More than 100 University leaders highlight vital role of EU in Sunday Times letter
Today,103university leaders have written an open letter, publishedin the SundayTimes,whichhighlights how the UK membership of the European Union enhances the positive impact of universitieson our economy, driving growth, generating jobs and ultimately improving peoples lives.
In the letter the Vice-Chancellors ‘urge the British public to consider the vital role the EU plays in supporting our world-class universities.’
They highlight the positive impact of the EU for collaboration and the support provided for ‘cutting edge research, from medical and healthcare advances, to new materials, products and services.’ They argue that ‘In the EU, the UK is also a more attractive destination for global talent, ensuring that our students are taught by the best minds from across Europe.’
The university leaders warn that ‘leaving would mean cutting ourselves off from unique support and established networks and would undermine the UK’s position as a global leader in science, arts and innovation.’
Making clear their strong support for EU membership, the vice-chancellors write that they ‘are committed to highlighting the value of EU membership to our universities, ensuring that a range of views are heard on campuses, and debating why the EU matters to the British people, now and for the future.’
Commenting following the Prime Minister’s announcement of the referendum date, Dame Julia Goodfellow, President of Universities UK and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kent, said:
“Inside the EU, our outstanding British universities are even stronger. EU membership enhances university research and education which, in turn, benefits British people.
“Membership of the EU is good for our universities, good for British students who benefit from being taught by the best minds from across Europe, and good for the science and research that improves people’s lives.”
