British people will soon vote on 'Brexit' - whether or not to stay in the European Union (EU). It is a big issue for Europe. People have strong feelings about leaving and staying. A group of Nobel scientists supports staying. It says leaving the EU would be a "key risk" to British science. A spokesman said it was important for science that Britain stayed. He said: "Inside the EU, Britain helps [guide] the biggest scientific powerhouse in the world."
Top British scientist Stephen Hawking said Brexit would be, "a disaster for UK science". He said Britain would get less money from the EU for research and British scientists would not work as often with European colleagues. He said young European scientists come to Britain to work, but this could slow down after a Brexit. However, the campaign group Scientists For Britain says Brexit would be better for British science and not harm the UK.
