Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministerial Statement

EU Programmes

07 September 2023 · 14 other contributors

Opened by Michelle Donelan Con Constituency

Northern IrelandBrexitScience & Technology

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Michelle Donelan raised concerns about eu programmes in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • UK has secured a deal to participate in Horizon Europe and Copernicus
  • This deal includes cooperation with Norway, New Zealand, Israel, Korea, and Canada
  • Negotiation was delayed due to the Northern Ireland protocol but resumed with Windsor framework

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Government Statement

Michelle Donelan

The UK has secured a landmark deal allowing participation in Horizon Europe and Copernicus, providing British scientists and businesses with access to the world’s largest research collaboration programme. This deal includes cooperation with Norway, New Zealand, Israel, Korea, and Canada. The negotiation was delayed due to the Northern Ireland protocol but resumed thanks to the Windsor framework. The UK will not pay for membership during its non-participation period and has a clawback mechanism protecting taxpayers. Immediate funding certainty is provided through the 2024 work programme, with remaining 2023 calls funded by the UK guarantee. An additional £650 million investment in fusion technology is announced, alongside a commitment to invest £20 billion in research and development. The statement highlights the deal's benefits for job creation, international collaboration on major challenges like climate change and health, and global scientific leadership.

Other contributors (14)
  • Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen

    Question

    How much will the UK contribute financially to Horizon and other schemes in future years? What financial disadvantages have we incurred by missing out on earlier rounds? How does our associate member status impact strategic shaping of Horizon’s future?

    Minister reply

    The minister did not provide specific figures but emphasised that Britain is not paying for membership during its non-participation period. She highlighted the clawback mechanism protecting taxpayers and stated that participation now provides immediate funding certainty.

  • Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen

    Question

    What risks does our exclusion from Euratom pose for international collaboration and energy security?

    Minister reply

    The minister did not directly address this risk but emphasised the UK’s investment in fusion technology and its commitment to becoming a science and tech superpower by 2030.

  • Nick Thomas-Symonds Lab Torfaen

    Question

    The MP criticised the delay in rejoining Horizon Europe, expressing concern over lost funding rounds and brain drain. He questioned the precise financial contribution to Horizon and asked how associate membership impacts strategic shaping of future programmes. The MP also raised concerns about the exclusion of Euratom.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State responded by highlighting the government's efforts in bridging gaps with the Horizon guarantee and securing a good deal for taxpayers, businesses, scientists, and researchers. She clarified that the UK will not pay retroactively for missed periods and provided figures on financial contributions. On Euratom exclusion, she stated that sector consultations supported this decision.

  • Greg Clark Con Barnet and Camden

    Question

    The MP praised the deal's potential to advance UK status as a science superpower while welcoming Horizon funding for both academic institutions and British industry. He inquired about formal consultations with the UK Atomic Energy Authority.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State confirmed that sector-wide consultations, including those with the UK Atomic Energy Authority, supported the government's approach on Euratom.

  • Marion Fellows SNP Glasgow North West

    Question

    The SNP welcomed Horizon association but expressed disappointment over not pursuing full EU membership and the exclusion of Euratom. The MP also questioned re-entering Copernicus and Erasmus+.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State reiterated that the UK will remain outside the EU under this Government, while stating that sector consultations supported the decision on Euratom. She clarified that the agreement pertained to Horizon Europe rather than Erasmus+, highlighting the Turing scheme as an alternative.

  • Vicky Ford Con Chelmsford

    Question

    The MP declared her involvement in setting up Horizon 2020 and praised its potential for innovation across borders and disciplines. She thanked the Prime Minister and negotiating teams for securing the deal.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State acknowledged her right hon. Friend's experience, expressing gratitude and emphasising the deal's benefits to businesses, scientists, and researchers.

  • Stephen Timms Lab East Ham

    Question

    The MP expressed relief at the rejoining of Horizon Europe but questioned the extent of influence UK could have on shaping future programme.

    Minister reply

    The Secretary of State confirmed that associate membership grants the opportunity to lead projects from 2024 and participate in ongoing and upcoming opportunities.

  • James Grey Con North Wiltshire

    Question

    Welcoming the statement, James Grey inquired about specific commitments for Arctic science, noting the significant interest of UK universities and institutions.

    Minister reply

    Acknowledging his neighbour's work on environmental issues, Michelle Donelan highlighted Britain's strong position in Arctic research and assured support through Horizon Europe membership.

  • Wera Hobhouse Lib Dem Bath

    Question

    Welcoming the rejoining of Horizon but noting limitations with the Turing scheme compared to Erasmus, Wera Hobhouse requested collaboration to improve the scheme's efficiency.

    Minister reply

    Michelle Donelan agreed to coordinate a conversation regarding the University of Bath’s concerns and highlighted that the Turing scheme is globally oriented and more inclusive than Erasmus.

  • Mike Penning Con Hemel Hempstead

    Question

    Congratulating on securing an excellent deal, Mike Penning sought clarification regarding a Horizon project suspended due to COVID-19 affecting fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.

    Minister reply

    The Science Minister agreed to discuss this matter extensively with Mike Penning.

  • Mary Glindon Lab Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend

    Question

    Expressing relief and welcoming the news, Mary Glindon requested assurance that Cancer Research UK's hope for continued participation in future European research programmes will be realised.

    Minister reply

    Michelle Donelan assured that Horizon Europe’s focus on tackling cancer would continue to be key.

  • Selaine Saxby Con North Devon

    Question

    Welcoming the announcement, Selaine Saxby inquired about extending research opportunities into rural communities.

    Minister reply

    Michelle Donelan emphasised the levelling-up agenda and highlighted agri-tech as a focus area for Horizon Europe collaborations.

  • Richard Fuller Con North Bedfordshire

    Question

    Congratulating on achieving a deal that benefits taxpayers, Richard Fuller inquired about future project leadership rights, expansion opportunities post-2027, and the Government’s commitment to R&D spending.

    Minister reply

    Michelle Donelan assured the UK's leading role within Horizon Europe, potential for expanding beyond current members, and ongoing focus on competitive interests.

Shadow Comment

Nick Thomas-Symonds

The Labour Party criticises the delay of two years in securing association to Horizon Europe due to government bluster and division. The shadow minister highlights the loss of potential research funding and talent, citing examples like cancer specialists leaving for other opportunities. He questions the financial contribution to Horizon, impacts on shaping future programme direction, and risks associated with not joining Euratom. Labour expresses concern over economic growth under this government's leadership while acknowledging that the scientific community can make the best of limited opportunities.

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