UK rejoins EU's Horizon science programme

       Britain has rejoined the European Union's ￡85 billion Horizon science research programme under a bespoke new deal after months of negotiations.

       The Government said the new agreement with improved financial terms has been signed off with Brussels, with UK researchers able to apply for grants and projects.

       Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said: “Innovation has long been the foundation for prosperity in the UK, from the breakthroughs improving healthcare to the technological advances growing our economy.

       “With a wealth of expertise and experience to bring to the global stage, we have delivered a deal that enables UK scientists to confidently take part in the world’s largest research collaboration programme – Horizon Europe.

       “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.”

       It marks another thawing of post-Brexit relations between the UK and the EU (Image: GETTY)

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       Mr Sunak signed off the deal during a call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen yesterday.

       Ms von der Leyen said: "The EU and UK are key strategic partners and allies, and today's agreement proves that point.

       "We will continue to be at the forefront of global science and research."

       Britain was frozen out of the programme for two years amid a bitter Brexit row over Northern Ireland.

       Under the terms of the deal, the UK will not need to pay into the scheme for the two years it was absent.

       There will also be a so-called "clawback" mechanism meaning British scientists will be compensated if they receive significantly less money than the UK puts into the programme.

       Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan said it was a "fantastic day for UK science and our whole economy".

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       She added: "We have listened to the sector, and through hard work and negotiation we have secured an excellent deal for researchers, taxpayers and businesses.

       “The Horizon programme is unrivalled in its scope and opens up a world of opportunity for cooperation on science that delivers real-world benefits for the UK - creating jobs, boosting our economy and opening up collaboration for the sector with some of our closest partners, whether on tackling climate change or advancing cancer research.

       "This deal is a crucial step forward on our mission to become a science and tech superpower by 2030."

       British costs for the programme will begin again in January 2024 and the UK will be a fully associated member for the remaining life of the scheme to 2027.

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       The move, which was immediately welcomed by scientists, comes after months of talks between London and Brussels.

       The UK will also take part in the Copernicus space programme but will not participate in the bloc's nuclear technology scheme, Euratom.

       It comes as relations between the two sides have thawed since Mr Sunak struck his Windsor Framework deal in February to resolve issues with the Northern Ireland Protocol.

       Horizon is a collaboration involving Europe's leading research institutes and technology companies.

       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.

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