Brexit: universities warn that no agreement is the 'biggest threat'

] University directors are warning that there is no agreement Brexit is "a of the greatest threats "to which the institutions have faced.

Higher education leaders have written to parliamentarians to tell them that it is" not an exaggeration "to warn that universities will take" decades to recover ".

They say it would undermine scientific research and threaten the contribution of £ 21bn from universities to the UK economy.

The government has said its immigration plans will keep universities "open" the talent we need from Europe. "

A joint letter sent to all parliamentarians on behalf of the directors of 150 universities in the UK says:" Vital research links will be compromised, from the new treatments against cancer to technologies that fight climate change.

"The valuable exchange of students, staff and knowledge would be seriously damaged," adds the letter from university groups that include UK universities, the Russell Group, Guild HE, Million Plus and Univers ity Alliance.

A threat of financing or a campaign for fear?

Dame Janet Beer, president of Universities UK, warned that "time is running out".

She says that without "cast iron guarantees" on UK access to European research networks, the world's leading researchers will be lost in other countries where "funding is not at risk".

But the journalist and educator Toby Young, who says he supports a "clean Brexit," dismissed the warning as "the usual hysteria," accusing the Vice Chancellors of "alarmism."

"In In the case of a Brexit without an agreement, I'm sure the government will use part of that £ 49 billion windfall to compensate British universities for any short-term loss," said Mr. Young, associate editor of the Spectator magazine.

The Russell Group of leading research universities says that there has already been a decline in EU students who wish to study in the UK.

Data from its 24 universities show a 3% drop in EU students in the current amount. that they think is due to the uncertainty about Brexit.

'Irreal' 19199015]

The letter warns parliamentarians of the dangers for universities in the United Kingdom if they lose their place in European research networks.

Provides two examples of financing at risk : the European Research Council and Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions, which would amount to 1,200 million pounds sterling for UK institutions over the next two years.

The leaders of the university say that, in case an agreement with Brexit is not reached, the UK institutions "will not be eligible immediately" for this funding .

After next year, there will be a larger well of European research funds at stake, worth more than £ 90 billion.

Universities want assurances that any funding lost for research will be replaced by the government of the United Kingdom.

But they are also concerned about proposals for new restrictions on EU students after Brexit in the Government's White Paper on migration, published before Christmas.

These 130,000 EU students must have visas and be sponsored by universities, and the Russell Group has warned that it is "unrealistic". and unsustainable "expect the universities to assume the administrative burden.

'Light-touch' system

If there is a Brexit without agreement, the Russell Group says that the uncertainty behind the fall the EU coming to the UK "will only get worse."

This adds to fears about the financial sustainability of some universities in England, with warnings that those who can not attract enough students and their tuition costs they could become unviable.

Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, says that the negative impact of Brexit could increase the risk that some universities will "get close to the subject" this year. "

This could mean acquisitions, mergers or rescues, instead of closing, he says.

The government has promised to continue receiving foreign students after Brexit, with a simplified and "light" visa system, with no number limit.

There will be incentives for foreign students, such as making it easier for them to stay and work in the UK after graduation.

There is also a commitment to fund existing EU research projects.

A government spokeswoman said: "Science does not recognize borders and the United Kingdom has a proud record of welcoming the world's leading scientists and researchers to work and study here, which will not change when we leave the EU.

"Through our moder" In industrial strategy, we are investing at the highest level in research and development in the history of the United Kingdom and are committed to pursuing an ambitious future relationship on science and innovation with our partners in the EU ".