EU funding loss to affect children’s lives

Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) has warned that any loss of European funding for medical research could cost the lives of vulnerable children.

The hospital is calling on the government to secure a European deal which ensures the UK retains its brightest minds and crucial research funding in order to remain at the forefront of new treatments and specialist care.

Dr Peter Steer, chief executive of GOSH, said: “The UK is known for the strength of its biomedical research. At GOSH our research base enables us to develop transformative treatments and cures and save lives. We do not want to see this eroded by uncertainty about the status of key staff and funding.”

However, such concerns have been branded as ‘gross overreaction and rather hysterical’ by Angus Dalgliesh, professor of oncology at St George's, University of London, who also represents Brexit movement Scientists for Britain.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: “There are a lot of scare stories about people not wanting to come because we're leaving the EU. I don't think that will happen. There are a lot of us trying to make sure that when Brexit comes, that all the good bits will be left in place. It's not going to be a break.”