Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to the UK-EU Strategic Partnership, announced 19 May 2025, what discussions he has had with (a) Cabinet colleagues and (b) his EU counterparts on whether participation in joint UK–EU research programmes will be conditional on UK adherence to EU rules on (a) gene editing technologies and (b) the precautionary principle.

We have now agreed the parameters which will establish a UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary Agreement to make agrifood trade with our biggest market cheaper and easier, cutting costs and red tape for British producers and retailers.

We will update on progress with discussions with the EU in due course, but the UK has been clear about the importance of supporting the use of new and innovative technologies.