EU Referendum

The referendum on the United Kingdom’s membership of the European Union is on Thursday 23 June 2016. We would encourage all eligible students to vote and back the Remain campaign.

The deadline to register to vote in the EU referendum on Thursday 23rd June is tomorrow (Tuesday) 7th June. The referendum will decide whether Britain should remain or leave a member of the European Union. It is of course your own choice how you wish to cast your vote but the SRC believes it is in the interests of students that the UK remains a member of the European Union. We have also invited Eddie Izzard and his Stand Up for Europe tour to appear in the Bute Hall on Sunday 19th June, read on for more information and tickets.

The SRC believes it is in the interest of students to remain in the EU

The EU brings material benefits to the University of Glasgow primarily through programmes such as Erasmus+ (which encourages students to study and work in other EU countries broadening their knowledge and experience) and Horizon 2020 (the EU research fund which promotes cross Europe research and collaboration).

The free movement of people, which underpins the EU, has helped attract thousands of talented students and staff from across Europe creating an exchange of culture and knowledge which enriches everyone who studies and works here. 

The future for universities and the wider economy is more internationally focused than ever before. The EU’s structures and programmes helps the University of Glasgow create an excellent research-led teaching environment from which we all benefit. These benefits are guaranteed inside the EU whereas the alternative is much less clear.

You can find out more from Britain stronger in Europe – the campaign to remain in the European Union.

How can I register to vote?

Registration can be completed online in around 5 minutes on the UK governments website.

Who can vote?

British, Irish and Commonwealth citizens over 18 who are resident in the UK, along with UK nationals living abroad who have been on the electoral register in the UK in the past 15 years. Commonwealth citizens in Gibraltar will also be eligible, unlike in a general election. Citizens from EU countries – apart from Ireland, Malta and Cyprus – will not get a vote. If youre unsure if you are eligible to register to vote you can find more information and advice on the About My Vote website.

Why should I vote?

If you’re not sure of why voting in this referendum is important or how it could affect you, you may want to consider some of the implications of Britain remaining or leaving the European Union. The Guardian has published a good synopsis of the history behind the referendum and the main issues to consider here: EU referendum: guide to the UK’s biggest political decision of the century.

Eddie Izzard’s Stand Up For Europe Tour comes to the University of Glasgow

At the invitation of Glasgow University Students’ Representative Council Eddie Izzard will appear in the University’s Historic Bute Hall on Sunday 19th June at 2pm as part of his nationwide Stand Up For Europe tour, encouraging young people to register to vote in the upcoming EU Referendum and back the Remain campaign.

Tickets for the event are free and will be required for entry. For more information, use the form below or see the event on Eventbrite: Eddie Izzard’s Stand up for Europe @ Glasgow University