FEARS over the impact of Brexit dominated proceedings when the shadow minister for science and innovation visited Oxford Science Park yesterday.

Labour MP Chi Onwurah said she was 'hugely impressed' after touring the park's new £13m Schrodinger building.

Leaders from five firms in the park had a round table discussion with the Ms Onwurah and Oxford East Mp Anneliese Dodds and raised concerns over housing, infrastructure and Brexit.

The Newcastle upon Tyne Central MP said: "Brexit was raised a number of times, almost always negatively, whether that’s the lack of access to international finance or international recruitment or just uncertainty over Brexit and its impacts.

"Oxford has a world-wide reputation as a centre of innovation, and some of the technologies and companies I have met here – it’s world-beating and world-changing.

"The Government’s policy of a hard Brexit will put barriers in place and it’s a challenge that these great companies don’t need."

Sesui, a firm specialised in cloud communications, was one of the businesses represented, along with Oxford Nanopore Technologies, Vaccitech, OxSonics, and Evox Therapeutics.

Managing director of Sesui, Lee Bryant, said: "The fear of Brexit was brought up in terms of the fear of not being able to tap into European skills abroad.

“It’s less of a concern for my company with our technologies as kids are picking it up so fast but it’s a concern for the life sciences businesses in the park."

Anneliese Dodds MP said: "There’s a lot of concern particularly about the prospect of a ‘no deal’ Brexit."

She added: "It's really crucial we protect funding for the city."

The park's managing director, Piers Scrimshaw-Wright, said Oxford was well placed to attract investment and that the park had 'turned on the tap' in terms of development.