PM's Brexit speech failed to reassure the UK science community

PM's Brexit speech failed to do anything to reassure the UK science community

Theresa May the Prime Minister gave a major speech in Florence today in an attempt to move forward the Brexit negotiations.



Brexit flags

Prospect is proud to represent 50,000 scientists, engineers and technical specialists across all major sectors of the economy.

Prospect members are concerned Brexit will have significant and challenging implications for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) funding, collaboration and skills.

Sue Ferns, deputy general secretary of Prospect, responding to today’s speech, said:



"This speech failed to do anything to reassure the UK science community.

"Nearly 80,000 jobs rely on the UK nuclear sector, yet it was silent on the issue of Euratom and the future of nuclear co-operation.



"The speech will also do little to reassure UK science that it will have the access to the skills it needs in future.



“The Prime Minister should commit to keeping the UK in Euratom and make explicitly clear that the UK will be part of all science cooperation during the transition period and beyond.”

Read more about Prospect’s work on Brexit.

Prospect members can download our updated Brexit briefing here.