Both EU commissioners and “the top of government” in the UK are committed to brokering a Brexit deal to maintain university research funding, according to the British MEP who helped set up the current system.
University leaders, including St Andrews principal Sally Mapstone and her Dundee counterpart Sir Pete Downes, have warned about the negative impact of the UK’s vote to quit the EU.
Concerns focus both on finances and the threat of top international talent quitting the country.
But Vicky Ford insisted Downing Street is committed to securing a long-term deal which works for the sector, given its importance to the country and its economy.
She has previously called for ministers to send a “clear message that we are open to scientists from across the world”, having helped negotiate the Horizon 2020 funding deal in Brussels.
Ms Ford said: “It is not clear post 2020 if the model the EU chooses to support will fit with Britain’s but what I have heard from the top of government is that we are committed to funding it and understand the importance of being able to cooperate with and lead these projects.
“So that signal is there and we need it to work. I also hear from the top of commission of the EU – and the commissioner for culture – that they want to find a solution which maintains that close relationship with the UK.”
The EU Commission has been approached for comment.
Meanwhile, Ms Ford also claimed that frustrated Norwegian officials “were having to come to me to table amendments for them on health and safety directives for oil and gas workers” as they cannot amend EU law.
She argued that “a bespoke trading relationship with the EU” is required, as the EEA, of which Norway is a member, Swiss and Canadian models are not suitable for the UK.
The Norwegian Government has been approached for comment.
Stephen Gethins, the SNP spokesperson on Europe, said: “Given the damage that Brexit could do, our universities need more than warm words or stop gap measures from the UK government. We need a clear plan and firm long-term commitments on funding, collaboration and the status of EU nationals.”
