Mayor of London gathers capital's universities for Brexit talks
All students benefit from international visiting academics to enrich their knowledge whether in the arts or sciences and students of architecture, design and engineering will be no less affected, should Brexit deter European academics from teaching in the capital.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is now gathering the capital's world-leading higher education institutions to discuss the implications of the Government's handling of Brexit and its future immigration proposals. The Mayor is concerned that proposals fall short on providing the flexibility London needs to attract skills and talent, including in research, innovation and teaching in the higher education sector.
He also wants the UK to continue participating in European projects - such as the Erasmus study exchange and the Horizon scientific research programme - whatever the outcome of Brexit negotiations.
More than 110,000 international students studied in London in 2017/18 which research suggests directly contributed £3.4 billion to the economy and supported 40,000 jobs.
Representatives from 18 institutions will take part in a high-level roundtable discussion at City Hall, organised by Imperial College London and the University of London, after which Sadiq will write to the Home Secretary and the Secretaries of State for Education and International Trade, setting out the key concerns discussed:
'I am urging ministers to introduce supportive policies to protect these important institutions, including flexible and clear post-study work opportunities for international students...I want all international students and academic staff to know that London is open to talent from across Europe and the world', he said.