That this House is deeply proud of the UK’s place as a world-leader in research and teaching in universities and other Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), home to many of the world’s leading universities; notes with concern the deep financial issues facing many universities and HEIs, with more than four in ten universities in England expecting to be in a financial deficit by this summer; further notes the Government’s announcement of 12 May 2025 that proposes restricting student visas, limiting the graduate route, and imposing a levy on universities’ international student income; acknowledges the immense role that international students play in contributing to our country and our economy, while strengthening our soft power on the world stage; believes we must protect the UK’s place as a world leader in research by safeguarding our reputation as a destination for the world’s brightest minds; further believes that protecting university finances is of vital importance; therefore calls on the Government to urgently consult with the university and HEI sector on its immigration proposals; and further calls on the Government to move to a model where international student flows are reported separately to estimates of long-term migration to avoid counter-productive policies and to rapidly establish a review of higher education finance.
Signatories (30)
- Ian Sollom Sponsor
- Wendy Chamberlain
- Lisa Smart
- Wera Hobhouse
- Pippa Heylings
- Dr Al Pinkerton
- Dr Danny Chambers
- Tom Gordon
- Andrew George
- Zöe Franklin
- Adam Dance
- Clive Jones
- Calum Miller
- Dr Roz Savage
- Mr Will Forster
- Claire Young
- Charlotte Cane
- Ellie Chowns
- Sarah Dyke
- Ayoub Khan
- Christine Jardine
- Mr Angus MacDonald
- Luke Taylor
- Carla Denyer
- Alison Bennett
- Siân Berry
- Rachael Maskell
- Mr Paul Kohler
- Mr Lee Dillon
- Freddie van Mierlo