The policy paper is the latest in a series being published as part of the Brexit negotiations.
As the leading science union, the future of science after Brexit is a critical issue for many members of Prospect. And many Prospect members’ work directly benefits from European collaboration or funding.
Sue Ferns, deputy general secretary of Prospect, responding to the paper, said:
“The government’s commitment to science is welcome, however this paper provides no answers on UK membership of Euratom, no guarantees on replacing EU research funding and little clarity for EU scientists working in the UK.
“European projects like Horizon 2020 and the Joint European Torus fusion research based in Oxfordshire are vital to the UK science sector. This announcement will do little to end the huge uncertainty hanging over the sector."
Prospect are calling for answers from the government on:
- Extra investment in science, not just the reallocation of existing funding the Chancellor announced in the spring Budget.
- A guarantee of the rights of EU nationals already working in the sector and a clear policy that the UK will not shut the door to scientists who want to come to the UK in future.
- The UK continuing to be a full member of Euratom.
Prospect has already been campaigning hard for the future of science to be protected after Brexit. Just this week we met with other unions and MPs in Parliament to make the case for retaining vital skills.
Prospect members are also writing directly to MPs to ask them to speak up for Euratom – you can write to yours here.
If you want to help us speak up for the future of science in the UK, join Prospect, Britain’s leading science union.