As many of you will now know, the UK Government has requested a formal delay on the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union after Parliament failed to approve its proposals to leave on March 29th, writes Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli.

The European Union has offered an extension to the article 50 process. The length of that extension is dependent on decisions which the UK Parliament may take. The shape of any final deal, and its impact, is as yet unclear and further discussions, and likely votes, will take place at Westminster during this coming week.

I wanted to let you know that the University is doing all that it can to prepare for whatever form Brexit might take – if indeed it happens at all – and that we want to be as supportive as we possibly can to staff and students who are EU nationals, and also to students and colleagues who have study placements or research/teaching relationships with any of the other 27 EU states.

We are holding a BREXIT OPEN FORUM on Tuesday 9 April from 1730-1830 in the Senate Room where staff and students are encouraged to come along and put questions, or points, to me and other colleagues – including the President of the SRC, the Executive Director of External Relations and the Director of Human Resources.

To register, simply go to: https://uofgstaffstudentbrexitforum.eventbrite.co.uk

If you cannot attend, please email your questions or points in advance to communications@glasgow.ac.uk

The University has continued to lobby hard at Westminster and Holyrood as a member of the Russell Group, Universities Scotland and Universities UK, but also as an individual institution to make sure that our views are heard and heeded. You may have seen some press coverage, including an interview I gave to the BBC over my deep concern on the post-Brexit study visa proposals. I will continue to speak out where I feel the interests of our staff and our students are being jeopardised.

Recently I took part in a Brexit Facebook live with Christine Barr, Director of Human Resources, and Lauren McDougall, the President of the SRC. Thank you to those who took part for posting questions which ranged from settled status to employment issues for students. The broadcast can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com/UofGlasgow/videos/330807274213040/

We have also placed a great deal of information and advice on the University website which should answer many of the questions that you may have. If there are issues which are not addressed on the web, please talk to your academic supervisor or local HR manager for guidance.

Finally I again wanted to emphasise that whatever is decided at a political level over the coming weeks or months, the University of Glasgow will continue to be European in outlook, global in our ambition and welcoming to all who wish to come here. In particular I want to say to our EU colleagues, students and friends that you make a vital contribution to our University, to our economy and to our society.

Please do try and come along to our Brexit Forum on Tuesday 9 April, or send in any questions you may have for us to address if you are unable to be at the meeting.

Anton

First published: 25 March 2019

<< 25 March 2019