Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Further and Higher Education: End of Transition Period

Monday 18 January 2021 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK Government has worked with the education sector to address issues related to EU programmes, migration, and student support arrangements post-transition period.
  • The Turing scheme aims to provide global opportunities for students, including regions beyond Europe like North America, Asia, and Australia.
  • The Government has committed to investing in research and universities, though the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy manages the specific research funding.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Linden SNP
Brexit
Context

The question arises due to concerns about the implications of the end of the transition period for educational institutions in the UK.

Question

What assessment has been made of the effect of the end of the transition period on (a) further and (b) higher education?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

We have worked with the sector to address issues such as participation in EU programmes, migration and student support arrangements. The UK shared prosperity fund will replace the European social fund, and the Turing scheme has been introduced.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide a specific assessment or impact analysis on further and higher education sectors.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Patricia Gibson SNP
Context

EU students annually contributed £1.2 billion to the UK economy, enhancing global university profiles and supporting STEM and medical graduates. Post-Brexit, high fees may deter EU students.

Question

With the reality of excessively high international student fees, many EU students will choose to study elsewhere; how can the Secretary of State ensure that the Turing scheme is as effective in encouraging inward student mobility?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

The Turing scheme offers global opportunities, not just European ones. It aims to expand possibilities for students beyond Europe, such as in North America, Asia, and Australia.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address the effectiveness of Turing compared to Erasmus or measures to encourage inward mobility specifically.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 David Linden SNP
Education Scotland Science & Technology
Context

Under the Horizon 2020 programme, UK consistently received more than it contributed. Post-Brexit, UK receives no more than its contribution.

Question

While universities in Scotland were relieved to see a commitment to Horizon Europe in the joint agreement, what additional funding will the Secretary of State make available to ensure that our overall level of research funding is maintained?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

The Government has committed to investing in research, with more money going into research and universities playing an important role. However, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy manages the research element that goes into the funding of universities.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not provide information on additional funding or specific commitments to maintain research levels.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Education Brexit
Context

Anxiety among students due to lack of answers on Brexit impact, compounded by COVID-19 effects on education and job prospects.

Question

The anxiety caused by the lack of answers on the impact of the end of transition upon students is only adding to the anxiety that they already feel because of the impact that covid-19 has had on their educational experience, their finances and their graduate job prospects; what is he going to do to right this wrong?

Answer from Gavin Williamson

Before Christmas, we set out plans to support students facing hardship. We continue to review these and work with the sector to provide the best support to students up and down the land.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Did not address specific measures to alleviate student anxiety or financial hardships directly related to Brexit transition period.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)