Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, what recent discussions have been held with the EU on ensuring that scientists will have the same access to data and data sharing capability as their European counterparts after the UK leaves the EU.

The UK has been clear that it is committed to establishing a far-reaching science and innovation accord with the EU. Two rounds of initial discussions have taken place with the Article 50 Task Force on science and innovation, the first on 22 May and the second on 7 June. Both sets of discussions were constructive, demonstrating a strong case for continued collaboration in this area.

This science and innovation accord will be underpinned by the UK’s wider agreements with the EU, including those on data sharing and protection. As we set out in our July 2018 White Paper, we are looking for an agreement with the EU that provides for the continued exchange of personal data between the UK and the EU with strong privacy protections for citizens.