Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Erasmus+ Programme

Thursday 22 January 2026 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Matt Rodda thanked the Minister for the Government's new commitment to the Erasmus+ Programme, highlighting its importance to Reading residents across various sectors.
  • The Minister noted that the scheme has been welcomed at many universities, including Reading, and praised Matt Rodda's long-standing campaigning on this issue.
  • Mike Wood inquired about the specifics of the one-year agreement for the Erasmus programme, noting it includes a 30% discount, to be reviewed after 10 months.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Matt Rodda Lab Reading Central
Education Science & Technology Business & Trade
Context

The MP highlighted the importance of the Erasmus+ programme for young people, families, employers, and institutions in his constituency.

Question

I thank the Minister for his answer and warmly welcome the Government’s new commitment to this scheme. It is hugely important to my residents in Reading, for families and young people, for employers and for science and technology. Could the Minister say a little more about how this wonderful scheme will help employers and growth in the Thames valley and help our local Reading University and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts?

Answer from Chris Ward (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)

I know that the scheme has been welcomed at many universities, including Reading. I know that my hon. Friend has campaigned on this for a long time. In my constituency, Sussex University was home to the first Erasmus student. When I visited last week, the university was delighted that it will have more students soon. I want to point out, though, that this is not just about universities; it is also about apprenticeships, FE colleges, youth workers and sports professionals. It is a huge opportunity for 100,000 people, so quite why the Conservatives and Reform oppose it is beyond me.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific details on how employers and growth in the Thames Valley would be supported by the programme.

How: Changed Subject To Broader Benefits Of The Scheme

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Q2 Mike Wood Con Kingswinford and South Staffordshire
Education Business & Trade
Context

The MP referenced a previous statement from the Paymaster General regarding Erasmus funding and asked for more details on costs beyond the first year.

Question

In his statement last month, the Paymaster General promised us that he had secured a great deal for the first year of the Erasmus programme. It is a technique that will be familiar to mobile phone and satellite TV customers around the country. Can the Minister tell us what the Paymaster General could not tell us in that statement: what will it cost in the second and subsequent years?

Answer from Chris Ward (Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office)

It is a one-year agreement, as the hon. Gentleman knows, and we have negotiated a 30% discount. That is a good deal. It will be reviewed after 10 months, as he knows. At its heart, the programme is about opportunities for young people from all backgrounds—youth workers, sports professionals, universities and so on.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific costs beyond the first year of the Erasmus+ agreement.

How: Changed Subject To Overall Programme Benefits

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