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Students could be left out of immigration figures, ministers hint Students could be left out of immigration figures, ministers hint
(about 2 hours later)
Downing Street has left the door open to removing foreign students from net migration figures, after the chancellor hinted he thought they should not be counted. Theresa May has dismissed the suggestion that foreign students should not be counted as migrants, after the chancellor, Philip Hammond, suggested that such a move could be in line with public opinion.
Theresa May’s deputy official spokesman said the issue of students was being looked at as part of the general review of the immigration system after the vote to leave the European Union. Downing Street said it was not looking at whether to remove foreign students from official migration figures, despite earlier appearing to say this would be part of an overall review of the system.
The prime minister has long stuck to the position that foreign students should be included in the figures showing overall net migration numbers, fighting off an attempt to take them out of the numbers under the last government. It comes after reports of distance between No 10 and No 11 on a number of issues, from the approach to Brexit to May’s comments about monetary policy in the most recent Queen’s speech.
However, there is now a live debate about the issue in the cabinet, with the chancellor, Philip Hammond, suggesting that the public did not view foreign students temporarily at UK institutions as migrants. On Wednesday, Hammond told the Treasury select committee there were “conversations within government about the most appropriate way to record and address net migration”.
The home secretary, Amber Rudd, is also thought to be keen for them to be excluded from migration statistics, although she announced plans in her Conservative party conference speech to restrict student visas. “As we approach the challenge of getting net migration figures down, it is in my view essential that we look at how we do this in a way that protects the vital interests of our economy,” he said.
On Thursday, May’s deputy spokesman said: “As we have said many times before, what happens in terms of the migration system that will be established as we leave the EU is a matter that will be very closely scrutinised and looked at in great detail by the government and within the government. “It is true that student visas have been abused in the past. The previous home secretary did sterling work tightening up on bogus educational institutions.”
“I think what the chancellor said yesterday was making the point that the result of the referendum was very clear that people want more control over the migration system. The cabinet is united in its attempt to tackle the issue of migration.” When asked if students should be counted among immigrant numbers, he said: “My view is, this is a question of public perception and the public’s view. Clearly, immigration and the level of net migration is an issue of concern.
He declined two opportunities to restate May’s commitment to including students in the figures.
Pressed on whether her view had changed, the spokesman said: “The issue of migration and who enters the country under what terms is very much subject to review as we go through the process of exiting the EU.”
On Wednesday, Hammond told the Treasury select committee: “We are having conversations within government about the most appropriate way to record and address net migration.
“As we approach the challenge of getting net migration figures down, it is in my view essential that we look at how we do this in a way that protects the vital interests of our economy. It is true that student visas have been abused in the past. The previous home secretary did sterling work tightening up on bogus educational institutions.”
When asked if students should still be counted among immigrant numbers, he said: “My view is, this is a question of public perception and the public’s view. Clearly, immigration and the level of net migration is an issue of concern.
“The question we should be asking is, ‘What does the public understand should be included within that definition?’. It’s not whether politicians think one thing or another, it’s whether the public believe it.”“The question we should be asking is, ‘What does the public understand should be included within that definition?’. It’s not whether politicians think one thing or another, it’s whether the public believe it.”
Andrew Tyrie, the chair of the committee, highlighted research showing only a fifth of people thought students counted as immigrants and that 59% were opposed to efforts to reduce their number, prompting Hammond to respond: “I think that’s very interesting information.” Andrew Tyrie, the chair of the committee, highlighted research showing that one-fifth of people thought students counted as immigrants and 59% were opposed to efforts to reduce their numbers, prompting Hammond to respond: “I think that’s very interesting information.”
However, a No10 spokesman said on Thursday: “The government objective is to reduce annual net migration to the tens of thousands, and in order to deliver this we are keeping all visa routes under review.
“Our position on who is included in the figures has not changed and we are categorically not reviewing whether or not students are included.”
Asked whether May had changed her mind, her deputy official spokesman said: “The issue of migration, migrant numbers, who enters the country and under what terms, is very much subject for review as we go through the process of exiting the European Union.”
The prime minister has long stuck to the position that foreign students should be included in the figures showing overall net migration numbers, fighting off an attempt to take them out under the previous Conservative government.