MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Vice-Chancellors of 96 major UK universities in an open letter published on Tuesday warned about negative impact of the so-called Brexit on London's global positions in education, science and innovation.
"EU membership supports British universities to attract the brightest and best minds from across Europe, enhancing university research and teaching and contributing to economic growth. Voluntarily cutting ourselves out of the world’s largest economic bloc would undermine our position as a global leader in science and innovation, impoverish our campuses and limit opportunities for British people," the letter sent to the Independent newspaper said.
The letter added that both UK universities and students would be "stronger in Europe."
On Thursday, the United Kingdom will vote in a referendum on whether it should stay in or leave the European Union. The referendum was scheduled after UK Prime Minister David Cameron and the leaders of the 27 EU member states agreed in February to grant the United Kingdom a special status within the bloc.
Brexit supporters argue that EU membership has eroded the country’s independence to legislate, direct its economy and control its borders. Opponents warn that leaving the European Union could deeply harm UK economy.
