Stephen Hawking Joins 150 Scientists in Letter Opposing UK Leaving EU

Stephen Hawking joins 150 other British Scientists in voicing their opinion on UK's stance on the European Union (EU).

The scientists, including Hawkings, penned an open letter published on The Times about the importance of staying on the EU and the impact it would make to UK's economy, science, and universities if it were to leave. 

"First, increased funding has raised greatly the level of European science as a whole and of the UK in particular because we have a competitive edge," the letter stated. 

"Second, we now recruit many of our best researchers from continental Europe, including younger ones who have obtained EU grants and have chosen to move with them here."

"Being able to attract and fund the most talented Europeans assures the future of British science and also encourages the best scientists elsewhere to come here," the scientists, mathematicians, engineers and economists stated.

Scientists also brought up Switzerland's situation, who remains out of the EU, claiming that the country now struggles to attract young talent. If Britain were to leave, it would be cut off from receiving funds such as grants and packages. Additionally, exchanging and discussion of ideas would be eliminated since UK government would no longer be able to employ continental scientists. 

It first leaked that the British government wanted to remove its 40-year long membership on the EU in April 2011, when the Queen and the Privy Council met privately to discuss this. Those in favor of leaving the union claim that it will allow the UK government to rule on its own terms.

Currently, according to a poll by YouGov, 37% vote to stay in the EU, while 38% opt to leave. The remaining population doesn't know or don't plan to vote. 

The government will announce its final decision on June 23 when citizen go to the voting booths.