Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson John Pugh has written to Brexit minister David Davis demanding he make a clear commitment to protecting the Erasmus student exchange scheme, stressing it would be “utterly unfair” to rob younger generations of the chance to study abroad.
Almost 10,000 people have backed a petition launched by the Liberal Democrats to save Erasmus that will be delivered to Downing Street and European leaders.
More News
Independent training providers urged to act on Ofsted prevent duty report
More people needed to install smart meters
New thinking needed to inspire adults to get back into learning
Survey sees improvement in managing change as leaders countdown to Brexit
Today party members overwhelmingly backed a motion calling for the Erasmus scheme to be preserved alongside vital European research cooperation.
Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson John Pugh MP said: “Young people overwhelmingly voted to Remain, it would be utterly unfair to make them pay the price for Brexit by depriving them of this unique opportunity to study abroad.
“The Government must commit to making it an absolute priority to preserve the UK’s participation in Erasmus in the negotiations ahead.
“The Liberal Democrats are determined to be the true voice of opposition, holding this Conservative Brexit government to account and fighting to ensure vital European cooperation is protected.”
The Liberal Democrat petition to save Erasmus can be found here. It has been signed by 9432 people so far.
Over 200,000 UK students have used Erasmus since it was set up in 1987. Around 100,000 more young people in the UK were expected to go on Erasmus from now until 2020, benefiting from EU funded grants to cover tuition, travel and living costs.
Co-Chair of Liberal Youth Charlie Kingsbury said: “Erasmus unlocks so many opportunities for students across Europe. “It enriches their cultural knowledge and understanding of people from all walks of life, providing life-changing experiences to thousands. “As proud internationalists, the Liberal Democrats cannot allow the Tories to put this in jeopardy.”
