Yousaf urges Sunak to secure Horizon Europe deal with EU

Downing Street said on Thursday there have been ‘constructive’ discussions on joining the research programme.

In his letter, First Minister Humza Yousaf highlighted the importance of the Horizon Europe scheme (Paul Ellis/PA) (PA Wire)

Scotland’s First Minister has urged Rishi Sunak to secure a deal to join a top European research programme as an agreement inches closer.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman told journalists on Thursday there have been “constructive” discussions with the European Union about joining the Horizon Europe scheme, which boasts a 95.5 billion euro (£81.5 billion) budget.

Reports suggest a final deal could be agreed as early as next week.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Humza Yousaf urged him to “show the necessary leadership required” to secure an agreement as opposed to employing a “narrow, political calculation”.

He wrote: “Scotland’s universities are global leaders on research and innovation, playing a vital role in tackling some of the major social and environmental challenges we face.

“The Scottish Government has been clear that full association to Horizon Europe is vital in maintaining that excellent standing in research and innovation and continuing to tackle global challenges.

“The scope, scale and prestige of the 95.5 billion euro programme is unparalleled and no UK scheme could replace it adequately.”

The First Minister said the programme “delivers significant societal and economic gains”, adding it “opens up access to the essential networks, expertise and infrastructure which drive our research and innovation sector’s world-leading competitiveness”.

He added: “The programme also helps set European and International standards in a wide range of fields including agriculture and health.

“I urge you to agree a deal with the EU now to secure our future in Horizon Europe through full association.

“We have a welcome opportunity to improve our relationship with our European neighbours and to remove this needless uncertainty for Scotland’s universities and research community.

“It is vital that we take that opportunity, and ensure that Brexit is not allowed to damage these sectors further.”

A spokeswoman for the UK Government said: “Talks are ongoing and therefore we have not yet agreed a deal.”