The only thing that is certain for our post-Brexit future, is that not much is certain. The deadline for triggering Article 50 isn’t until the end of March ‘17, and after that we have two years (though it could take longer) to negotiate the details of a deal on which a LOT depends. Beyond the logistics, the information provided about what this actually means for us as students is fairly non-committal. Durham University’s official comments seem to be a desperate bid to reassure us, relying heavily on the fact that nothing should change during the negotiation process, and avoiding mentioning what will actually happen after that.
This approach is unsurprising, given that there seems to be something similar at work with the country as a whole. The fact-spinning of both the Leave and Remain campaigns in the run up to the referendum has morphed into speculation and ambiguity about what Brexit actually means. Statistics emerge about what the future could hold, largely based on hypotheticals, because frankly, no one seems to have a clue what’s going on, or what to do. Cabinet is divided on the logistics of ‘soft’ vs. ‘hard’ Brexit, with Chancellor Phillip Hammond allegedly coming under fire from other Cabinet Members for hesitations about prioritising the restriction of EU immigration.
This general air of uncertainty surrounding Brexit leaves most people somewhat unclear about how this decision will actually affect them. Should we, as Durham students, really be worried? Frankly, that depends on your priorities in life. If you’re a well-off British National student with no intentions of studying/travelling abroad at any point in the future, who buys exclusively home-produced goods, and everyone you care about is exactly the same, then you might just be okay. For anyone else, now might be the time to cross your fingers/ pray/ start researching exactly which kinds of lamp contain magic genies.
One limited hope for Brexit, was the notion that we could opt for a ‘soft’ withdrawal from the EU, that being, retaining access to the European Single Market. This would mean we would be able to avoid tariffs on exporting British produce, and any notable increase in food prices (NB. especially chocolate, cheese and wine). However, with the President of the European Council recently declaring that we could have ‘hard Brexit’ or no Brexit, the possibility of retaining some of the benefits of the European Single Market is by no means certain. We might have to prepare for Cheese and Wine no longer being a cheap predrinks alternative, guys.
Sticking with the ‘everything will be ok (for now)’ theme, on the 11th October the government announced that EU students applying for places at UK universities for the 2017/2018 academic year will still be eligible for loans and grants, and this will apply for the duration of their courses too. After that is anyone’s guess, but by that time Brexit will probably be official and negotiations well underway. Regardless of what outcome the government can negotiate with the EU, Durham University’s official statement expresses the desire for Durham to remain ‘an inclusive and outward looking community’. Durham is also joining other universities to pressure the government to guarantee the rights of EU Nationals to study and work in the UK.
As for the Erasmus+ programme, this probably feels like the ‘closest to home’ impact for many (that, and losing out when exchanging money for your gals holiday next summer). Nothing will change for now but this could be potentially one of the biggest effects for your average Durham student. There is the possibility that we could negotiate our way into staying part of the Erasmus+ programme, but the likelihood of being able to do this without retaining links to the EU is unlikely. Personally, the saddest part about this generally crappy situation is the way we are presenting ourselves to the rest of Europe (and the rest of the world). Whatever we put into place as a University will always be overshadowed by our country’s decision to isolate itself and put up unnecessary barriers at a time when, more than ever, we should be looking outwards.