BM74: Standing in Solidarity with the NUS-UK on Brexit

BM74: Standing in Solidarity with the NUS-UK on Brexit

As noted at ESU BM71 and subsequently at ESU BM73, ESU noted with sadness the result of the referendum on EU membership held on 23rd of June 2016. Since then the negotiations have begun and very little progress has been made on key issues of education, the Border on the Island of Ireland, the future of Erasmus + and research funding and the rights for EU students and academics.

ESU and its Board fully support NUS UK’s change of policy to campaign for a “People’s Vote” (ratification vote) on the final deal with the opportunity to accept or reject it.

ESU notes with concern the lack of progress on key issues within the negotiations over the Border and no clarity on the negotiations deal with regards to education and the rights of EU students and academics.

ESU notes that “no deal” will be detrimental to the future of European collaboration and would not only damage cooperation and mobility between the United Kingdom and Europe, it would be hugely damaging for students across Europe.  

ESU supports the view that the UK would be welcomed to remain in the European Union if a deal is rejected and the electorate vote to remain in the European Union and calls on the European Union to do the same.

ESU continues to recognise USI’s position, that a hard border on the Island of Ireland would have devastating consequences on communities, businesses and families either side the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. ESU also recognises the consequences a hard border would have on students and academics in regards to freedom of movement, possible increases in tuition fees; and access to research funding and the Erasmus+ programme.

Proposed by: NUS-UK

Seconded by: USI, OH, ANOSR, SSU, CREUP, VVS, UNEF, fZs, FAGE, ISO, LSVb, FAIRe, KSU, UDU, FEF, SFS, LIS, BSA, NSO, VSS-UNES-USU, ANSA, BOSS, LIS, LSS, SRVS, UNEL