Scientific

UK Election Dashes Scientists’ Hopes of Staying in the EU

The United Kingdom is now firmly on the path towards leaving the European Union after the Conservative party won a majority of 79 seats in yesterday’s general election — a result that has major implications for science.

In the wake of the election, researchers are also questioning whether the party will be able to honour its campaign promise to increase spending on science.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson campaigned on the basis that he would take the UK out of the EU with his previously negotiated Withdrawal Agreement by 31 January 2020 if his party won a majority.

So the Conservative victory ends the possibility of remaining in the EU, which was left open ahead of the general election, and which some scientists had hoped for.

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