Question to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, what discussions have taken place with the EU Science Commissioner on the future of EU funding for research and innovation in the UK.

No formal discussions have taken place with the EU Science Commissioner. The Minister of State for Universities and Science has been in close contact with Commissioner Moedas on the topic of the Horizon 2020 programme. While the UK remains a member of the EU, current EU funding arrangements continue unchanged, including those that apply to students, researchers, and businesses. Setting out arrangements for those currently in receipt of EU funds is one of many issues that will need to be addressed during the negotiations for leaving the EU. The Government intends to maintain and enhance the strength of our research base, which is why we have protected the science resource budget in real terms from its 2015/16 level of £4.7 billion for the rest of the parliament.