The House of Commons Science and Technology Committee has today released the report Leaving the EU: implications and opportunities for science and research which calls on the Government to make an immediate commitment to exempt EU scientists and researchers already working in the UK from wider potential immigration controls.
RCP academic vice president Professor Margaret Johnson said:
It is welcome that the Science and Technology Committee have shone a spotlight on what is an important issue given Britain’s decision to leave the EU. The report consolidates the five key issues raised by the research sector and echoes barriers highlighted in our report Research for all. We would once again emphasise the continued need for research funding, as not securing long-term sources of income will undoubtedly have huge implications right across the medical profession and for the patients we treat.
The committees’ call to exempt all EU scientists and researchers from wider immigration controls is an important step given the ongoing uncertainty in this area. We would support this call and seek clarification from the government regarding all EU health professionals working in our health and social care sector, many of whom conduct research as a core part of their work.
