UK minister makes education statement
The UK minister of state for universities and science Jo Johnson has made a statement on higher education and research following the UK’s vote to leave the EU.
According to the official UK government website, UK universities and researchers are among the world’s best, and international students, academics and researchers contribute significantly to that success.
UK Prime Minister David Cameron announced last week that the government will continue the legislation that was set before Parliament by Queen Elizabeth II, regardless of the referendum result.
Johnson said: “EU and international students make an important contribution to our world class universities, and our European neighbours are among some of our closest research partners.
There are obviously big discussions to be had with our European partners, and I look forward to working with the sector to ensure its voice is fully represented and that it continues to go from strength to strength.”
The referendum result will have no immediate effect on students studying in the EU, beneficiaries of Erasmus+ or those considering to apply to the programme next year. The UK’s future access to the programme will be determined under the forthcoming negotiations.
Likewise, the referendum result will not affect those applying to or participating in the European Union’s research framework programme, Horizon 2020. UK participants are invited to continue to apply and, again, future UK access to European funding will be determined by the negotiation process.
The UK government says that ensuring the nation’s participation in European and international research remains a high priority.
