University of Edinburgh publicly back the UK to stay in the EU

The University of Edinburgh has publicly backed the UK to stay in the European Union ahead of June’s referendum.

The sixth-oldest university in the English speaking world is thought to be the first higher education institute in Scotland to come out with a firm stance on the topic. In a joint open letter, Principal Professor Sir Timothy O’Shea and Jonny Ross-Tatam, president of the student association, argued the UK’s place in the EU brings “many benefits” to the university and they "are committed to raising awareness of the debate, and the issues at stake, among our 50,000 staff and students".

Some of the key benefits mentioned in the letter include the estimated £45 million received in research funding from the EU, as well as the 1,100 students who last year received funding from the EU's Erasmus + programme, which allows students from the UK to study and volunteer across Europe.

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