Liz Truss launches case against EU for 'breach' of Brexit deal over Horizon program

Liz Truss launches new legal investigation clash with the EU, accusing it of a "manifest breach" of the Brexit deal by excluding the UK from crucial scientific research programmes.

The Foreign Secretary launched a litigation procedure regarding the exclusion of the programs, this Brussels has linked to the UK's threats to tear up the Northern Ireland protocol.

A letter has been delivered to the European Commission by the UK's ambassador to the EU, in a move that could lead to direct legal action if the dispute is not resolved.

The dispute is over access to the Horizon Europe program of 80 billion rds of pounds, as well as the Copernicus climate change initiative and the Euratom nuclear research programme.

Ms Truss said: “The E U is in breach blatant violation of our agreement, repeatedly seeking to politicize vital scientific cooperation by refusing to finalize access to these important programs. We cannot allow this to continue. »

But Labor has accused the Tory leadership favorite of courting party members by "starting rows with the EU", while the Liberal Democrats warned of a full-scale trade war.

"The Conservatives' reckless and lawless approach vis-à-vis the protocol helps prevent Britain from joining the European Horizon programme," said David Lammy, the Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs.

"Instead of continuing to start to argue with the EU to appeal to his conservative base, the next prime minister should sit down with all parties to ease tensions and find a deal in the national interest."

And Layla Moran, Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for the Liberal Democrats, said: "This latest escalation offers a glimpse into life under a future Truss administration, where a trade war with our largest trading partner is sadly a serious prospect.

"Deciding to put Conservative Party dogma ahead of what is in the nation's interest is a terrible decision at the best of times - to do so in the midst of this cost of living crisis would be unforgivable .

The 2020 Christmas Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA) was intended to save participation in the schemes, even though the UK has withdrawn from other joint schemes.

But the EU has stalled the talks in protest at what it sees as the UK's intention to break international law by canceling the Brexit deal for Northern Ireland. It has started infringement proceedings and revived a case first filed in March 2021 over the UK's failure to implement promised controls at the Irish Sea borders.

Desperate scientists and researchers have pleaded with both sides not to allow science to fall victim to 'unrelated...