Securing an effective post-Brexit settlement for universities and
introducing a new immigration system that welcomes international
students and staff are among two areas that universities would
like politicians to address in their manifestos before next
month's general election.
As the main political parties finalise their manifesto
commitments, Universities UK is urging politicians to take into
consideration a number of priorities when forming their policies
on higher education.
Universities UK has identified five priorities for the next
government:
- 1. Securing an effective
post-Brexit settlement for universities
- 2. Supporting universities in
their role as anchors for growth in local economies
- 3. Increasing funding for
science, research and innovation to match our competitors
- 4. Supporting world-leading
teaching, student experience and improving outcomes
- 5. An effective immigration
system
While Universities UK's priorities are outlined for the whole of
the UK, some of the issues are devolved matters and will require
devolved solutions.
Dame Julia Goodfellow, President of Universities UK and
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent, said: “There
are a number of key election issues that will have a direct
impact on universities. In particular, Brexit and immigration
policy. It is important that the voice of universities is heard
in this debate.
“Ahead of the election, Universities UK is asking all political
parties to adopt policies that help universities to continue to
boost the economy, jobs, skills, research and improve social
mobility.
“The vote to leave the European Union and the general election
present an unparalleled opportunity to re-think the UK's
immigration system. If we are to keep up with competitor
countries, we need a new system that welcomes international
students and staff and promotes the UK as one of the best places
in the world for higher education and research.”
