In response to London Metropolitan University students facing deportation after the institution had its highly trusted status removed by the Home Office, local Labour London Assembly Members Jennette Arnold and John Biggs said:
“Thousands of genuine students are now in an impossible situation of finding a new place to study just days before the beginning of the new academic year.”
“This sends out a very dangerous message to foreign students that they could effectively be ejected from the UK with little warning. We need foreign students to come to the UK, they bring valued investment and also develop links with their home countries which is good for British and London businesses. This will do lasting damage to the international reputation of the UK and our universities.”
“This decision puts serious financial strain on London Met which is a large local employer. At a time when unemployment in London remains stubbornly high, with four people chasing every job in the capital, putting employers like London Met at risk is the last thing we need."
"I have written to the Mayor asking him to intervene with his colleagues in government to make sure that all of the affected students secure places elsewhere and to emphasise the damage this is doing to London’s reputation.”
Ends
Notes
Jennette Arnold is the Labour London Assembly Member for North & East London covering the boroughs of Hackney, Islington and Waltham Forest.
- John Biggs is the Labour London Assembly Member for City & East London covering the boroughs of Tower Hamlets, City of London, Newham and Barking & Dagenham.