David Jones, Minister of State at the Department for Exiting the EU, has visited Daresbury Laboratory to listen to the views of the science and technology sector ahead of negotiations to leave the EU.
Daresbury Laboratory is a world leading facility for scientific research run by the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC).
During yesterday’s visit, Mr Jones met with Dr Tim Bestwick, Executive Director of Business and Innovation at STFC and Director of SciTech Daresbury and Professor Susan Smith, Head of Daresbury Laboratory as well as a number of SMEs on site.
He underlined how the decision taken by the people to leave the EU will enable the science and technology sector to seize new opportunities and made it clear that the government is confident of getting a good deal for Britain that makes the most of the new freedoms Brexit will afford us.
Science and technology is an important sector to the economy and to the development of the Northern Powerhouse. The UK consistently ranks in the top 5 countries for university-industry collaboration in research and development.
Sci-Tech Daresbury is one of two national science and innovation campuses, which supports scientists, researchers and industry by providing a collaborative and innovative environment to perform cutting-edge research.
Minister of State for Exiting the European Union David Jones said:
“The country voted to leave the EU and we need to seize the huge and exciting opportunities that will flow from Britain’s new place in the world.
Liverpool is in a strong position; employment in the North West is up by 201,000 since 2010 and Liverpool itself contributes £28.3 billion to the economy each year. But we need a dialogue about both the challenges and opportunities that leaving the EU possess for different sectors in the economy.
That’s why I’m listening to experts views in Daresbury about how the EU affects the science and technology sector. This engagement is vital and I’m confident that by working together we will get a deal that safeguards the sector’s bright future.”
