Erasmus+ Eligibility: Asylum Seekers

Viscount Stansgate Excerpts

Thursday 29th January 2026 Lords Chamber

[Viscount Stansgate (Lab)]

My Lords, with the leave of the House, and with the permission of my noble friend Lady Bakewell, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in her name on the Order Paper.

[The Minister of State, Department for Education and Department for Work and Pensions (Baroness Smith of Malvern) (Lab)]

My Lords, the UK has agreed terms to join the Erasmus+ programme in 2027. The scope of the programme is set by the European Commission, and diversity and inclusion is a key priority. Erasmus+ dedicates additional support to people with fewer opportunities, which includes people with migrant or refugee backgrounds. Asylum seekers can benefit from a variety of Erasmus+ activities, such as inclusion projects aimed at fostering social integration, virtual exchanges or school twinning.

[Viscount Stansgate (Lab)]

I thank my noble friend for that Answer. Like many Members across the House, I hope, I am pleased that the UK’s resumption of participation in Erasmus+ is taking place. I hope that by the summer there will be a website with further information available. Does my noble friend agree that Erasmus+ supports the Government’s opportunities mission by enabling people from a wide range of backgrounds to take part? Can she confirm that participation will enable institutions to collaborate with international partners on areas such as innovation and educational improvement, which will strengthen the UK’s global reputation for education and training?

[Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lab)]

Yes, my noble friend is absolutely right. This is an enormously exciting opportunity for learners, for educators, for young people and for our communities. It is an investment in opportunity for our young people, our workforce and our future, opening doors for tens of thousands of people across the UK to benefit from those experiences. As my noble friend says, this includes our ability to learn from, and also share, the enormously important contribution that education makes to this country, to our exports and to our standing in the world.