No deal, no thanks
With Brexit continuing to dominate the headlines, the debate rages on how and when the UK will leave the European Union. As an organisation, we have consistently made the case that leaving without a deal is the worst possible option for the chemical sciences.
By Jo Reynolds, Director of Science and Communities
The UK is a global leader in science and innovation and a central node in the collaborative networks that make it a go-to destination to work for many of the world’s best and brightest. If the UK did leave without a deal, we would immediately lose access to vital funding programmes and crucial collaborative networks; we would lose access to shared data necessary for robust standards and regulations; and recruiting skilled scientists from the EU will become harder. In short, the global status of the UK would be diminished: no deal is still not an option.
This position is based on evidence including a survey conducted in February, where according to our community:
- 84% think 'no-deal' would be negative for UK science and innovation, less than 5% think it would be positive.
- 75% think EU framework programmes benefit UK science and innovation, less than 5% think their impact is negative.
- 88% think UK should prioritise harmonising chemicals regulations, globally or with the EU. Only 4% said the UK should prioritise developing its own rules and standards.
Despite this, we are still in the position where no deal is possible and current Government policy is to leave the EU on 31 October, with or without a deal. The RSC is working to ensure our community is as prepared as possible, most recently with the updated 'Brexit Preparedness' pages on our website. These pages provide summaries of what the Government recommends people and businesses should do to prepare for Brexit in the event of a deal and no deal. We strongly recommend that, where applicable, members and the broader community act diligently and follow the Government’s advice as signposted in these pages.
We have also been working to ensure our views are heard by key decision makers in Whitehall and Parliament. This includes:
- Responding to the Science Select Committee on the impact of no deal
- Briefing peers on our views on the establishment of UK REACH regulations
- Compiling a comprehensive policy position on the mobility of scientists which has been used to influence BEIS and the Home Office on the new immigration system
- Convening members of the civil service from BEIS with the members of our SME community to talk about the Immigration White paper (it also piquedthe interest of the Home Office)
- And most recently, making our views heard on the recent Spending review
We will be seeking the community’s views on funding and investment, and immigration through round table discussions at our Chemistry Means Business event in October and will have representation at many of the Party conferences. With a general election likely sooner rather than later, we will also be setting out a series of policy proposals in the coming weeks to inform all parties' thinking by highlighting the importance of UK science and innovation. We would welcome contributions and please do check out the Policy pages on our website for updates in the coming weeks.
We face uncertain times but there are things we can and will do to mitigate risks. The RSC remains firm in its belief that no deal damages the UK’s reputation, influence and status as a world leader in science and innovation. As we have repeatedly said, access to EU funding programmes, to talent, and to shared regulations are all interlinked and are the building blocks of the UK’s success. Together they build the UK’s success and reputation as a key player in global science. These links must be nurtured and cherished – no deal is not an option for UK chemical sciences.
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