Brexit Briefing: May 2017

Prof Phil Syrpis to work with House of Commons Library Getty Images

Prof Tonia Novitz to give a Pint of Science talk on labour solidarity in Stokes Croft, Bristol Pint of Science

Press release issued: 8 May 2017

Academics from the University of Bristol Law School continue to share knowledge, debate and listen to opinion at a national, regional and local level.

How can Universities tackle the challenges and exploit the opportunities of Brexit?

Brexit will present the UK with a vast number of political, economic, social, and legal challenges and opportunities in the months and years ahead. In this short piece for GW4, Professor Phil Syrpis reflects on the steps taken within the University of Bristol to begin to tackle the challenges and exploit the opportunities. This follows an interview with Professor Syrpis about the impact of triggering Article 50 on the day Theresa May set things in motion. Watch now.

Hard, Soft or Smart Brexit? Between Reality and Fiction

In April, Dr Clair Gammage was invited to participate in a workshop organised by Dr Nöelle Quénivet and Mr Christian Dadomo at University of West England (UWE). The theme of the workshop was on external policies from the perspective of the EU and the UK ranging from citizenship to fisheries and trade regulation. Clair provided expert advice on the future of the UK’s trading relationship with the African, Caribbean, and Pacific states. The workshop preceded the Distinguished Professorial Address by Professor Michael Dougan, who discussed ‘The UK Outwith the EU and the EU Without the UK’.

Professor Phil Syrpis to work with House of Commons Library to help brief MPs on Brexit

A knowledge exchange fellowship between PolicyBristol at the University of Bristol and the House of Commons Service will see Professor Syrpis assisting with the production of impartial briefings and research in targeted areas. These will include the Article 50 process, the conclusion and ratification of any withdrawal deal, the Great Repeal Bill, the repatriation of EU powers, immigration reform and trade law.

Suspended citizenship - workshop on individual rights in the lead up to Brexit and beyond

Dr Albert Sanchez-Graells led a workshop on the uncertainties and challenges surrounding citizenship rights in the lead up to Brexit. The workshop brought together representatives of a wide range of organisations, including citizens' groups (Bristol Somali Forum, Bristol Refugee Rights, the3million, One Day Without Us, Marea Granate), employers (Institute of Directors, NHS, Universities), trade unions (TUC, UCU), practitioners and legal advisors (Bristol Citizens' Advice Bureau, SouthWest Law), as well as academics and professional support staff from regional universities (Bristol, UWE and Exeter).

Workshop: Projecting Bristol and Britain to a Post-Brexit World

On 27 April, Professor Phil Syrpis and Dr Clair Gammage were invited to participate in a workshop organised by Professor Michelle Cini and Dr Nieves Perez-Solorzano Borragan in conjunction with Policy Bristol. The aim of the workshop was to consider the challenges facing Bristol following the Brexit vote, with an emphasis on trade and foreign relations. Participants were drawn from the University of Bristol's pool of experts, as well as stakeholders from key Bristol industries, including employers and employee representatives, and those who represent the city nationally and internationally.

Further information

When the UK voted to leave the EU it entered unchartered territory. With virtually no area of domestic law left untouched, our experts are on the frontline – and in demand, helping shape the debate, providing opinion on the diverse legal implications of Brexit. See our Brexit pages to keep up to date.