Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, stood up in the House of Commons and urged the Government to boost international scientific collaboration by re-joining Horizon Europe.
Horizon Europe is a €95.5 billion research and innovation programme that is running from 2021-27 and is designed to bring European partners together to tackle global challenges such as climate change, cancer, and the degradation of nature.
The EU froze UK membership following friction surrounding the now-defunct Northern Ireland Protocol and Ministers are currently negotiating Britain’s future in the Horizon programme.
With a scientific and academic background, Dr Hudson is fighting alongside politicians, academics and business leaders for the UK’s readmission to the programme which will promote cross-pollination of ideas and cement the UK’s place as a science superpower.
Dr Hudson’s parliamentary intervention came during Science Questions on Wednesday morning and was fielded by Chloe Smith who has replaced Michelle Donelan as Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology while Donelan goes on maternity leave.
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, said:
“As I said in the House of Commons Chamber, we have the best scientists, universities, and institutions in the world here in the UK. Our scientific community wants to collaborate, and world wants to collaborate with us.
“From exploring dark matter on the International Space Station to sequencing global DNA through the Human Genome Project, it is clear that some of the greatest scientific breakthroughs of history all stem from international collaboration.”
“I thank the Secretary of State for her response and I am confident our Government will do all within its power to successfully negotiate a fair deal for the UK’s involvement with Horizon Europe and other collaborative scientific projects.”
The Government has already provided a prospectus programme titled ‘Pioneer’ – to protect and support the UK’s research and innovation sector should association to the Horizon Europe scheme not prove possible. This aims to provide certainty to UK researchers, universities and businesses while ongoing negotiations continue. However, both the Government and Dr Hudson have stressed that joining Horizon would be most preferable, provided it is done on the basis of fair and appropriate terms.
Full exchange in the Chamber:
Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, asked:
“Mr Speaker, we have the best scientists, universities, and institutions in the world here in the UK. The best science comes from research collaboration. Our UK scientists want to collaborate, and the world wants to collaborate with us.
“With that in mind, can my Right Honourable Friend reaffirm the Government's commitment to re-joining Horizon and similar programmes?”
Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, replied:
“Mr. Speaker, I can absolutely confirm, as I have already said at this dispatch box, that association is our preference. However, this must be, on the basis of the right deal, a fair set of terms for the UK, in terms of taxpayers and researchers and all others involved.
“But I can also confirm, very gladly, that we see in this Government, Mr Speaker, a golden thread that goes from outstanding basic science, through research, to innovations that change people's lives, sustain economic growth, and also create solutions to the challenges of the age.”
