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<p>The Government has made clear that a key priority through the negotiations will
be to ensure that the United Kingdom remains one of the best places in the world for
science and innovation, including clinical trials. Every Government department, including
the Department of Health and Social Care, is planning to deliver a smooth exit under
any scenario, which includes preparing the UK for the future economic partnership
we hope to negotiate with the European Union, as well as the very unlikely scenario
in which no mutually satisfactory agreement can be reached and the UK exits without
a deal.</p><p> </p><p>If the clinical trials regulation comes into force during the
implementation period, as it is currently expected to do in March 2020, it will apply
to the UK. The withdrawal agreement and implementation Bill will give effect to the
implementation period in domestic law and will allow regulations to continue to apply
in the UK for this time-limited period. If this opportunity does not come to pass,
we will give priority to taking the steps necessary to bring into UK law, without
delay, all relevant parts of the EU regulation that are within the UK’s control, so
that those planning clinical research can do so with certainty.</p><p> </p><p>The
UK is already a preferred destination for EU and global clinical trials. The Government
has been clear that it is in the interest of patients and the life sciences industry
across Europe for the UK and EU to find a way to continue cooperation in the field
of clinical trials, and for continued sharing of data and information, even if our
precise relationship with the EU will by necessity change. As part of the Department’s
Exiting the EU programme, officials are working to ensure appropriate coordination
across a number of projects relating to research and clinical trials including workforce,
regulations, funding and rare diseases.</p><p> </p><p>The National Institute for Health
Research (NIHR) provides the support, expertise and facilities that the National Health
Service needs to undertake world-leading clinical trials funded by the NIHR, and other
public, charity and life sciences industry partners, by funding a range of infrastructure
facilities and the Clinical Research Network. Through NIHR and its partners, and by
close collaboration with the life sciences sector and industry, the Government will
ensure that the UK remains one of the best places in the world for research, science
and innovation.</p>
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