Oral Answers to Questions

Janet Daby Excerpts

Wednesday 19th July 2023 Commons Chamber

[Sir John Whittingdale]

My hon. Friend is right to stress the importance of digital connectivity to rural communities and businesses. We are pressing ahead apace with Project gigabit, and have appointed our hon. Friend the Member for Barrow and Furness (Simon Fell) as rural connectivity champion. At present, more than 98% of premises in Delyn have access to superfast broadband, while 62% have a gigabit-capable network, and our Project Gigabit procurements are intended to ensure that communities such as Northop and Mold do not miss out on gigabit-capable connection.

[Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab)]

6. What recent progress she has made on securing the UK’s association with Horizon Europe.

[Gerald Jones (Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney) (Lab)]

10. What recent progress she has made on securing the UK’s association with Horizon Europe.

[The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Chloe Smith)]

We are moving forward with discussions on the UK’s involvement in Horizon Europe, and we hope they will be successful. Association is our preference. The talks are continuing constructively, but we have not yet agreed a deal. We want to reach a resolution as quickly as possible to give the industry certainty. We have also set out our bold alternative, Pioneer, which we are ready to implement if necessary.

[Janet Daby]

Owing to the Government’s delay in associating with Horizon Europe, the UK has lost out on “hosting” nearly 400 high-end European Research Council grants. Furthermore, nearly 50 grant winners have left the country altogether. Scientists including Brian Cox and Sir Paul Nurse are warning that the Government’s failure to act is damaging Britain’s science base. Is the Secretary of State concerned about these failings?