The UK shadow minister for higher education has spoken out against negative government rhetoric surrounding the country’s international students, as Graduate Route supporters brace for a “period of risk”.
Matt Western branded recent rhetoric against the UK’s international students as “damaging” while giving a speech at the Independent Higher Education conference in London on November 28, as he considered the impact it could have on the country’s position as an attractive study destination.
“It’s extraordinary that when you have a successful export that you would want to damage it,” said Western when asked by an audience member his thoughts on the Home Office’s treatment of international students.
Western said the government must be protective of such export – which contributes £42bn to the economy – or be at risk of diminishing the UK’s appeal as a destination, losing out to the US, Canada or Australia.
