SNP slams Tories over uni funding after Brexit

The UK Government is putting the reputation of Scotland’s universities at risk by not giving more guarantees on post-Brexit funding, says the SNP.

Dundee and St Andrews universities have received a total of €26m from the EU’s Horizon 2020, which provides funding for research projects.

The Conservative Government has guaranteed to underwrite funding for Horizon 2020 projects approved before the official departure from the EU, even if they run beyond this date.

But Jenny Gilruth, MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes, said there was no ongoing commitment to make up for the loss in funding universities could suffer after Brexit.

She pointed to figures obtained by the SNP, which showed that Scottish universities have received just under €165 million in Horizon 2020 funding.

“These new figures show just how vital EU funding is to our universities – going some way to helping our higher education sector maintain its reputation as a leader in research and innovation,” she said.

“And the lack of certainty provided by the Tories puts this reputation on the line – risking the cream of our research talent simply walking away.”

A source at the Treasury said Chancellor Philip Hammond had already made funding guarantees to projects – signed before Brexit – that continue beyond the date scheduled for EU exit.

Business and energy secretary Greg Clark has insisted his government’s commitment to the UK’s worldleading science and research base remains “steadfast”.

He added: “By underwriting the significant Horizon 2020 grants, we are showing the extent of our commitment, standing squarely behind our researchers and scientists as they continue working with their European partners.”