UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 09 NOVEMBER 2017
Academics from the Centre for Brexit Studies are soon to be visiting towns up and down the country to talk with local people, businesses and politicians about their perceptions of Brexit.
The Director for the Centre, Professor de Ruyter is keen to visit the top ten constituencies estimated to have voted to leave the EU according to the work of Chris Henretty, Professor of Politics at the Royal Holloway University, almost 18 months on from the historic referendum vote.
The Brexit expert, along with fellow colleagues Dr Rebecca Semmens-Wheeler and Dr Jacob Salder from the Centre, will be hosting a free panel event at social clubs, hotels, community centres and pubs to update people on what’s happening in Westminster and Brussels, provide practical advice for businesses seeking to trade in a post-Brexit environment, and take questions from audience members.
Professor de Ruyter’s tour follows a number of events that have taken place since the Centre for Brexit Studies was established in early 2017. These include talks with Liberal Democrat Leader Sir Vince Cable and Shadow Brexit Secretary Keir Starmer. The tour will help Professor de Ruyter and the Centre for Brexit Studies to gather evidence for an academic research project on post-Brexit attitudes.
Professor de Ruyter said:
“High-level negotiations in Brussels and the EU Withdrawal Bill are important and must be followed closely, but what people care most about is what Brexit means for their jobs, their businesses and their own lives.
“Although we have heard much of the perceptions of Brexit from ‘Remain’ voters we are also keen to hear the opinions of those who voted to ‘Leave’ the European Union and whether they believe the UK Government is delivering the Brexit that they were hoping for.”
Professor de Ruyter will visit the constituencies of Boston and Skegness, Great Grimsby, Walsall North, Stoke on Trent, Doncaster North, Kingston upon Hull, Castle Point, South Basildon and East Thurrock, Clacton and Great Yarmouth.
For further information on the Brexit Roadshow and how to get involved please visit our events page, you can also follow the tour via social media at the Centre for Brexit Studies Twitter account and using the hashtag #BrexitTour
To request an interview with Professor de Ruyter please call the BCU Press Office on 0121 331 6738 or email press@bcu.ac.uk