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#Brexit Committee to discuss impact of no-deal on HE and research

Committee to discuss impact of no-deal departure on UK pharmaceutical, chemical, higher education and research sectors

09.15am Wednesday 19 June, Boothroyd Room, Portcullis House

On Wednesday 19th June, the Committee on Exiting the European Union continues a series of sessions examining the impact of a no-deal departure on key sectors of the UK economy. It’s part of the Committee’s over-arching inquiry examining the progress of the UK’s negotiations on EU withdrawal.

In its twelfth report, published in January, the Committee emphasised that a no-deal departure has remained the legal default since the UK triggered Article 50 in March 2017, but found that Government preparations for such a scenario have been inconsistent in nature. The agreement of an extension to the Article 50 process until 31 October does not alter the legal situation.

In this session, the Committee will hear firstly from associations representing manufacturers of pharmaceuticals and chemicals; followed by representatives from higher education and research bodies. The Committee is expected to focus on what impact the agreement of an extension has had on their sectors, what a no-deal scenario would look like in practice, and how the continuing uncertainty has affected their ability to plan for the various possible outcomes. The Committee will also assess the quality of preparations made ahead of the initial March 29 deadline and the lessons learned as we approach the 31 October deadline.

Witnesses:                                

From 09.15am, Wednesday 19 June:

  • Steve Bates, Chief Executive, BioIndustry Association
  • Nishma Patel, Chemicals Policy Director, Chemical Industries Association
  • Martin Sawer, Executive Director, Healthcare Distribution Association

From approx. 10.15am:

  • Vivienne Stern, Director, Universities UK International
  • Professor Tim Wheeler, International Director, UK Research and Innovation
  • Dr Beth Thompson MBE, Head of UK and EU Policy, Wellcome Trust

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