U.K. to rejoin Europe's Horizon science programme

U.K. and EU reach deal for Britain to rejoin Horizon Europe science research programme.

Britain is to rejoin the Horizon Europe science research programme under a new bespoke deal, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's office and the EU said on September 7.

"As part of the new deal negotiated over the last six months, the Prime Minister has secured improved financial terms of association to Horizon Europe that are right for the U.K.," a statement said.

Horizon is a European Union scheme that funds research projects which the U.K. says it has been excluded from for the past three years, following Brexit.

The deal follows a call between Sunak and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on September 6.

"The EU and U.K. are key strategic partners and allies, and today's agreement proves that point. We will continue to be at the forefront of global science and research," Ms. von der Leyen said in a statement.

The deal means that U.K. researchers can apply immediately for grants and bid to take part in projects under the Horizon programme, the U.K. government statement said.

"Horizon will give U.K. companies and research institutions unrivalled opportunities to lead global work to develop new technologies and research projects, in areas from health to AI," it added.