Onward Newsletter 08/09/2023

What’s Onward This Week

Rishi Sunak is making a historic visit to New Delhi today as the first British leader of Indian descent, where he’ll join G20 talks on climate change and emerging technologies tomorrow. On the sidelines, there are also expected crunch talks between Sunak and India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a potential trade deal. 

As always, domestic issues will undoubtedly follow the Prime Minister abroad regardless of the talks’ importance. But quiet progress is being made, which the Government hopes voters recognise, including the Government’s plan to unlock new onshore wind farms in England and the shot in the arm for UK science and technology rejoining Horizon Europe promises.

✍️ Research

After a two-year hiatus, the UK is rejoining Horizon Europe as an associate member. The EU science programme, which includes 30 countries in and out of the bloc, invests £81 billion in European research and innovation. Participating not only means that UK scientists and institutions can apply for money again but also facilitates collaboration and attracts talent.

Earlier this year, Science Minister George Freeman delivered a keynote speech at Onward setting out the UK’s global science ambitions – with the alternative ‘Pioneer’ plan to Horizon Europe should negotiations fail. Many policies and ideas discussed at this event, such as the International Science Partnership Fund and Innovation Moonshots, should still be pursued.

📰 Media Mentions

In his latest column for the i, Onward Director Sebastian Payne said the UK joining Horizon Europe as an associate member isn’t just good for science but signals a more pragmatic relationship with Europe. UKTN also quoted him on what the news means for UK science and technology. 

In CapX, Onward’s Head of Science and Technology, Allan Nixon, explained what China’s new “Little Giants” plan to dominate strategic technology means for the UK’s aim to build an advantage in five priority areas.

Onward’s Future of Conservatism Project Director Gavin Rice argued in The Critic that a civic form of national service could be a transformative, right-of-passage for you people.

Following news that the Government will lift the onshore wind ban in England, Onward’s Head of Energy and Environment, Jack Richardson, spoke to Times Radio about how delivering community benefits can win local support for renewable energy infrastructure. 

🌐 Onward Online

What does associate membership of Horizon mean for the UK? Onward’s Head of Science and Technology, Allan Nixon, explains:

Why do young people in the UK increasingly feel unskilled, unhappy and unmoored? Onward’s Senior Researcher Francois Valentin breaks down the findings from our latest report, Great British National Service: