1. February 2017 Gerry Webber University Secretary
BREXIT BRIEFING
February 2017
Gerry Webber
University Secretary

2. On 23 June 2016, the UK voted to leave
What we know
“Should the United Kingdom remain a member of the European Union or leave the European Union?”
On 23 June 2016, the UK voted to leave
Most of the rest is still unknown…

3. What does it mean? Brexit means Brexit PM’s speech 17 January 2017
Article years to agree divorce (2019?)

4. PM’s speech 17 January Leaving the single market and the ECJ
Probably leaving the customs union too
Tighter control of immigration
Some chinks of light, perhaps…

5. Good news for higher education?
Some limited assurances already given on student fees and EU research
We are “..leaving the EU, not leaving Europe”
“We want to guarantee the rights of EU citizens who are already living in Britain…”

6. More good news for HE?
“..there may be some specific European programmes in which we might want to participate.”
The UK “will continue to attract the brightest and the best to work or study in Britain..”
We would “..welcome agreement to continue to collaborate… on major science, research and technology initiatives.”

7. Sector concerns - UUK
"There are currently nearly half a million international students at UK universities, with over 125,000 [c5%] of them from EU countries. 16% of academic staff at UK universities are from EU countries, while 12% are from non-EU countries.
Brexit negotiations must ensure that the UK is still open to EU and international students and that we can continue to access valuable and collaborative European research networks. It was encouraging to hear that the prime minister would like to see the UK continue to play a role in certain EU programmes.
Brexit poses many challenges, but with the right Government support, universities can play a central role in the UK's economic success and global influence outside the EU. This will, however, require reforms to our current immigration system to ensure that the most talented international students, researchers and university staff can come to the UK and are welcomed, regardless of their nationality."
Have asked George to check info…. 7

8. What does it mean for us? Staff Students Research Brexit FAQs
Over 10% of our staff are from the EU, unevenly distributed
Existing staff unlikely to be affected, but fewer new starts?
Students
Around 10% of UGs and 20% of PGs are from the EU
Also distributed unevenly, and not always easy to replace
Research
Almost 40% of external research funding is from the EU
Alternative sources are already highly competitive
Brexit FAQs
For students: Info accessible via Home Page
For staff: Europe page under Principal’s Office. with any questions

9. DISCUSSION