Universities UK statement on the outcome of the EU referendum

Universities UK, the representative organisation for the UK's universities, said in a statement following the EU Referendum in the UK on the 23 June 2016.

Leaving the EU will create significant challenges for universities. Although this is not an outcome that we wished or campaigned for, we respect the decision of the UK electorate. We should remember that leaving the EU will not happen overnight – there will be a gradual exit process with significant opportunities to seek assurances and influence future policy.

'Throughout the transition period our focus will be on securing support that allows our universities to continue to be global in their outlook, internationally networked and an attractive destination for talented people from across Europe. These features are central to ensuring that British universities continue to be the best in the world.

'Our first priority will be to convince the UK Government to take steps to ensure that staff and students from EU countries can continue to work and study at British universities in the long term, and to promote the UK as a welcoming destination for the brightest and best minds. They make a powerful contribution to university research and teaching and have a positive impact on the British economy and society. We will also prioritise securing opportunities for our researchers and students to access vital pan-European programmes and build new global networks'.

• Primary Source

ESO: In Focus: Brexit - The United Kingdom and the European Union http://www.europeansources.info/record/brexit-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union/

Universities UK: Universities for Europe http://www.universitiesforeurope.com/Pages/Home.aspx

ESO: Background information: EU students and staff welcome at Welsh Universities http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-students-and-staff-welcome-at-swansea-university-kirsty-williams-eu-students-and-staff-welcome-at-welsh-universities/

ESO: Background information: The EU Referendum, 23 June 2016. The United Kingdom and the European Union. The results http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-eu-referendum-23-june-2016-the-united-kingdom-and-the-european-union-the-results/

The Conversation, 26.07.16: Will a pre-Brexit building boom now bust Britain’s universities? https://theconversation.com/will-a-pre-brexit-building-boom-now-bust-britains-universities-62299

The Telegraph, 01.07.16: Brexit: What will it mean for universities, students and academics? http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2016/07/01/brexit-what-will-it-mean-for-universities-students-and-academics/

The Conversation, 08.08.16: Only by keeping close ties with Europe can UK research remain globally competitive https://theconversation.com/only-by-keeping-close-ties-with-europe-can-uk-research-remain-globally-competitive-63358

Universities UK: Universities for Europe: Brexit FAQs for universities and students http://www.universitiesuk.ac.uk/facts-and-stats/Pages/brexit-faq.aspx//Pages/Home.aspx

The Conversation, 08.08.16: The summer when working in a British university lost its global appeal https://theconversation.com/the-summer-when-working-in-a-british-university-lost-its-global-appeal-63431

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