The Mayor of London today met with leaders of London’s higher education institutions (HEIs) to discuss how the capital’s world-leading universities can continue to thrive following the vote to leave the EU.
London is more open than ever to top international talent. Photo credit: PA
The meeting presented an opportunity for the Sadiq Khan and his team, including the statutory Deputy Mayor of London, Joanne McCartney AM, and his Deputy Mayor for Business, Rajesh Agrawal, to meet key leaders from across the sector to reassure them that London is more open than ever to top international talent.
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The Mayor emphaised London’s top HEIs are able to continue to flourish and innovate, and that students from around the world still feel welcome here and regard London as a top place to study.
Khan said he recognised the contribution London’s HEIs make to the capital’s global reputation and competitiveness and that the quality of research and teaching was a major part of attracting the world’s most talented students. In addition how he valued the diversity of HEIs in London, including the world-class arts and creative institutions, which play a core part in the capital’s innovation ecosystem and cultural life.
The Mayor also spoke about the opportunities open to London’s HEIs of the growing international student market, stating the importance of a supportive visa system which encourages international students to work in the UK post-graduation.
He pledged to push the Government to ensure that the concerns of HEIs are properly represented in the UK’s negotiations with the EU.
Khan said: “London is the higher education capital of the world, with more leading universities, and international students than any other city and I want to make sure it stays that way. EU students, staff and research partnerships are a key part of this.
“In addition, people who come from abroad to study in London leave as ambassadors for our city, spreading the message across the globe that we are a fantastic place to live, work and visit. I’m saying loud and clear to the world that London is open as the best place to study, do business and innovate and a city where all Londoners can take advantage of these opportunities.
“I want all of our international students and academic staff to know that they are welcome in London – on that front, nothing has changed. I value the enormous contribution they make to our city, and that will not change as a result of the EU referendum. I’ll work with London’s higher education institutions to ensure their needs are properly understood and reflected as we negotiate the right settlement for our international students.”