Brexit - "sufficient progress"

08 December 2017

Commenting on the announcement that UK and EU Brexit negotiating teams have agreed sufficient progress has been made in talks to move on to discussions of a future trade relationship, Chief Executive of the Russell Group Dr Tim Bradshaw said:

“The rights of citizens from other EU member states has been our first priority since the start of the Brexit process. Confirmation the withdrawal agreement will apply to all those arriving in the UK until the point of exit is helpful. We also welcome that people with settled status will be able to spend up to five consecutive years outside of the UK without losing this status. This will help ensure future academic collaboration with international partners is not undermined. We would encourage the Government to put the terms of the agreement on citizens’ rights into UK law as soon as possible.

“Indication that the UK will continue as full participants in Horizon 2020, Erasmus+ and other EU programmes until the end of the current budget period is another big step forwards. We encourage UK institutions to take full advantage of the opportunities that this presents.

“As negotiations move into stage 2 we need to see quick progress on an ambitious deal on research that helps us build on the close relationships that have been developed over the last 40 years. A comprehensive agreement on science that ensures joint working can continue for the long term would be a win-win for the UK and the EU.”

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