ROOM
101
Opinion
Some have suggested that there will be a benefit
for higher education after Brexit, through higher
tuition fees for EU students. UK higher education
is a major ‘invisible’ export and after Brexit, EU
students could be charged the same as other
overseas students. However, as with EU academics,
EU students may be deterred by a perceived
anti-migrant hostility. A drop in applications from
EU students could have a considerable effect not
only on university finances, but also on the wider
economy, though estimates vary on what the exact
impact of this could be.
In any case, would the students from the EU
be able to afford the higher fees or would they go
elsewhere? If the UK universities could afford to do
so, would they have to offer scholarships to attract
the EU students? And if the UK universities could
afford to offer scholarships to EU students, why not
offer more scholarships to UK students?
Critics might suggest that the space industry
and academia have become too dependent on
foreign talent. However, both often cite UK skill
shortages as a reason why there is so much
recruitment from the EU. It has been suggested
that reduction in the number of EU students
studying at UK universities might further reduce
the available number of engineering graduates.
Consequently, there might need to be more effort
to source suitable candidates from within the
UK, resulting in more opportunities in the space
University academics and the space industry are
unlikely to gain much sympathy from many of
those who voted leave
industry and academia for suitably-qualified
individuals from within the UK.
This might also depend on changed circumstances
and also changed attitudes. Improved social mobility
might only be achieved if there is some restoration
of student grants (or industry sponsorships)
and a reduction or even an end to tuition fees.
Furthermore, a regrettable and unfair attitude in
some Leavers and some Remainers alike has been to
be critical of the lack of even basic skills and lack of
work ethic in some UK citizens.
So what of the future of the UK space programme?
As ESA and the EU are separate organisations, the
UK will most likely continue with ESA membership
as the preferred option for the foreseeable future.
Although it is possible for other reasons that the UK
might look for other models, including a home-
grown space programme, it is highly unlikely that the
UK alone could undertake the breadth of activities in
space science and technology that has been possible
as a member of ESA, including human spaceflight.
As an advocate for space research, exploration
and development, I have always sought through my
talks to astronomical and other groups to promote
its importance, not just to enthusiasts but to the
taxpayer and voter.
However, in my experience, problems for
university academics and the space industry are
unlikely to gain much sympathy frommany of those
who voted leave, especially among those who feel
marginalised and left behind by globalisation.
Whatever one’s personal views about the wisdom
or otherwise of Brexit, many people in the UK see it
as a positive development. One can only hope that
such a level of confidence and goodwill for a high-
risk project results in success.
About the author
Dr Mike Leggett has worked on a variety of international and European
projects across a wide range of industrial sectors during the past 25
years. A keen advocate for the public understanding of science and also
the importance of space exploration and technology, he has presented
lectures throughout the UK. A graduate in chemistry and pharmacology,
Dr Leggett also holds a PhD in Chemistry and is Fellow of the Royal
Astronomical Society and the British Interplanetary Society. Opinions
presented in the article are the author’s own and do not reflect those of
any of the named organisations nor of any present or former employer.
If you would like to submit an opinion, letter or
comment article for publication in ROOM please
contact or send via email to: Clive Simpson,
Managing Editor -
The British government
published a draft
Spaceflight Bill in
February.
