The Prime Minister yesterday (September 7) visited the University of Warwick where he announced the UK would rejoin the EU's flagship research scheme, Horizon.

The move means that UK-based researchers and innovators will be able to access funding from the £85 billion programme, in what has been hailed as a major boost for the higher education sector.

Rishi Sunak said it was the "right deal for the UK" as he confirmed that the UK would be rejoining Horizon as an associate member.

The PM chose to make the major policy announcement at Warwick which has close ties with research partners across Europe.

"With a wealth of expertise and experience to bring to the global stage, we have delivered a deal that enables UK scientists to confidently take part in the world's largest research collaboration programme," the PM said.

"We have worked with our EU partners to make sure that this is the right deal for the UK, unlocking unparalleled research opportunities, and also the right deal for British taxpayers."

During the visit, he was given a tour of the university's International Manufacturing Centre by Robin Clarke, dean of Warwick Manufacturing Group, and Emma Flynn, the university's provost.

Prof Flynn said: "We were delighted to host the Prime Minister today and welcomed the opportunity to showcase some of the cutting-edge technology and innovation we have here at Warwick.

"The fact the Prime Minister chose to come to Warwick to make such a major announcement on science funding gives me a sense of enormous pride in our brilliant academics and researchers, who have built our reputation as a world-leading university on science, innovation and research over many years.

"The announcement today on Horizon funding is fantastic news for Warwick and the wider university sector and will help drive research excellence and collaboration with our partners.

"This deal will make help us address and make a positive difference to the environmental, economic, and social challenges we all face."