Scotland Minister questioned on Erasmus+ replacement, Brexit and pandemic impact on Scottish universities
23 February 2021
The Scottish Affairs Committee will quiz Scotland Minister Iain Stewart on the implications of the pandemic and Brexit for Scotland’s universities. This includes the replacement for Erasmus+.
Witnesses
Thursday 25 Feburary, 11.30am
- Iain Stewart MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Minister for Scotland)
- Rebecca Hackett, Deputy Director, Policy Delivery and Relationship Management, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland
Purpose of the session
Following Brexit, the UK Government decided not to participate in the EU’s Erasmus+ student exchange programme. They instead proposed the new Turing Scheme to fund opportunities for UK students around the world.
At an oral evidence session in January concerns were raised over the Turing Scheme’s funding levels, scope and whether it would cover students from abroad to study in the UK, as Erasmus+ had done.
Faced with large financial losses from the coronavirus pandemic, the Committee is seeking answers on how the Government plans to support universities through this period.
Mr Stewart is also likely to be asked about:
- Effectiveness of intergovernmental structures in influencing UK Government policy on Universities
- Safeguarding student welfare during the pandemic
- The UK’s continued participation in the EU Horizon programme
- How the position of Scottish academic research in the world will be secured.
Further information
Image: Parliamentary copyright