Researchers hold their breath as PM’s deal is rejected

Parliament has rejected Theresa May’s withdrawal agreement, leaving researchers waiting with bated breath as the UK inches closer to a no-deal Brexit.

MPs voted down the withdrawal agreement negotiated between the prime minister and the European Union by 432 to 202 on 15 January, and a vote on a motion of no confidence in the government will take place on 16 January. 

The outcome of the so-called ‘meaningful vote’ creates huge and damaging uncertainty for researchers and businesses, as the deal would have protected citizens’ rights—including those of European researchers in the UK—and would have ensured that there was a transitional period running from Brexit day on 29 March to at least 31 December 2020, during which EU regulations would have continued to apply in the UK.