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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.

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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