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UK vote to leave the EU - statement from QMUL’s President and Principal, Professor Simon Gaskell

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“Here at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) we are proud to be one of the most international universities in the world.  Our work and our communities are enriched by a diverse staff and student community, who now join us from over 150 countries.  This was true for QMUL before the UK joined the European Union and it will remain true even though the outcome of the 23 June referendum has shown a narrow majority in favour of leaving the EU.

“What form the exit from the EU may take is uncertain and will probably remain so for some time as the UK enters negotiations that are likely to last a number of years.  I recognise that there may be particular anxiety amongst colleagues from other EU countries at this point in time.  

“We do know that there will be no immediate change to the immigration status of current and prospective EU students and staff.  We also know that there will no immediate material change to the UK university sector’s participation in EU programmes such as Horizon 2020 and Erasmus+.

"Also, for EU students starting their studies with us in 2016 we can confirm that their course fees will remain the same as those for home students for the normal duration of their programme.

“Nevertheless, this is unknown territory for us all and I will be providing further information over the coming weeks and months as the position becomes clearer.

“You will know from my communications in advance of the referendum that I believed that a vote to remain in the EU was clearly in the interests of this university and our service to UK society and beyond.  

“Although the outcome of the referendum has been to leave the EU, both I and the rest of the Senior Executive will continue to work to ensure that QMUL retains a commitment to our fundamental values and the achievement of our educational and academic purposes.”

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