News   /   Society

British academics warn about Brexit

The UK and the EU flags

Britain’s leading academics and scientists say a British exit from the EU would be catastrophic for universities and scientific research.

They also warned the move would also cost tens of millions of pounds in funding and leave prestigious UK institutions struggling to compete on the world stage.

Scientists from fields as diverse as neuroscience, astronomy, robotics, immunology, particle physics, sustainable agriculture, molecular biology, nanotechnology, cancer and photon therapy said an exit from the EU would lead to funding cuts, make recruiting and retaining top academic talent harder, and – crucially – cripple the cross-border collaboration on which research thrives.

EU membership has long been a contentious topic in Britain. Eurosceptics, who believe the UK would be better off outside the political and economic union, seek the UK's withdrawal from the EU.

The UK government is set to hold a referendum by the end of 2017 on whether to leave the 28-nation EU. 

On Tuesday, British prime minister said the EU must agree to "irreversible changes" that would redefine Britain's relationship with the bloc and limit freedom of movement by allowing the UK to restrict benefits for migrants from other member states. Cameron added he wants to stay in, provided he can secure greater autonomy for the UK.

He added that the UK wants change in four areas, including protection for countries such as Britain that don't use the euro single currency, less red tape and greater power for national parliaments to opt out of rules made by the Brussels-based EU.

 


Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Press TV News Roku