Today the Learned Society of Wales, along with the British Academy, the Royal Irish Academy and the Royal Society of Edinburgh, has issued a joint a statement expressing readiness to engage with the UK Government as it proceeds with the negotiations with the EU and in facilitating the various other arrangements which will be necessary after the UK exits the EU.

The statement also makes recommendations regarding research and funding post-Brexit, as well as the relationships between Westminster and the devolved administrations as the UK leaves the EU.

Sir Emyr Jones Parry President of the Learned Society of Wales commented

Leaving the EU will put Higher education in Wales at risk. Staff and students from other member states are an essential and positive contribution to our universities. Income from EU funds has benefited our research. The wider academic community in the United Kingdom expects the British Government to protect those interests in the negotiations with the European Union. Moreover research is crucial to the success of the Welsh economy and its funding must at least be sustained at current levels.

   Withdrawal from the EU raises constitutional issues which need to be addressed collaboratively by the governments of the UK. We expect HMG now to honour its commitment to work constructively and openly with the devolved nations.

 Read the full statement here