Source · Select Committees · Scottish Affairs Committee
Recommendation 100
100
Until 17 December 2020, one week before the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was reached,...
Conclusion
Until 17 December 2020, one week before the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement was reached, the UK Government was reassuring Parliament that UK participation in Erasmus+ was intended to be included within the UK-EU deal. Given that Erasmus+ disproportionally benefited Scotland compared to other parts of the UK, we are disappointed that no agreement on this could be reached. Nevertheless, we support the Government’s Turing Scheme, especially that it should benefit 35,000 UK students per year (compared to 17,000 under Erasmus+), and that it will open international opportunities wider than just the EU. We look forward to working with UK Government on this and the International Education Strategy.
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.