PROGRESS has been made in talks with the Government about protecting an Oxfordshire science hub during Brexit, Ed Vaizey says.

The Wantage MP confirmed yesterday he had spoken to Brexit Secretary David Davis and Business Secretary Greg Clark about the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, where hundreds of scientists face uncertainty.

It is due to the announcement the UK plans to quit Euratom, the European nuclear cooperation body, which emerged in a footnote to the Brexit Bill currently going through Parliament.

There are fears the lack of clarity about funding arrangements after 2018 – as well as doubt around the residency rights of European nationals – could trigger an exodus of top talent.

Mr Vaizey previously expressed fury at the situation, telling ministers they should have notified local MPs in advance.

But on Wednesday night the Tory backbencher did not vote for an amendment tabled by the Labour Party, which would have reversed the decision to quit Euratom.

When asked to comment yesterday, Mr Vaizey responded: “I have made a lot of progress with ministers on this issue, having spoken to Greg Clark and David Davis. I know ministers are in touch with Culham and will visit shortly.

“I intend to keep the pressure on the government to find a solution.”

His comments came after it emerged the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, had provided assurances to some MPs about the residency of European nationals after Brexit in a private letter.

She told them the Government was ‘committed’ to reassuring them. Mr Vaizey referenced it in Parliament before admitting this was a ‘faux pas’.