Turning universities into extension of the border force 'shameful' & 'doomed to fail'

Responding to The Times' claims that the government will punish universities for accepting international students who seek asylum, UCU general secretary Jo Grady today said: Attempting to turn universities into an extension of the border force is not only shameful but doomed to fail. Admissions must focus on academic ability, not whether an incoming student may need to seek asylum. This policy could have perverse consequences, such as forcing a university to bar students from war torn countries like Palestine or Ukraine because they may not be able to safely return home.

'After another weekend in which far right groups like Britain First took to the streets to protest against asylum seekers, Labour has a responsibility to challenge anti-migrant rhetoric which has further dehumanised those seeking refuge, not add to it. It must stop sacrificing our universities on the altar of its hopeless attempts to outflank Reform on immigration and start backing the sector. Only then will higher education be able to thrive, improve local economies and enhance the UK's global standing.'