Question to the Department for Exiting the European Union :

To ask the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, if the Government will support free movement for EU nationals who contribute to dementia research in the UK when the UK leaves the EU.

As a government we recognise the contribution that our world-class research base makes to our economy and wellbeing. We will always welcome those with the skills, the drive and the expertise to make a positive contribution. If we are to win in the global marketplace, we must win the global battle for talent.

We place huge value on maintaining the UK’s unique arrangements with Ireland and the friendly, cooperative relationship we have built of recent years. The open border for people and businesses has served us well and no-one wants to see a return to the borders of the past. There is a very strong commitment from the Irish Government, the Northern Ireland Executive as well as ourselves to see that this does not happen.