Russell Group comment following UK-EU committee meeting on Horizon Europe

23 September 2022

Following the meeting of the UK-EU Specialised Committee on Participation in Union Programmes on 22 September 2022, Dr Tim Bradshaw, Chief Executive of the Russell Group, said:

"The lack of progress following the UK’s formal request for consultations on participation to Horizon Europe and other EU programmes is disappointing. As the science and research community on both sides of the channel has maintained, UK association to Horizon remains the best outcome for Britain and the EU. We would urge rapid and constructive engagement from the EU so we can set aside political differences and work collaboratively to shore up the resilience of our research capability and tackle our shared economic, environmental and societal challenges.

"While the window for association remains open, we and researchers across the continent will continue to call on all parties to deliver what was agreed in the Brexit deal. But given the uncertainty, the Government is right to consider options for an alternative, and it is vital that these proposals are backed by the full funding set aside for Horizon in the Spending Review."