Brainy Brexodus

SIR – Your report “Prediction of an academic ‘Brexodus’ has not come true” (May 10) overlooks the fact that Britain has not yet left the EU, and so the full effects on the university sector have not yet been felt. Indeed, the Government has yet to publish its Immigration Bill and rules.

There is deep uncertainty in the academic community about the status of EU citizens in the UK after Brexit. Some 40,000 non-uk EU staff contribute to our world-leading universities. The net increase in EU academics arriving in Britain in 2017 reflects the desire of many to establish a career here before Brexit.

Academics decide about careers and funding applications often years in advance. Current uncertainty, should it go unresolved, risks making Britain a less attractive destination for the world’s brightest minds after Brexit.

Professor John Bell

Professor of Law, University of Cambridge