RIBA president urges next government to protect EU architects

The next prime minister must protect the rights of EU citizens in the UK, said RIBA president Jane Duncan.

She also urged the next government to protect the “almost unrivalled worldwide reputation and position” of UK architecture.

The nation’s built environment must also be a key priority, said Duncan.

In a statement issued this morning she said: “Clearly we are in a state of uncertainty, so at this stage I would like to reflect briefly on the election campaign and our priorities for the next UK government:

“Throughout the election campaign it was clear that the main political parties were responding as much on quality of life issues as they were on Brexit. The built environment has a crucial impact on the quality of all our lives. This is why the RIBA’s Building Global Britain manifesto made recommendations to tackle the housing crisis through quality homes, support for the development of a better school estate, and further devolution of planning powers. The quality of our built environment must be a priority for the UK Government and Parliament.

“UK architecture has an almost unrivalled worldwide reputation and that position must be maintained. The RIBA, on behalf of our members, will be looking to the next UK Government for certainty on our priority concerns such as ensuring the rights of non-UK EU citizens in order that the sector can continue to thrive.

“The RIBA, with the support of our members, will continue our work with the next UK Government to ensure that the communities in which we live, work and play reflect the needs and ambitions of people across the country.”