Plan 2 Student Loans: Repayment Terms

Earl of Effingham Excerpts

Tuesday 17th March 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I absolutely support my noble friend’s view of the value of a university education; it cannot always be measured in monetary success. But obviously, the outcomes of students going to different institutions is a measure that is looked at—how many of them get into employment, what that employment is and whether they go on to further training. It is true that there are some narrowly held preconceived views about the value of some courses that actually do an enormous amount, not only for the well-being of the students but for the economy and well-being of the country.

[The Earl of Effingham (Con)]

My Lords, it appears that EU officials are demanding that EU students pay home fees rather than international fees in order to benefit from a UK university education under a new youth mobility scheme. This was not in the framework signed last year. It may cost our universities up to £140 million annually. Surely it is our students who deserve help. Will the Minister rule out international students paying domestic fees?

[Baroness Blake of Leeds (Lab)]

I think it is well above my pay grade to interfere in the ongoing negotiations with the EU. It is imperative that we let those negotiations take their full course, and then we will report back at the appropriate time.