UCU response to government’s Brexit position paper on science

Responding to the government’s Brexit position paper on science, University and College Union general secretary Sally Hunt said:

‘Setting a clear objective to remain part of the European Union framework programmes for science is a welcome if belated development from the government. The devil will be in the detail, but UK universities are hugely successful partners in European research and ensuring that our institutions are well placed for future collaboration with EU institutions is vital.

‘However, the most pressing issue facing UK science remains the risk of talented EU staff leaving the UK because of continued uncertainty about their future. If the government really wants to protect the UK’s global reputation for science and research, it must show that the UK welcomes international talent and act urgently to guarantee the rights of EU staff and students.’