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<p>The United Kingdom and the European Union have a long record of jointly tackling
global challenges, with strong existing links already in place between our research
and innovation communities, and we want to continue this important collaboration in
science, research and innovation.</p><p>The UK and the EU have agreed a flexible extension
of the Article 50 period to 31 October 2019. During this extension period the UK will
remain a member of the EU, with all the relevant rights and obligations. This means
that the UK will continue to participate in Horizon 2020, the EU’s flagship research
and innovation programme, on a Member State basis. Further, this extension period
provides time for the Government to seek a deal which will ensure the smooth and orderly
withdrawal from the EU. If ratified, the proposed Withdrawal Agreement would ensure
that following exit the UK could continue to participate in EU programmes such as
Horizon 2020 for the lifetime of projects. Further updates on Horizon 2020 planning
will be provided in due course.</p><p>As a responsible Government, we are continuing
to prepare for all scenarios. In the event that the UK leaves the EU without a deal
at the end of this extension period, the Government has confirmed that the funding
commitments made under the guarantee and the extension still stand. Through these
commitments, the Government will underwrite funding for all successful competitive
eligible UK bids to Horizon 2020 that are submitted before the end of the Programme.
This guarantee will apply for the lifetime of projects and will provide funding for
UK participation in pioneering Horizon 2020 medical research projects can continue.</p><p>Aside
from our preparations for leaving the EU, the Government has demonstrated its commitment
to research and innovation, including clinical drug trials, by putting it at the heart
of its Industrial Strategy, setting an ambition to increase UK total research and
development expenditure to 2.4% of gross domestic product by 2027. As a first step
towards that we have invested an extra £7 billion in research and development up to
2021/2022. The Government invests over £1 billion in health research through the National
Institute for Health Research. This provides direct funding for clinical trials and
also the skills, facilities and infrastructure to undertake clinical trials in the
health and care service funded by public, charity and industry funders.</p><p> </p><p><strong>
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