Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 84
84
Unlike the EU Horizon Programme, the UK decided not to participate in Erasmus+ following the...
Conclusion
Unlike the EU Horizon Programme, the UK decided not to participate in Erasmus+ following the end of the UK-EU Transition Period. The Government said this was because Erasmus+ was “extremely expensive”.199 This was despite the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Rt Hon Michael Gove MP, telling the Committee on the Future Relationship with the European Union on 17 December 2020, seven days before the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was reached, that UK participation in Erasmus+ was intended to be included within the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.200 This was in addition to the Chancellor telling the same Committee in March 2020 that, although he had some value for money and social mobility reservations, it was “certainly the case that, on current trajectories, if we can carry on being part of Erasmus we do see benefits in that.”201 Launch of the Turing Scheme
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
At Spending Review 2021, the UK Government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including maintaining total funding for mobilities and delivery of the scheme at £110 million for the 2022/23 Academic Year. We are committed to international educational mobility and have a clear aim to use the Turing Scheme as part of the long-term ambitions for a Global Britain. The impact of the first year of the Turing scheme will be evaluated so that we can continue to develop the scheme in subsequent years, to ensure it delivers on its objectives, supports students to make the most of their international experiences, and is aligned with government priorities. The Turing Scheme prioritises pupils, students and learners over staff and inward mobility funding to ensure that as many of our students as possible can benefit, including a focus on widening access for disadvantaged students. We will continue to closely engage with the Devolved Administrations going forward and ensure their views are taken into account in the future development of the Turing scheme. Regarding the Erasmus+ programme, President Von Der Leyen has previously confirmed that association by part of a country is not legally possible.