Daniel Zeichner has welcomed the news that the UK is set to rejoin Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation funding programme.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von de Leyen, stated on Monday that talks on the UK’s membership of Horizon Europe would begin once the Windsor Framework – agreed this week – was implemented. The new Northern Ireland Protocol deal paves the way for the UK to join the EU’s flagship research programme, Ursula von der Leyen has said.
The European Commission president hailed potential access for the UK to join Horizon Europe as “good news” for scientists and researchers on both sides of the Channel.
When the UK left the EU, its participation as a full member of the EU’s €100billion (£88.6bn) scheme – the budget until 2027 – was essentially ruled out, but a new role as an associate member was part of the post-Brexit trade deal.
But Brussels had blocked Britain’s requests for access because of the row over the Northern Ireland Protocol, leading UK ministers to draw up contingency plans for alliances outside the bloc.
Asked whether the agreement would help the UK’s bid to access the science programme, Ms von der Leyen told a press conference in Windsor: “Yes, this Windsor Framework is good news for scientists and researchers in the European Union and in the UK.
“Because, of course, the moment we have finished this agreement – so it’s an agreement in principle – the moment it’s implemented I am happy to start immediately right now the work on an association agreement, which is the precondition to join Horizon Europe.
“So good news for all those who are working in research and science.”
Daniel Zeichner, Member of Parliament for Cambridge, also welcomed news. Mr Zeichner has held a long-standing position on the importance of UK participation in the EU’s Horizon Europe programme and has called repeatedly for the UK to remain an associated member, following Brexit.
Daniel Zeichner said: “The news that the UK will be readmitted into Horizon Europe is of course welcomed.
“EU research funding has played a pivotal role in driving UK-led scientific innovation and has been crucial for many research and medical institutions in Cambridge. The loss of access over the last two years has been unforgiveable.
“Horizon Europe is not only about money. Just as important is the resource of world-class people and the UK’s departure from the programme has already resulted in Cambridge losing out on top researchers. I hope that the damage of the last two years can quickly be recovered for the sake of scientific innovation in Cambridge, and the rest of the UK.”
The president of the Royal Society, Sir Adrian Smith, called for swift association to Horizon and also said delays have “damaged” science across Europe.
He said: “We welcome Ursula von der Leyen’s commitment to progressing association as soon as the Windsor Framework is implemented.
“It is more than two years since the Government agreed association to Horizon Europe, Euratom and Copernicus – two years of delays that have damaged science across Europe.
“These schemes support outstanding international collaboration, and the sooner we join them, the better for everyone.”
Martin Smith, head of policy lab at Wellcome, said: “After years of uncertainty, the announcement that work to finalise the UK’s participation in Horizon Europe can begin imminently will come as a massive relief for scientists on both sides of the channel.”
