The Government’s proposed international student levy sends the wrong message at the wrong time - Alex Sobel
This Labour Government's number one mission is growth. Growth of innovation, of prosperity, and of the regions. Over the next three and a half years, it’s essential that Labour shows a growth that reaches all parts of the UK and all people.
One of Britain’s most powerful engines of growth is our higher education sector, and within it, our international students. Last month, the Chancellor set out a 6 per cent levy on universities enrolling international students. At a moment when we should be pulling every lever possible to deliver growth, this policy risks pushing one of the few thriving sectors of our economy into reverse.
I’m proud to represent Leeds, a city built on innovation, ambition and education. I was born there and studied at two universities in the city – so I know first-hand how our universities transform lives and drive opportunity. Home to world class institutions and smaller specialist Higher Education institutions, each helping to deliver Labour’s mission for growth by developing skills, attracting investment and supporting high-quality jobs and spin-off businesses. Together, they draw in talent from across the globe and anchor the regional economy, employing hundreds of thousands directly and indirectly. In short, the city is reliant on universities.
Recent research from Public First shows that this proposed levy could deter over 16,000 international students in its first year and cost universities and the wider economy £240m immediately rising to £2.2bn over five years. In my constituency, Leeds Central and Headingley, their net contribution is £276m, money spent in our local shops and venues, invested in our research labs, and supporting jobs across the city from all communities.
Leeds is part of one of the UK’s fastest-growing regional economies, powered by our universities and the skills, research and innovation they generate. The strength of the Leeds City Region, and indeed the North, depends on our ability to attract global talent, foster enterprise, and turn ideas into growth.
Yet, this proposed levy sends the wrong message at the wrong time. It would take money away from research, development, and teaching. Away from the very foundations of Labour’s mission to deliver sustainable, inclusive growth across every region and nation in the country.
International students are not just fee-payers, they are community members. They live, work, volunteer and build ties that last a lifetime. My parents were international students who came to Leeds for their studies, and as their son, I like to think I’ve built my life around Leeds too. Those who return home become ambassadors for the UK, building global goodwill and opening doors for British business – some even become Heads of State with both the President of Ireland and Maldives studying at Leeds.
I’m immensely proud to be part of the Leeds alumni network which spans 190 countries and 300,000 graduates, engineers, entrepreneurs, data scientists, and innovators, all educated here. That is British influence at its best.
Every international student lost means fewer opportunities for British students, not more. It’s simple but true to say that international students subsidise domestic ones. They don’t take their place – the course in many institutions wouldn’t run without them.
Labour’s credibility depends on delivering growth. Taxing one of our most successful exports without consultation puts that mission at risk. Britain’s world-class universities are not a problem to be fixed - they are part of the solution.
Alex Sobel is the Labour (Co-op) MP for Leeds Central and Headingley.