University in protest over MP’s stance on Brexit vote
‘GRAVE concerns” have been raised over West Lancs MP Rosie Cooper’s decision to vote against extending the UK’s exit from the EU.
Ms Cooper rebelled against her Labour colleagues to help vote down an amendment which called for Brexit to be delayed until the end of the year if no withdrawal agreement could be agreed by February 26.
The amendment was designed to mitigate the possibility of a no-deal Brexit and its consequences for the country.
Now Edge Hill University’s vice chancellor, Dr John Cater, education officer Luke Myer, and a representative of its students union, have written an open letter expressing their fears over the decision.
The later states that, as “an institution of 15,220 studetns and 3,822 employees in your constituency, we believe it is critical to both the local economy and community that the UK avoids exiting the EU without a deal”.
It adds: “We particularly wish to share concern over the impact of the NHS, given our many trainees in areas including nursing, midwifery, social care, and, with the development of our new medical school, medicine.
“The BMS, RCB, and the BMJ have all warned of the potential for serious immediate and long-term damage to the NHS.
“We also wish to highlight that the majority of students in West Lancashire did not have a chance to vote in 2016 on this issue defining their futures.
“All research indicates that students are unhappy with the direction of travel on Brexit: 93% of students are opposed to a ‘no-deal’ withdrawal and the overwhelming majority want the opportunity to demonstrate their views on any final deal.”
The letter concludes by urging Ms Cooper to “support calls to reject a no-deal Brexit, and ensure that the futures of students and UKHE are protected.”
Ms Cooper said: “As I have said from the outset, the outcome of the referendum must still be respected, but crashing out without a deal should be avoided.
“I am clear we need a deal, a better deal.”