UCU calls Labour’s stance on international students ‘political suicide’
The new message campaign will reportedly see around 130,000 students receive a message telling them if they have ‘no legal right to remain’ in the country they ‘must leave’
Register to get 1 more free article
Reveal the article below by registering for our email newsletter.
Want unlimited access? View Plans
Already have an account? Sign in
The University and College Union (UCU) has condemned a Home Office plan to send international students text messages warning against claiming asylum.
Under the move, announced by the home secretary, students and their families will be told that asylum claims “without merit” will be swiftly refused and that those overstaying visas will face removal. The government said the campaign was aimed at tackling an increase in claims made after visas expire.
The new message campaign will reportedly see around 130,000 students receive a message telling them if they have “no legal right to remain” in the country they “must leave”.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said the policy was politically driven rather than evidence-based.
She said: “This attack on international students has very little to do with visa overstays and everything to do with aping Reform. With Farage talking up mass deportations and migrant prison camps, Labour continuing to demonise immigrants and refugees isn’t just immoral, it’s political suicide.
“Labour will never outflank Reform on division and bigotry. They should instead be making the case for a welcoming and economically strong Britain, of which international students and a world-leading higher education sector are an integral part.”
Grady has previously warned that restrictions on overseas recruitment could threaten the financial health of universities and undermine the UK’s international standing in higher education.