Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what discussions his Department have held with the European Union on maintaining collaboration between UK-based scientists and non-UK organisations in the event that the UK leaves the EU.

We have been clear that as the UK leaves the EU, we will look to build on our unique relationship with the EU and establish an agreement on science and innovation that ensures the valuable research links between us continue to grow. The Prime Minister reiterated in her Mansion House speech that the UK is committed to establishing a far-reaching science and innovation pact with the EU, facilitating the exchange of ideas and researchers.

On Monday 19 March the UK and EU negotiating teams reached another important milestone in the exit process by agreeing the terms of a time-limited implementation period. As part of the next phase of the negotiations, we look forward to working with the EU on designing this science and innovation pact, and we would welcome a full and open discussion about all of the options for continued collaboration.