Universities Scotland has responded to two issues raised by the publication today (Tuesday 26 November) of the Scottish Government’s referendum White Paper, Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland.
Universities Scotland does not have a preferred constitutional option. It is for the people of Scotland to decide Scotland’s constitutional future.
Response to the White Paper’s arrangements for university research funding
A spokesperson for Universities Scotland said:
“We welcome the paper’s recognition of the importance of supporting Scottish research excellence and supporting Scottish universities’ participation in wider collaborative networks. Whatever the result of the constitutional referendum, we look forward to policies being put in place which support the cross-border research ecosystem to which Scotland makes a fundamental contribution.
“We know that all political parties in Scotland understand the economic and social returns that university research generates for Scotland. This is dependent on universities having access to a level of funding that allows us to compete against the best in the world. We are confident that, whatever the constitutional future of Scotland, all parties will be working to ensure that Scotland is at the forefront of international research excellence.”
Response to the White Paper’s intention to charge fees to students from the rest of the UK
A spokesperson for Universities Scotland said:
“It is important to universities that arrangements are in place which support the cross-border mobility of students in sustainable numbers. We welcome the Scottish Government’s view that arrangements could be developed to manage this, which builds on legal advice we received earlier this year. We will need to engage with the Scottish Government to ensure robust arrangements are put in place.”
Notes
- The Scottish Government’s referendum White Paper, Scotland’s Future: Your Guide to an Independent Scotland, can be downloaded here.