CaSE responds to Theresa May speech on Brexit

CaSE examines the comments made by the Prime Minister today, that she wants Britain to be ‘one of the best places in the world for science and innovation’.Theresa May’s speech today made clear her ongoing ambition for the UK to be a science and innovation leader. She has said before that she wants ‘a good outcome for science from Brexit’ and that she wants ‘the UK to be the global go to nation for scientists, innovators and tech investors’. Today a section of her speech focused on looking to the future as ‘one of the best places in the world for science and innovation’.

CaSE Director, Dr Sarah Main, said:

“The Prime Minister has said before that she wants a good outcome for science from Brexit and that she wants the UK to be the global go to nation for scientists, innovators and tech investors. Theresa May has been clear today that she wants a new model for the UK – ‘not one already enjoyed by other countries’. Associate country status has been a popular proposal among the science community but it is clear now that the UK will not take that path.

“The Prime Minister’s assertion that there ‘may be specific European programmes in which we might want to participate’ gives a glimmer of an indication that the UK may bid to continue to participate in the EU science programmes that have supported the UK so extensively to date. This would be a popular move with the research community. But the EU position is that participation requires free movement – which is not on the table.

“It is clear that for the Prime Minister to cultivate the future Britain she sees, led by outstanding research and innovation, we must create the conditions for the flow of talented people and ideas, collaboration across the world, leading the way in setting standards and regulation. CaSE is engaging in practical ways this can be achieved in a new model. There is a long way to go and many challenges, but finding the right solution will ensure the UK’s prosperity.”