Lords to hear impact of Brexit on access to the Erasmus Programme

Erasmus+ aims to support EU citizens through studies, training, work experiences, or volunteering abroad. It also aims to help European countries to modernise and improve their education and training systems as well as their youth and sport policies, reinforcing their role as drivers for growth, employment, competitiveness, innovation and social cohesion. The current programme has supported 128,000 UK participants since 2014. The UK is also a popular destination for participants in the programme. 

The Government has indicated that it is considering continued association with Erasmus, but the substance and cost of these arrangements are still unclear. The Committee will ask the witnesses how the uncertainty caused by Brexit is affecting current and prospective UK participants in Erasmus.

The evidence session will begin at 10:40a.m. in Committee Room 3 of the House of Lords. The Committee will question:

• Amatey Doku, Vice President (Higher Education), National Union of Students
• John Latham, International Projects Manager, Lancaster & Morecambe College, Association of Colleges
• Gail Armistead, Associate Director of the Office of Global Engagement, University of Nottingham, The Russell Group

Other questions the Committee are likely to ask include:

• How has Erasmus+ helped to increase opportunities and improve upward mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds?
• In a ‘no deal’ scenario, do you think there is a risk that the Commission will not allow UK participants to continue to take part in Erasmus+ projects and placements, even with the Government’s funding guarantee?
• The UK is a popular destination for Erasmus+ students from across the EU. What would be the impact on the EU27 if the UK were no longer part of the programme?
• Are other member states supportive of the UK participating in the next Erasmus programme?

Notes to Editors

1. Erasmus and Horizon 2020 are among several EU programmes with a focus on education and skills collaboration. The Government is committed to participation in these programmes until the end of their current phases in 2020, but upon exit from the EU, the UK will no longer fulfil eligibility criteria for full membership.
    
2. After the UK leaves the EU, it is unclear whether or how the UK will continue to participate in these programmes. The Government has indicated that it is considering continued association with both programmes, but the substance and cost of these arrangements are still unclear.