 The UK is to return to the European Union's £85 billion Horizon science research programme following months of negotiations after being frozen out over Brexit. The government said a 'bespoke' new agreement has been signed off with the EU, with UK researchers able to apply for grants and take part in Horizon projects. 'We have worked with our EU partners to make sure that this is right deal for the UK, unlocking unparalleled research opportunities, and also the right deal for British taxpayers,' said UK prime minister Rishi Sunak. Britain continued to participate under the post-Brexit trade deal brokered with Brussels but was frozen out in a tit-for-tat retaliation in a dispute over Northern Ireland arrangements. The move was immediately welcomed by scientists, after years of warnings that UK researchers have been missing out on collaboration with colleagues in the EU. Horizon is a collaboration involving Europe's leading research institutes and technology companies. The Horizon scheme provides vital funding for scientists across the EU (Picture: Getty/iStockphoto) EU member states contribute funds, which are then allocated to individuals or organisations on merit to explore subjects such as climate change, medical advances and artificial intelligence. It had been hoped that a British return to Horizon would follow in the wake of the Windsor Framework deal, agreed in February and designed to address concerns over post-Brexit arrangements in Northern Ireland. The breakthrough comes after months of talks between London and Brussels. The government said the UK will associate with the Horizon programme, as well as the EU's space programme, Copernicus. But it will not take part in the bloc's nuclear technology scheme, Euratom. 'Innovation has long been the foundation for prosperity in the UK, from the breakthroughs improving healthcare to the technological advances growing our economy,' sa){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
The UK is to return to the European Union’s £85 billion Horizon science research programme following months of negotiations after being frozen out over Brexit.
The government said a ‘bespoke’ new agreement has been signed off with the EU, with UK researchers able to apply for grants and take part in Horizon projects.
‘We have worked with our EU partners to make sure that this is right deal for the UK, unlocking unparalleled research opportunities, and also the right deal for British taxpayers,’ said UK prime minister Rishi Sunak.
Britain continued to participate under the post-Brexit trade deal brokered with Brussels but was frozen out in a tit-for-tat retaliation in a dispute over Northern Ireland arrangements.