Local MP Steve Brine attended the English UK reception at the House of Commons on Wednesday 23rd May, as the organisation launched their report on International students and net migration in the UK.
English UK is the world's leading language teaching association, with more than 450 accredited centres in membership. It covers university and further education college language departments, international study centres in independent schools, educational trusts and charities, and private sector colleges.
Their report recommends that international students should be excluded from overall net migration figures, as moves to limit incoming student numbers for the sake of long-term migration figures put a valuable export market – higher education – at risk.
A survey of the top 10 countries for international students suggests there is no international rule or standard preventing the UK from counting students in this way.
Steve Brine said: "The government are absolutely right to crack down on immigration, not least because we promised to do so in opposition.
"There is however, a world of difference between mass uncontrolled immigration, from inside or outside the European Union, and students coming to this country to genuinely learn English and provide much needed business for schools such as Winchester School of English.
"English UK were reminding MPs at the launch of this report that our country is the home of the English language and I reminded them that Winchester is where the language began. I will continue to challenge ministers on this, and the evidence from Winchester School of English is invaluable in that respect."
Francesca Sluman, of Winchester School of English, said: "We have experienced an 87.5% drop in Tier 4 students, which is not due to economics – it is a direct result of a nigh on impenetrable barrier put in the way of genuine students who want to apply to study in the UK.
"These students, from Japan and Korea, come for a year, pay to study, pay to live with local families, go to Winchester pubs, theatre, cinema, restaurants and shops, and this is revenue that we and the UK can ill afford to discourage.
"Furthermore, looking into the future, long term relationships are built which develop an understanding of and attraction for each other's cultures. In the long term, the failure of the UK to establish good relationships with the decision makers of the future from these influential countries opens the door for other, more forward thinking competitors.
"Australia for one is reaping the benefit. Having recognised the value of language students to their economy, they have adapted and simplified their application process in order to encourage genuine language students. Nationally the business of teaching English as a Foreign Language represents a significant contribution to the UK economy, and we should be welcoming them with enthusiasm."
Pictured; Steve Brine met with English UK in the Commons on Wednesday 23rd May with (left to right); Sponsor from Cambridge University, Robert Syms MP for Poole and Tony Milns who leads English UK
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You can read the report via here.