Win, win, no thanks
I thought it very amusing that one attempt to put a Brexit spin on the Windsor Framework was that it showed the EU needed us more than they thought, especially because they wanted our excellent universities back in the Horizon programme.
Maybe that explains the PM’s reluctance to rejoin Horizon?
Apparently the PM is “sceptical” about whether the UK should rejoin the EU’s Horizon research programme, he is not sure it is worth it, thinks the money could be spent better by going it alone, thinks the UK’s new “global” research fund is a serious alternative.
Since one of the massive wins from the Windsor Framework was that the UK could get back into Horizon, news that was cheered to the rafters by business groups, universities, scientists, research charities and high tech industry, this is a remarkably stupid response.
Immeasurable damage to British science, research, industry and wealth; when all you have to do is sign up to a deal that even Boris Johnson managed to salvage from the Brexit car wreck, for shame.
Managing to miss this open goal, takes some doing but the Tory government has managed it, with ease.
Economics, trade and Brexit, not necessarily in that order but the dog always comes first.