Brexit: British Academy responds to Article 50 being triggered

Speaking in response to today’s decision to trigger Article 50 as part of the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill, Ash Amin, Foreign Secretary at the British Academy, said:  

“The Government must do everything within its power, to safeguard the UK’S world-leading research, innovation and higher education systems. While the negotiations will ultimately lead to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the EU, our continued partnership with Europe on matters of research and innovation must remain the same, if not stronger. Such collaborations are essential and need to be protected as they are central to UK prosperity and creativity.”

“The UK attracts some of the finest research talent in Europe – and the World. It is essential that the Government provides the right to remain indefinitely for all European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) innovation, research and higher education staff, currently employed and those accepting employment here, and their dependants.” 

“In addition, The British Academy strongly advocates that any discussions in relation to transitional arrangements for higher education, research and innovation, take place at the earliest opportunity during the negotiations. This will ensure the UK remains a competitive environment and attractive proposition for the World’s most talented researchers.” 

“It is widely acknowledged that the UK’s public expenditure on Research and Development (R&D) pales in comparison to our major European neighbours. With that in mind, there should be serious efforts to increase R&D spend to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) average. If we don’t, the UK’s long-term competitiveness and international influence will be put at risk.”

To view the full joint statement by the British Academy, The Academy of Medical Sciences, Royal Academy of Engineering, The Royal Society, The Royal Society of Edinburgh, Royal Irish Academy and the Learned Society of Wales, please click here.