Brexit deal vital for Horizon Europe association, says Vallance

The UK will only become an associate member of the next European Union’s Framework programme for research and innovation if the country leaves the EU with a deal, the government’s chief scientist has said.

Appearing in front of a committee of MPs, Patrick Vallance said the government’s desire “is to be fully associated with the European programmes going forward, that’s obviously dependent on a deal”.

Vallance was speaking at a hearing on the work of the government’s chief scientific adviser held by the House of Commons Science and Technology Committee on 11 December. On 10 December, Theresa May postponed a crunch vote on the Brexit deal after admitting not enough MPs supported the proposed arrangements for the UK to leave the EU.