UCU comment on general election result

Commenting on the general election result, UCU said it was pleased at reports of increased turnout by young people, and that the votes of university and college staff and their students looked like they may have been crucial in many of the surprise results across the UK. 

The union said that the next government must prioritise investment in further and higher education and act swiftly to end the uncertainty over the position of EU nationals who make up a substantial part of the UK's education and health workforce.

UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'It is encouraging to see that a positive message, particularly after the unpleasant Brexit campaign last year, can still inspire voters. Theresa May called this election expecting to secure a mandate for a hard Brexit. She has signally failed to achieve that and the next government must bring some stability in these chaotic times.

'We believe an important first step is to now guarantee the rights of EU citizens currently in the UK, including thousands of university and college staff and students who contribute so much to our economy and society.

'It looks like young people in particular have been inspired to vote in greater numbers in this election with a number of seats in towns and cities with universities and colleges changing hands. This is really encouraging and a vindication of all those, including UCU, who worked so hard to encourage young people to register to vote, and to vote for the first time.'