Universities UK has welcomed the initial Brexit agreement, but
stressed that phase two of the negotiations will be hugely
important for universities.
Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities
UK said: “The phase one exit deal is positive news for
universities and provides some welcome progress on a number of
issues which Universities UK has been calling on government to
address.
“It is welcome news that an agreement has finally been reached on
citizens’ rights, which has long been universities’ first
priority for Brexit negotiations. Today’s announcement means that
the 46,000 EU nationals working across the UK university sector
have clarity that they can remain and work in the UK and gain
settled status. We also welcome the confirmation that people with
settled status will be able to spend up to five consecutive years
outside the UK without losing this status.
“It is positive news that the budget settlement reached means
that UK universities, students and researchers will continue to
be able to participate in valuable programmes such as Horizon
2020 and Erasmus+ until at least the end date of current
programmes.
“Phase two of the negotiations is hugely important for
universities. Universities UK will continue to work with the UK
government and officials in Brussels to secure an effective
post-exit settlement for universities. To ensure universities can
deliver maximum impact post-exit, this should include negotiating
access to the next European research and innovation programme
(FP9) and to the Erasmus+ mobility programme. Developing a
post-exit immigration system, with minimal barriers to allow
talented European staff and students to work and study in the UK,
is a priority.”
ENDS
Notes
- Before today's
agreement, Universities UK published a collection of case studies
highlighting the research and stories of leading EU academics
working in UK universities. For more on the campaign,
see:Brightest minds: why our
universities need the vital contribution of EU staff
- 17% (33,735) of
academic staff and 6% (12,490) of professional services staff at
UK universities are from other EU countries.
- For more
information on Universities UK's Brexit policy priorities prior
to the first phase of negotiations, see our briefing document
