Ready or not

If the UK has to break with Horizon, much rides on transitional plans

As the UK’s hopes of joining Horizon Europe fade, the government is keen to give the impression that its ‘plan B’ package of alternative schemes is ready to go—even if, as it vehemently maintains, it does not want to have to use it. 

On 16 June, science minister George Freeman tweeted that the alternatives were “fully worked up”, and last week said he was “just awaiting final sign-off” from the Treasury and Cabinet before telling researchers exactly what would happen if, as seems increasingly likely, the UK does not associate to the EU’s huge R&D programme.