Pressure grows on Cabinet to clarify EU vision

The Government is coming under intense pressure from business leaders and England's most prestigious universities who have warned that Britain's economic future will be plunged into chaos unless a clear vision is hammered out for the nation's withdrawal from the European Union.
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A stark ultimatum has today been issued by The Institute of Directors to the Cabinet for Ministers to end their public arguing over the potential terms of a Brexit transition phase and come to a collective agreement as soon as possible.

And Britain’s leading universities also stressed that they want the Government to urgently clarify the post-Brexit rights of EU nationals immediately to allow the sector to plan “with confidence”.

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The Russell Group has outlined 10 points it believes Ministers must answer, warning the lack of clarity is “causing considerable concern” for the thousands of EU nationals employed or studying at universities while also “impacting on our ability” to recruit talented people from the bloc.

Oxford, Cambridge, Leeds and York are among the 24 universities involved in the group, which has insisted there is a need to do everything possible to make these EU citizens feel “valued and supported” to stay in the UK.

Professor Koen Lamberts, vice-chancellor of the University of York, said: “We have a truly international campus with more than 400 EU staff and over 1,000 EU students who have collectively made a tremendous contribution to York and the wider region, enabling innovation, business creation and employment growth.

“It is vital that we are able to continue attracting the brightest and best talent from around the world; but it is imperative that the rights of staff and students are protected and guaranteed for the future.”

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Prime Minister Theresa May has outlined plans requiring EU nationals resident in the UK to apply for “settled status”, which would effectively guarantee them indefinite leave to remain in the country once Britain leaves.

It would be given to any EU citizen who has been living in the UK continuously for five years. Those who have been resident for less than five years would be allowed to stay and apply when they have accumulated the necessary time.

But the Russell Group has asked for those EU nationals with permanent residence to be “transferred automatically” to settled status. They add students or academics who spend two years or more abroad should not lose their status. Russell Group head of policy Jessica Cole said: “Brexit is causing uncertainty and anxiety for EU staff, who need clarity over their future rights as soon as possible.”

The European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker maintained yesterday that Brexit will still happen despite the UK becoming more aware of the “density of problems” during withdrawal negotiations.

He said he disagreed with the Maltese prime minister Joseph Muscat, who reportedly said last week he saw “hopeful signs” that “Brexit will not happen”.