MP congratulates Prime Minister on pragmatic approach to EU
This morning it was announced that after a two-year hiatus Britain is re-joining Horizon Europe, an £81 billion scientific research programme administered by the EU. British scientists were among the biggest beneficiaries of the programme before we left the EU, and our world-leading universities were major contributors to science across Europe. The terms of the deal will ensure Britain does not have to pay contributions for the years it was not a Horizon member, and there is a clause to ensure we do not pay in more than we receive. Britain will also become an associate member of Copernicus, the EU’s Earth observation programme.
John said,
“It is good news all round that the EU has finally seen sense and allowed Britain to re-join this massive scientific research programme – a move which is in all our interests. Refusing Britain membership of Horizon was a petulant decision which the EU linked to the unrelated issue of the Northern Ireland Protocol, and a decision bemoaned by European scientists as much as British.”
“I congratulate the Prime Minister on his pragmatic approach to the EU, which is yielding dividends. The Windsor Framework represents great steps forward on the Northern Ireland issue, and this Horizon deal unlocks valuable scientific co-operation throughout Europe whilst also ensuring a fair deal for the British taxpayer.”
“Let us hope now that the EU continues its sensible and conciliatory approach when it comes to car tariffs – another decision which would strongly be in our mutual interests.”
