Dear Colleague

The UK will be leaving the European Union (EU) at 11pm on Friday 31 January. The terms of its withdrawal were recently approved by Parliament. They are currently awaiting final approval by the EU.

Approval of the Withdrawal Agreement means that following withdrawal the UK will enter a Brexit ‘transition’ period of eleven months until 31 December 2020. During this time the UK and the EU will seek to negotiate, conclude and ratify an agreement on their future relationship, particularly regarding trade.

Alongside our partners, Queen’s will play a vital role in meeting the challenges and embracing the opportunities of the coming years and will make the case for research and education collaboration with our European partners while also building strong new international partnerships.

As a University, we look forward to a period of greater stability and are committed to working with the restored Northern Ireland Assembly and Executive and the UK and Irish Governments to help create a dynamic economy, stronger communities and a positive future for Northern Ireland and the UK through the research and education we deliver.  

We also recognise that there remain a number of important decisions required by the Withdrawal Agreement’s Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland. These need to be taken by the UK-EU Joint Committee before the Protocol formally and fully enters into force on 1 January 2021.

All staff are encouraged to regularly check the University’s dedicated Brexit Advice website, through which we will help keep you up to date with the latest developments related to the withdrawal of the UK from the EU. 

With best wishes

Professor Ian Greer
President and Vice-Chancellor