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<p>The Government is undertaking a wide range of analysis in support of our EU exit
negotiations and preparations. Ministers have a specific responsibility, which Parliament
has endorsed, not to release information that would reveal our negotiating position.</p><p>However,
we know that as of the end of May 2018, the UK had the second highest number of project
participations in Horizon 2020. This was 14.4% of the total share of funding, second
only to Germany. This demonstrates that it is in the interests of the UK and EU for
us to continue to collaborate on research and innovation. It also signals assurance
from both sides that although we are leaving the EU, we are not leaving Europe.</p><p>We
have now agreed in principle the terms of the UK’s smooth and orderly exit from the
EU as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement. Once ratified, the provisions in the Withdrawal
Agreement will ensure UK participation in EU Programmes committed under the 2014-2020
Multi-annual Financial Framework until the closure of the programme or activity. Horizon
2020 is an EU Programme committed under the 2014-2020 MFF.</p><p>The Outline Political
Declaration signifies an important milestone which explicitly provides for inclusion
of terms for UK participation in EU Programmes, such as science and innovation. The
UK Government has made it clear to our European neighbours that we want the option
to associate to excellence-based EU research & innovation funding programmes,
networks and infrastructures.</p>
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