Maintaining a Close Relationship with Europe Post-Brexit
Category: Policy Topic Idea
Voting closed
What’s the problem?
On 31st January 2020, the United Kingdom left the European Union; Students and young people overwhelmingly voted Remain in the 2016 EU Referendum and have consistently voted for pro-EU and pro-second referendum parties in the two successive elections following the referendum.
The events of recent years have represented a profound detachment from what we collectively regard as the United Kingdom’s righteous future within a free and prosperous European Union.
We express deep regret that the United Kingdom shall exit European institutions and lose freedoms which have constituted a significant role in the lives of millions of students and young people across the United Kingdom.
Whilst it is extremely regrettable that we have now left the European Union, the National Union of Students (NUS) should now be focusing on ensuring we preserve as many student-facing rights and benefits as possible
The current immigration system is suitable for EEA nationals post-Brexit. It would make it much harder for UK universities to attract talented European staff and students that contribute so much to our campus communities, our research, our teaching and our economy.
Many institutions currently participate in European research programmes that enable access to a pooled financial resource that are essential to collaboration, whilst also incentivising it. We will lose access to these resources and our exposure to networks and contacts across Europe, eroding collaboration opportunities in a post-Brexit environment
Universities are key to ensuring we have a successful post-Brexit UK economy and diverse, multicultural and international society. Universities may not be able to depend on the support from the government to ensure that they can thrive.
What could be the solution?
We should maintain our identity as European citizens and continue to promote a commitment to Security, Quality of Life, Opportunities, Freedoms, and protection of Human Rights.
We should seek to preserve a workable continuation of the Erasmus+ scheme; a highly esteemed shared asset within both the UK student body and that of other EU states. We must secure access to Erasmus but recognise the need to grow new mobility partnerships beyond Erasmus too .
We should campaign to protect research funding and opportunities such as the Horizon Europe research and innovation programme.
The UK Government should ensure we have an immigration system that works allow for the most talented European staff and students to contribute to our University communities.
Comments
Amendment 1: National Society of Apprentices are members of Organising Bureau of European School Student Unions (OBESSU) and European Apprentice Network (EAN). NUS should build and maintain strong links with both of these organisations and participate in European education research and campaigns.
Amendment 2: remove the words "works allow for the most talented" from the final point beneath "what could be the solution?" so it reads: "...an immigration system that enables European staff and students to contribute to our University communities." It is important that we do not divide non-UK citizens into "good immigrants" and "bad immigrants." Talent is a subjective term and has no place in our lobbying work. We should fight for an end to a hostile border regime for all, irrespective of how talented they are deemed.
Bridges, not Borders! I am so upset that despite some incredible campaigning and inspirational work, the UK has left the European Union. But, as I’ve said before, this Brexit is not “done” and the battle goes on. We now need to make sure that our members don’t lose the benefits that their predecessors have enjoyed like Erasmus+ programmes. But the issues are deeper and wider than just Erasmus - over the coming years, we’re going to have to be loud and proud in working to tackle the hostile environment that has faced anyone not quite British enough for the Home Office. And, we’re going to have the fight of the decade on tuition fees. This motion and the topics it talks to is incredibly important - please give it your support!
This will be an essential policy to delibrate. I give it full support.