I believe you're right, luckygirl. Another problem would be that the UK (especially around Cambridge) attracts many researchers from the EU. They all learn from each other and contribute to British research, in addition to contributing to the economy. However, many of them don't earn the £35k, which would stop them being deported. The area where I live is full of medical research and technology companies. Many of them are American-owned and have chosen this area, because it's near Cambridge, the area is becoming well-known globally for medical research AND because it's in the EU and there is freedom of movement for people. There is a real danger that they would relocate.