Centre For Brexit Studies to Be Launched By BCU

A Centre for Brexit studies is due to be opened by Birmingham City University this month, with the aim of enhancing understanding of the consequences of the UK withdrawing from the European Union (EU).

The Centre for Brexit Studies (CBS) will promote engagement of both ‘Leave’ and ‘Remain’ standpoints, whilst providing collaborative opportunities with businesses, professional organisations and civil society.

Accessible to the general public, the Centre will host conferences, workshops and seminars to share knowledge in relation to sectors expected to be impacted by Brexit, including cultural identity, hate crime and radicalisation, climate change and national security.

CBS will launch on Thursday 26 January with a free conference exploring Brexit’s challenges for business and society, with the event focusing on four key themes: business and trade; employment and education; environment and energy; and human rights and democracy.

It is now crucial to gain an understanding of the complexities that Brexit entails for individuals, communities, business and government

Alex de Ruyter, Director of Research at Birmingham City University’s Business School and chair of the launch event, said: “With the vote of the UK to leave the EU it is now crucial to gain an understanding of the complexities that Brexit entails for individuals, communities, business and government, whilst clearing up misconceptions around its impact.

“Whilst CBS will have a national focus it will also specifically investigate the impact of Brexit on Birmingham and the surrounding areas.”

Speakers at the event include Jon Yorke, Professor of Human Rights at Birmingham City University and Alison Young, Professor of Public Law at the University of Oxford – a recent BBC commentator on the Article 50 court case to decide whether government or parliament has the authority to trigger the UK’s exit process.

Professor Julian Beer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Birmingham City University, added: “We will also be launching our report entitled ‘Making a Success of Brexit’. To our understanding, no other region in England has yet come up with such a plan – one that features a triple contribution from local government, industry and academia.”

Other speakers at the event include Aston University economy expert Professor David Bailey and Stefania Paladini, former Italian trade commissioner to Hong Kong and China and now Reader in Trade and Global Security at Birmingham City University.

The CBS launch event takes place at Birmingham’s Hotel La Tour on Thursday 26 January from 9am until 5pm. Tickets are available via Eventbrite here.