Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Chris Law and Brandon Lewis

Monday 16th October 2017 Commons Chamber

[Chris Law (Dundee West) (SNP)]

8. What her policy is on the number of international students who are admitted to the UK.

[The Minister for Immigration (Brandon Lewis)]

The Government are working hard to continue to attract international students to study here in the UK. There is no limit on the number of genuine international students that educational institutions in the UK can recruit; nor do we intend to change that position.

[Chris Law]

I have the honour of representing in my constituency two universities, Abertay University and University of Dundee, with a large intake of international students. Does the Minister agree that the Government’s confused approach to international students, based on information, will damage Scotland’s reputation as a world-leading destination for study?

[Brandon Lewis]

The short answer is no. The hon. Gentleman might be a bit confused, because we have been clear all the way through that we want good, genuine international students here at good, genuine institutions. The Government should take great credit for shutting down bogus colleges, so that when students come here they know that they are going to a good, strong institution. They play an important part in our economy, and we encourage that to continue.