ASSOCIATE STATUS TO EU RESEARCH PROGRAMMES

Early day motion 324, tabled 13 July 2016 by Caroline Lucas (Green). Signed by 32 members.

That this House notes with deep concern the growing number of reports of British academics and scientists being asked to leave EU-funded projects or step down from leadership roles due to post-EU referendum funding fears, and of British universities coming under pressure to abandon international collaborations with EU partners; further notes that many non-EU countries, such as Norway, Tunisia and Turkey, have associate status in EU research programmes; believes that an early guarantee to commit to such associate status for the UK would provide the confidence and certainty necessary to British academics and scientists playing a full and active part in EU research programmes; and calls on the Government to act urgently to reassure the European Directorate-General for Research and Innovation and the European Research Council that Government support for EU research programmes will continue during any negotiations resulting from the EU referendum outcome.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 19, Liberal Democrat 5, Labour 3, Conservative 1, Green 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.