Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Covid-19: International Language Schools

01 July 2020 · 7 other contributors

Opened by Caroline Ansell Con Eastbourne

ImmigrationEducationBusiness & Trade

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Caroline Ansell raised concerns about covid-19: international language schools in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the severe impact of coronavirus on the UK's English language teaching sector, with a third of testing centres expected to close due to reduced student volume and revenue.
  • Travel restrictions from key markets like Italy and China began affecting the sector before the World Health Organisation declared a pandemic.
  • The Government responded with measures including CBILS, job retention schemes, small business grant funding, and bounce-back loan schemes to support affected businesses.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Caroline Ansell Con Eastbourne

Mr Deputy Speaker, I highlighted the severe impact of coronavirus on the UK’s English language teaching sector. According to English UK, a third of UK testing centres will cease trading due to reduced student volume and revenue. The closure began even before the World Health Organisation declared a pandemic as travel from major markets like Italy and China was already restricted. Online learning cannot replace the experience of living in the country where the language is spoken. My constituency's international schools are crucial local employers, providing jobs for thousands and supporting local businesses through tourism and retail. With nearly half of annual trade volume lost during July to September, the sector faces a bleak future this summer. The Government’s support includes job retention schemes, business rates relief (although only 17 out of hundreds of councils have granted it), CBILS, and bounce-back loans. I questioned whether one department could champion the sector for a coordinated recovery plan.

Other contributors (7)
  • Jim Shannon SDLP Strangford

    The hon. Member highlighted that up to 90% of staff in the industry have been furloughed due to the pandemic, estimating a loss of £1.4 billion to the UK economy.

  • Harriett Baldwin Con West Worcestershire

    She endorsed the points raised by Caroline Ansell on behalf of many people employed in English as a second language teaching in her constituency.

  • Chris Matheson Labour Co-operative Party Aberavon

    He emphasised the cultural value of projecting British values and culture through welcoming international students.

  • Sally-Ann Hart Con Hastings and Rye

    She asked if terms for visas should be equal between universities, schools, and colleges to attract more international students.

  • Stephen Hammond Con Cannock Chase

    He requested clarification from the Minister on whether English language schools are included in business rate relief schemes.

  • Alison Thewliss SNP Glasgow North

    She mentioned issues faced by her constituency's Live Language school, particularly related to business interruption insurance claims.

  • Anthony Mangnall Con Tweeddale, Ettrick and Lauderdale

    He urged the Government to provide guidance for attracting students once air bridges are opened and a clear funding structure if necessary.

Government Response

Graham Stuart

My hon. Friend Caroline Ansell highlighted the severe impact of coronavirus on UK's English language teaching sector, which relies almost entirely on exports for income. Key markets such as Italy and China were among the first to be closed due to travel restrictions. The Government have responded with wide-ranging measures including CBILS, job retention schemes, small business grant funding, bounce-back loan scheme, and VAT deferral options. Additionally, the Home Office has made temporary changes like extending student visa leave periods and lifting prohibitions on distance learning for international students. DIT is playing a pivotal role in coordinating cross-Government efforts to support ELT providers through the education sector advisory group and English language training working group. The Government remain committed to championing UK’s ELT industry post-crisis, aiming for £35 billion annual value of education exports by 2030 under their international education strategy.

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