Sam Gyimah Universities and Science minister resigns over Brexit

The National Union of Students (NUS) today responded to the resignation of Sam Gyimah, Universities and Science minister. 

Whilst we welcome the fact that Sam Gyimah agrees with us that Brexit looks to deliver a bad deal for students, we hope he will do everything in his power to secure a Peoples’ Vote.

The conservatives continue to tear each other apart and play politics with our future generation. Students continue to be faced with crushing debt, rising fees and their universities are on the brink of collapse. We expect that the proposed deal will result in increased costs and barriers to accessing educational opportunities, and will have impacts for the careers of students now and for many years to come.

With a funding review on the horizon, students demanding better maintenance support and a mental health crisis, the new minister has a lot to review.

Shakira Martin NUS president says:

“I am proud to say that the National Union of Students was the first national organisation to come out in support of a People’s Vote back in March this year.  Since then, students and young people have been leading the way in calling for a People’s Vote. 

“A bad Brexit deal will be of significant detriment to the lives of many, as evidenced by various Brexit impact reports. The resignation of the Universities and Science Minister, Sam Gyimah MP, the 18th Minister to resign from the government over the proposed Brexit deal, shows that if the government wants to preserve the integrity of our world-leading education sector, it should start by listening to the generation most affected. Give us the People’s Vote.”

Amatey Doku, Vice President Higher Education at NUS said:

“We are pleased that Mr Gyimah agrees that this is a bad deal for students. The Brexit negotiation process is clearly little more than a farce. It’s hardly a surprise that members of the cabinet along with students and young people will have almost no faith in its outcome.

“That’s why we deserve a say on the final deal – to ensure that whatever decision is made, it is done so with the consent of the generation who will be affected most.  We look forward to working with the future universities and science minister to input into current failing government strategies around Brexit.”