Members of the public will gather at Berry lecture theatre, Canterbury Christ Church University, where doctors and professors from around the country meet to discuss the local responses and national attitudes to Brexit.
Guest speakers included; The Wall Street Journal’s Brussels bureau chief Stephen Fidler, Dr Uta Staiger – University College London, Dr Mary Murphy – University of Cork and Professor Neill Nugent – College of Europe at Manchester Metropolitan University.
Here’s what happened on the night:
Neil Nugent speaks about a ‘divided government’:
Professor Nugent took the stage and instantly questioned the clarity of Brexit, he said:
“There’s a lack of clarity in the government’s position.”
He continued, questioning whether the UK will opt out of their overseas missions and who would represent in Britain in negotiations before finishing his point refuting claims negotiating free trade will be easy, he added: “I just don’t believe it. I don’t think it’s true.”
“Northern Ireland is vulnerable” – Dr. Mary Murphy:
Mary Murphy from the University of Cork spoke passionately about the conflict the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland face post Brexit.
Despite the obvious worries Mrs Murphy joked that on her last visit they suggested Brexit wouldn’t happen – “Well we got that wrong”.
The guest speaker mentioned the underlying tensions in Ireland but did not rule out the unification of the two countries, before adding the ‘ambiguity’ of Brexit could be turned into opportunity if we remain ‘creative and courageous’.
Dr Staiger highlights the importance of welcoming international students:
Uta Staiger began her speech by telling the audience that ‘since 2003, the number of foreign students has risen by 63%.’
Mrs Staiger continued to mention that ‘freedom of movement is essential to the staff and students’ and hoped the government would be ‘sensitive’ when thinking about Visa’s for foreign students.
Staiger finished by saying ’55 current world leaders study in the UK… Trump is not among them’.
Questions from the audience:
Sean McPolin 