UNIVERSITY NEWS LAST UPDATED : 14 FEBRUARY 2019
The UK’s first Centre for Brexit Studies will host its second Annual Conference next month to mark the expected date of Britain’s withdrawal from the European Union (March 29).
Taking place at London’s Royal Society of Arts, Manufacturers and Commerce on Friday 29 March, the Conference builds on the academic research carried out at the Centre since launching at Birmingham City University two years ago.
Running between 9am and 5pm, the event will feature an array of key speakers from both sides of the debate including Sir Vince Cable, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, and Sir Bernard Jenkin Conservative Member of Parliament for Harwich and North Essex.
Also speaking at the event will be Founder and Chairman of JML and UK Labour activist John Mills, Economist Vicky Pryce, Professor Vernon Bogdanor CBE, Journalist Raymond Snoddy, Comedian and BBC Radio 1Xtra host David "Sideman" Whitely.
They will be joined by a number of experts from Birmingham City University’s Centre for Brexit Studies, including Centre Director Professor Alex de Ruyter – a leading commentator on the issues surrounding Brexit.
The event will bring together both Brexiteers and firm Remainers to cover topics including business, economy, law, perceptions of the EU and the feelings of young people.
The conference will use insight and expertise from speakers and panellists to assess what Britain will look like after Brexit and provide up-to-the-minute analysis, as the 11pm withdrawal hour draws closer.
Professor Alex de Ruyter, Director of Birmingham City University’s Centre for Brexit Studies, said: “The Centre for Brexit Studies was started to provide a platform for discussion, debate and insight into the process of withdrawing from the European Union, and this is what the Conference is all about.
“Bringing together so many key speakers allows us to give delegates a range of perspectives from the Parliamentary and business world, as well as an insight into the views of young people on Brexit and how it is being carried out.
“With so much of the debate continuing it is fitting that we will be holding this event on March 29, the day Article 50 is set to expire, allowing us to provide additional insight as news filters through from Westminster and beyond.”
Birmingham City University’s Centre for Brexit Studies was established in February 2017 to provide a platform for academics and practitioners to come together and explore the likely impact of Brexit, and chart developments throughout the withdrawal process.
The Centre promotes engagement with both “leave” and “remain” perspectives. Since then, its profile has steadily grown in national and international media, and is rapidly developing a reputation as a vehicle for business, policy and community groups to be informed on Brexit.
Current research has examined the automotive industry, developed new measures of regional economic performance and understanding why people voted the way they did in the 2016 referendum.
Tickets for the Conference are priced at £11.25, with lunch and refreshments provided for all delegates.
To book tickets visit Eventbrite and search for “Centre for Brexit Studies”.
Press tickets are available, for more information or to request a press pass contact: Bethan.Tolley@bcu.ac.uk