Science minister’s Horizon Europe comments spark concern

Government asked to “redouble” association efforts as minister says UK “ready to go it alone”

Newly appointed science minister Michelle Donelan has sparked concern over her assertion that the UK is “more than ready to go it alone” with a domestic alternative to Horizon Europe, as calls mount to finalise association to the EU programme.

UK association to the EU’s €95.5bn (£85bn) research and innovation programme has been held up by a long-running dispute over trade involving Northern Ireland, leaving UK winners unable to directly access the EU funding awarded to them, although the government has provided alternative funding and promised ambitious long-term replacement funding if needed.