Science and technology require co-operation

I am deeply worried about the future of UK science and technology.

Europe produces over a third of the world’s scientific output, 34 per cent more than the US. Up to now that has included Britain 'close to the end's significant scientific achievement.

We still have the opportunity to be a part of this, participating in the Horizon 2020 research fund, benefiting from access to the European Research Council. The UK should be part of world-leading research into vaccine development, renewable energy and eco-technologies. According to polling by Best for Britain, 66 per cent of British people, including a majority of Conservative and Leave voters, want to remain part of the EU’s Horizon funding programme.

Successes in Europe towards an effective COVID vaccine show the value of working internationally to overcome humanity's greatest challenges.

Already, the UK has missed out on the Galileo satellite navigation system, to which the UK committed fifteen years of

collaborative effort with the best scientists from across Europe. The government has also rejected the UK's joint vaccine procurement scheme, which would have guaranteed an economy of scale and an orderly distribution to the most vulnerable.

If the Government is serious about making Britain global, we must work with the world, in science and technology to the benefit of all.

Moreover, a report by trade experts commissioned by Best for Britain concluded that, having guaranteed free and frictionless trade with Europe on goods and services, the government is not delivering on key negotiation promises. The UK and the EU have only days left to conclude a trade deal. We need co-operation more than ever. You can read the full report at bestforbritain.org /tradereport