Britain to rejoin EU’s Horizon science programme under bespoke agreement

The UK was frozen out of the programme during a trade row between the UK and the EU

The Horizon scheme is a collaboration involving Europe's leading research institutions and technology companies. PA

The UK is to return to the EU’s Horizon science research programme under a bespoke agreement, ending a dispute that led to it being locked out of the scheme for the past three years because of Brexit.

Britain was frozen out of the £85 billion ($106.2 billion) programme during a trade row between the UK and the EU, despite the membership being agreed to as part of the wider post-Brexit trade deal in December 2020.

On Thursday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's office said the UK had secured "improved financial terms of association" under the terms of the agreement with the EU.

He called it "the right deal" for the country.

Mr Sunak had earlier signalled his approval of the deal but that the level of compensation for the two missed years of collaboration could still be an issue, according to reports.

A conversation with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen would be expected before the announcement.

At Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Mr Sunak told MPs his “priority and preference” was to associate with Horizon but “on terms that are right for both the British taxpayer and for British science and research”.

In a hint at a possible breakthrough, he said the government had been “extensively involved in discussions” with the EU and “I hope to be able to conclude those successfully”.

Whitehall sources said in July that a draft deal was with the Prime Minister, prompting scientists to cautiously celebrate the development.

But Downing Street said a UK-based alternative known as Pioneer was still on the table, as Mr Sunak continues to be concerned about “value for money”.

Horizon is a collaboration involving Europe’s leading research institutions and technology companies.

EU member states contribute funds, which are then allocated to people or organisations on merit.

Post-Brexit Britain continued to participate under the trade deal brokered with Brussels but was locked out during the row over trading rules for Northern Ireland in 2020.