PEOPLE want the government to “get on with it, so that is what we shall do”, proclaimed Theresa May in her Brexit speech last week. Delivered on 17th January, the speech communicated the main objectives for the, no doubt challenging, negotiations that will be underway in the coming months with regards to the UK’s departure from the EU. We picked out some key points that could affect international study.
“I can confirm today that the Government will put the final deal that is agreed between the UK and the EU to a vote in both Houses of Parliament, before it comes into force.”
The plan is clear but controversial; the PM outlined 12 objectives, some of which had not been part of the leave campaign. She acknowledged that parliament will be required to give consent for the final terms of exit but, notably, May drove home her final decision that the EU will not remain in the Common Market.
“Not partial membership of the European Union, associate membership of the European Union, or anything that leaves us half-in, half-out..”
May envisions a clean break – she does not want the EU to have any significant authority in the UK and to prevent this, proposes a new, bold and ambitious trade agreement that, so she says, will benefit both parties by increasing income and jobs.
“I want to be clear. What I am proposing cannot mean membership of the Single Market… we will not be required to contribute huge sums to the EU budget.”
The PM asserts that Britain will no longer pay the EU vast contributions, but that there will be a continued friendship. Trade plans are stretching far beyond the EU borders; there is a focus on developing global trade with the fastest increasing export markets internationally. The Department for International Trade has already been created and May boasts interest from countries such as China, Brazil, and the Gulf States. Trump, too, has said that Britain is at the front of the line for trade deals with the United States.
“At a time when together we face a serious threat from our enemies, Britain's unique intelligence capabilities will continue to help to keep people in Europe safe from terrorism.”
There will be lots of changes to the UK’s relationship with the EU, but May makes clear that security will remain an issue that Europe tackles together. She says that we will work with one another “to make sure we are all safer”.
“A stronger Britain demands that we do something else – strengthen the precious union between the four nations of the United Kingdom.”
Within the UK, there will be emphasis on building relationships. May aims to find a practical solution as soon as possible that will allow the common travel area between Ireland and Northern Ireland to be maintained, despite the fact this will now be a land-border between Britain and the EU.
“[A]s we translate the body of European law into our domestic regulations, we will ensure that workers’ rights are fully protected and maintained.”
She wants to take back control of Britain’s laws and “face the future together”. It was asserted that workers rights will be protected and the EU legislation maintained and built upon, rather than revoked, ensuring that the voices of workers are heard.
“Where we can offer that certainty, we will do so. That is why last year we acted quickly to give clarity about… university funding.”
May confirmed again that current fees and funding for EU students studying in the UK will continue at least for those beginning their studies this year. What is uncertain is whether the clean break from the EU will halt EU funding for UK universities. No mention has been made with regards to this funding or how it might be replaced. Nevertheless, May says that relationships will be maintained, and that Britain will continue to collaborate with the EU on matters of major science, research, and technology initiatives.
“We want to guarantee the rights of EU citizens who are already living in Britain, and the rights of British nationals in other member states, as early as we can.”
But what might this mean for British and EU students? Several times, May mentioned that Britain will welcome the “brightest and the best” to study and work in the country with a reformed immigration process, but that the number of individuals arriving in Britain from Europe will be controlled.
“Brexit must mean control of the number of people who come to Britain from Europe. And that is what we will deliver.”
There is still no indication as to what the new immigration policy might involve or what control measures might be implemented. Still, current EU residents in the UK can take comfort in the fact that they are, according to May, top priority, with their rights, and those of British nationals living in the EU, guaranteed. If you are enrolled on a programme of study in the UK, the implication is that the changes should not affect your status.
“I want us to have reached an agreement about our future partnership by the time the two-year Article Fifty process has concluded. From that point onwards, we believe a phased process of implementation…”
May is heading for an exit in 2019. A “phased process of implementation”, however, suggests that some aspects of the EU may be kept for longer than others during the process – precisely which aspects this refers to has not been disclosed.
“One of our great strengths as a nation is the breadth and depth of our academic and scientific communities, backed up by some of the world's best universities”
Unfortunately many of the Brexit aspects that might be worrying students (and staff) remain extremely hazy. How easy will it be to travel to the EU countries? Will British nationals be able to study and work in the EU with some degree of freedom? These questions are yet to be answered. Whilst the vision is a positive one, precisely how these goals are going to be achieved has not been outlined and the future for students has not been sufficiently addressed.
“I know many fear that this might herald the beginning of a greater unravelling of the EU. But let me be clear: I do not want that to happen.”
In contrast to Trump, Theresa May does want the EU to succeed without the UK’s contribution. The PM has been transparent in her vision for Brexit; she envisages a more unified country with great trade links to the EU and worldwide, with EU partnerships that will improve security, and with a strong collaboration on matters of research and scientific progress.
