Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Home Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Jeremy Lefroy Excerpts
Monday 28th October 2013

(11 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Mark Harper Portrait Mr Harper
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First, I do not think the Chancellor was suggesting that the entire population of China will come to the United Kingdom all in one go. The right hon. Gentleman makes a sensible point, but it is worth remembering that students who come to the UK will stay for their course and then leave. They do not, over time, make a contribution to net migration. We have, however, already seen strong growth in the number of students coming from China. They are welcome at our universities and we want to see them come.

Jeremy Lefroy Portrait Jeremy Lefroy (Stafford) (Con)
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What is the latest assessment the Minister has made of the value of international students to the UK economy and society?

Mark Harper Portrait Mr Harper
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We welcome international students as long as they study at a genuine university or other genuine institution. We have dealt with abuse, which we inherited from the Opposition, but we welcome students and the best of them are welcome to stay here to create businesses, wealth and jobs.