What does the EU referendum mean for students?

• Terminology

The news headlines have been dominated by coverage of the EU referendum, but there appears to be inconsistency over which terms people are using in order to state where they stand on the debate. So for the record:

Brexit (Britain Exit), Leave, Out, No = LEAVE THE EU

Bremain (Britain Remain), Stay, In, Yes = STAY IN THE EU

• What is the EU

- The EU is a collection of 28 countries, which, through various treaties and committees, was forged out of the 2nd world war in order to reduce the threat of war and to reinforce democracy. Since then it has enabled the freedom of movement between member states, made trading easier and overseen the development of common foreign security policy. We have been a member of the EU since 1973.

• Why are we having a referendum

- In last year's general election, as part of the conservative manifesto, David Cameron promised an in/out referendum by the end of 2017. The plan was to kill 2 birds with one stone: Nigel Farage’s UKIP posed a real threat to the conservative party's share of the vote, and many Tory MPs themselves were eurosceptic, a thorn in the side of the potential Conservative Party leaders. By promising a referendum on EU membership, the Conservatives were guaranteed more votes.

• 3 Reasons why people want to leave

1. 1. Immigration
   People are arguing that we would regain control of our borders. They argue that attempts to control immigration into the UK will fail as long as we are in the EU. This is the presiding argument for the Brexit campaign in light of the recent refugee crisis and threat from ISIS.
   
2. 2. EU Membership Fees
   People are quick to point out that membership costs around £20 billion per year, and that we don't receive anywhere near what we put in. Brexit campaigners argue that we could arrange a trade deal with the EU without having to be a member (like Switzerland or Norway) so that Trade wouldn't be affected.
   
3. 3. Legal Quandry
   People get frustrated that the laws made by the directly-elected European Parliament supersede legislation made by individual member state parliaments.

• 3 reasons why people want to stay

1. 1. Jobs
   Millions of UK jobs are linked to EU membership. Whilst it's incorrect to say that these jobs depend on our membership to the EU, the repercussions that a Brexit might have on job security are unknown and therefore, still at risk.
   
2. 2. Trade
   Remain campaigners argue that the EU is Britain's main trading partner, consisting of 52% of the total trade in goods and services. They state that if we are to leave the EU, trade would suffer considerably. The argument is that if we are to negotiate a trade agreement after exiting, the terms and conditions would be dictated by the EU alone, and we wouldn't have a say in it. Not to mention the creation of a trade agreement could take several years.
   
3. 3. Travel and Work
   As a member of the EU, we as UK citizens have the right to work abroad without a work permit, live abroad for that purpose, stay there after employment has ended, and not to mention not needing a visa to go on holiday to Europe! (Inter-railing has never been easier...)

• The deal

- In light of the EU debate, Despite Cameron siding with the 'remain' campaign, the Prime Minister has recognised the issues surrounding the UK's EU membership, and has sought to renegotiate its terms and conditions should we remain part of it. Below are just 3 main points that David Cameron has secured:

1. 1. Welfare Benefits for Migrants
   Cameron half secured his plan for a 4-year "emergency brake" on in-work benefits for migrants, but new arrivals will have their tax credits phased in over four years. This 'emergency break' can be implemented if migration reaches exceptional levels, but must be removed within 7 years without question. Instead of a complete ban on child benefit for migrant workers' children who live overseas, the child benefit payment will reflect the cost of living in their home countries.
   
2. 2. Competitive Trade
   David Cameron managed to secure the assurance from the EU that they would continue to enhance competitiveness of the single market to improve trade through the reduction of administrative fees and burdens.
   
3. 3. Protection for Non Euro-Zone Countries
   Cameron has secured the right for single member countries to raise objections at EU council, especially for decisions that could directly affect the City of London. The deal also reserves the right for the UK to not be obliged to fund euro bail outs.

• Why students should be voting IN

This is arguably one of the most pivotal political decisions to occur in our lifetime, potentially more so than who the next prime minister will be. Exiting the EU has the possibility to drastically change the UK's political, economic and social landscape. It is therefore CRAZY important for us as studentsto get educated on this debate and make our voices heard, considering there are nearly 2.5 million students in the uk. So here are 3 reasons why you, as a student, (assuming you are a student), should vote to remain in the EU.

1. 1. Research and Higher Education Funding
   Currently, funding from the EU provides an extra 15% on top of the science and research budget in the UK government. This research funding significantly helps the advancement of STEM research in particular, allowing the development of scientific knowledge that is so crucial to education and to society. A Brexit would mean that any funding arrangements made between the UK and the EU would again be at the discretion of member states - we would have very little influence.
   
2. 2. Networking
   The research funding advantage links heavily to the networking that is made possible through our EU membership. International collaboration is crucial to this research, allowing the combination of equipment, facilities and expertise to maximise the productivity and progression of scientific research. EU membership ensures the mobility of researchers across Europe to do this. Considering the UK has consistently been ranked in the top 5 countries in the world for University-Industry collaboration in research and development, a Brexit could endanger this drastically.
   
3. 3. Erasmus Schemes and International Students
   1/3 of the student body at the University of Bath are international students. There are 125,000 EU students at British Universities, and 14% of academic staff come from other EU member states. They generate over £2.2 billion for the economy and create approximately 19,000 jobs. The Erasmus Scheme, which allows and helps fund any student in the EU to study abroad without visas/permits as part of their university education, would be in danger in the event of a Brexit. Since its conception in 1987, 200,000 students and 20,000 academics have taken part in the exchange scheme, allowing them to build international networks and absorb different cultures to enrich their academic experience.

The evidence then, appears to suggest that EU membership has an overwhelmingly positive impact on university students, contributing to scientific research, enriched study experiences and the maintenance of the global reputation that many UK universities have.



If you wish to go away and look further into this debate, then please do, as I have only given a brief overview of the arguments being formed in this debate. But I do urge you all, as students we have a huge influence in this referendum. So read up, and on the 23rd of june, get out to your respective polling stations and make a difference.