Yesterday I warned an audience of Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Educational Attachés that Parliament is poised to defeat the Government over the issue of international students.

Addressing the Embassy Education Conference in Central London I talked about the impact of Brexit on universities as well as developments in higher education policy through the new Higher Education and Research Act and the Teaching Excellence Framework. On the issue of international students, I issued a warning to the Prime Minister, saying:

Parliament’s support for a change of policy on international students is clear. Since 2010, no fewer than five Parliamentary Select Committees have recommended that the Government should take international students out of net migration figures. If the tactic before the election could be described as gently persuading the Government, the mood in this new Parliament is far less forgiving. The Prime Minister must recognise the potential for UK higher education as a global export. If she doesn’t, Parliament will force her to.

I am co-Chair of the APPG on International Students, as well as Chair of the APPG on Students and Secretary of the All Party Universities Group, and have long campaigned for the Government to change its approach to international students. You can find out more about my work on student issues here and education and skills here.