News

Government must embrace independent academic advice in Brexit process

7 October 2016

The Political Studies Association (PSA) is extremely concerned by reports that Government has introduced restrictions on advisory work by non-UK nationals in relation to Brexit. The UK is home to a research community of international experts whose research and advice will be crucial as we look to resolve our future relationship with the EU and the rest of the world in the aftermath of the EU referendum.

The Association calls on government to make a clear statement on the value it places on independent expert advice from the academic community in the many challenges that lie ahead.

Independent advice from academic experts will be crucial in the challenges posed by Brexit. In the current climate of much acrimony and division, the government must take much greater care not to send the wrong signals about the value placed on the many international scholars working here who have the expertise to contribute to a successful future for Britain. These are our colleagues, our friends and our neighbours, and have chosen to make the UK their home and contribute to public life here.