Oral Answers to Questions

John McNally Excerpts

Monday 2nd March 2020 Commons Chamber

[Dr Philippa Whitford (Central Ayrshire) (SNP)]

7. What plans he has to ensure UK access to EU educational and research programmes after the transition period; and if he will make a statement.

[John Mc Nally (Falkirk) (SNP)]

12. What plans he has to ensure UK access to EU educational and research programmes after the transition period; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister for Universities (Michelle Donelan)]

I stress that the UK remains open to participation in elements of Erasmus+ on a time-limited basis, provided that the terms are in the UK’s interests. The UK will consider a relationship in line with non-EU member state participation in certain EU programmes, including Horizon Europe.

--- Later in debate ---

[Michelle Donelan]

I am sure that we can all agree that the Erasmus scheme offers a wonderful opportunity for international mobility for students. However, it is vital that we utilise our exit from the European Union to ensure that such programmes deliver for everybody in our country, which is why we will make sure that we proceed in our best interests and why we will sign up only if it is on the terms of the UK’s interests.

[John Mc Nally]

The Scottish Government and partners have invested around £85 million in a state-of-the-art college campus in my constituency of Falkirk. Students from all over Europe attend the Forth Valley College. EU students bring a huge economic benefit to the college, Falkirk, Scotland and the UK, and they enrich our institutions, both culturally and academically. What steps has the Department taken to ensure that the UK remains open, attractive and competitive for EU students in the years ahead? I would like the Minister to develop her answer a wee bit more about what steps are being put in place.

[Michelle Donelan]

We are committed to remaining open to participating in elements of the Erasmus scheme, as I have pointed out. The Government are very positive about the benefits of students coming to this country, which was exactly why the Prime Minister announced that there will be a graduate option from 2021 so that graduates will be able to work in this country for the two years following their degree.