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

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to apply for membership of the ninth EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation after leaving the EU.

The Government has consistently stated its commitment to ongoing collaboration with the EU in Science and Innovation and recognises the important contribution this makes to the UK. To that end, we want to ensure that the next EU Framework Programme (FP9) remains focused on excellence, with appropriate financial contribution for Associated Countries, and a suitable level of influence. Our recent FP9 position paper sets out further details. Ultimately, the UK’s participation in FP9 will depend upon the outcome of our negotiations with the EU.