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Covid-19: International Language Schools
01 July 2020
Lead MP
Caroline Ansell
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
ImmigrationEconomyTaxationEmploymentForeign AffairsCulture, Media & SportParliamentary Procedure
Other Contributors: 7
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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
ImmigrationEconomyTaxationEmploymentForeign AffairsCulture, Media & SportParliamentary Procedure
Government Response
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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