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<p>Our preference remains association to European programmes, and we are doing everything
we can to achieve this goal. At the UK-EU Specialised Committee meeting on 22 September,
we once again requested that the EU fulfil its obligation to finalise the UK’s association
to Horizon Europe. It is regrettable that the EU declined this request. We are now
considering next steps, as our priority is to support the UK’s world leading R&D
sector.</p><p>At the 2021 Spending Review, the then Chancellor of the Exchequer set
out that in the event we are unable to associate, we will use the funding allocated
to Horizon Europe to build on our existing R&D programmes with a new UK research,
infrastructure and innovation alternative to Horizon. This investment will support
top talent, drive innovation and foster international collaboration with EU and global
partners.</p><p>Following the publication of our transitional plans on July 20, which
outlined our immediate plans to support the sector should association not be possible,
more detailed proposals on long term alternatives will be published following engagement
with the sector.</p>
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