The government has announced a new fast-track visa route to facilitate researchers and specialists in science, engineering and technology to come to work in the UK.
Responding to the announcement, Professor Steve Hill, President of the British Pharmacological Society, said:
We welcome the government’s recognition that it is vital to attract and retain skilled scientists from around the world. Immigration reform has an important part to play in making movement easier for international scientists and will hopefully send a signal that they are welcome in, and valued by, the UK.
However, facilitating the movement of scientists goes hand in hand with supporting their work by safeguarding access to funding and the opportunity to collaborate. We welcome government assurances regarding the underwriting funding for Horizon 2020 in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit, but we continue to call for the closest possible association with Horizon Europe and with European scientists. The government must ensure that the UK has access to the funding, skills and collaborations it needs to maintain its world-leading position.