UCU responds to reports that non-UK academics have been barred from advising on Brexit issues
7 October 2016
Responding to reports that foreign academics at the London School of Economics have been barred from advising on issues around Brexit and the EU referendum, UCU has called on the government to ensure that expert advice is not ignored purely on the basis of nationality.
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'If the government is indeed turning down advice from experts in European Union affairs purely on the basis of which country they are from, then this goes against the very nature of an open and independent academic community. The decision will send a chill through the academic community and make it harder still to persuade people to study and work here.
The process of the UK leaving the European Union is a complicated one and an issue that the government should be seeking advice from all relevant quarters. I would ask that the government reverse this decision and ensure that the best qualified people are able to offer advice where ever necessary.'
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