Labour urged to confirm if student tax applies to Scotland
Keir Starmer announced plans to impose a six per cent levy on funds generated for universities by international students amidst his crackdown on immigration, with reports estimating the tax hike could cost Scottish universities £85 million per year if implemented.
Scottish universities have been 'left in limbo' regarding the levy, with education being a devolved power but immigration still controlled by Westminster, and further education officials have joined the growing backlash against Labour's proposed immigration reforms.
READ MORE: SNP file formal complaint over 'race-baiting' Reform UK ad
Claire McPherson, Director of Universities Scotland, said: 'We urge the UK Government to think carefully about the impact that a levy on international student fees will have on universities, and the attractiveness of the UK as a study destination.
'We'd hope to see the UK Government defer a decision on the applicability of any levy in Scotland to the Scottish Government, reflecting the fact that university funding is devolved.'
The SNP continues calls for a Scottish Graduate Visa, which would allow international graduates from Scottish universities to work and contribute to the economy for two years whilst working towards a Skilled Worker Visa
SNP MSP Bill Kidd said: 'Last week we had the unedifying spectacle of Keir Starmer dancing to Nigel Farage's tune on immigration as he announced plans which are completely out of sync with Scotland's needs and values.
'Labour's damaging migration plans are a direct threat to Scotland's NHS, our economy and our universities.
'The UK Labour Government has already slapped our universities with a £30 million bill with their reckless decision to hike employer National Insurance contributions.
'Our universities have now been left in limbo not knowing if they are faced with a further bill of £85 million directly due to Labour's political choices, whilst they also face the prospect of finding it harder to attract international students.
'Keir Starmer must urgently provide clarity on whether this proposed tax on international students will apply in Scotland, whether he will look again at introducing a Scottish Graduate Visa, and whether he will listen to experts from across various sectors and ditch his damaging anti-immigration agenda.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
STV News
an hour ago
- STV News
Swinney tried to ‘push people into arms of Reform', claims Sarwar
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has accused First Minister John Swinney of 'attempting to push people into the arms of Reform', following the Hamilton by-election. During a heated exchange with journalist Martin Geissler on BBC Scotland's Sunday Show, Sarwar branded questions put to him as 'embarrassing' and suggested Geissler was asking about a 'fantasy world'. Sarwar repeatedly described the SNP campaign – which urged voters they could only stop Reform by voting SNP – in the run-up to last week's poll as 'dishonest and disgraceful'. Labour's Davy Russell gained the seat from the SNP with 8,559 votes, while SNP candidate Katy Loudon came second on 7,957, ahead of Reform's Ross Lambie on 7,088. Before the vote, Swinney had claimed 'Labour are not at the races' and he described it as a 'two-horse race' between the SNP and Reform. Speaking on Sunday, Sarwar said: 'The best John Swinney had to offer after 18 years was 'vote SNP to stop Farage' – a dishonest, shameful campaign.' He said it showed a 'lack of ambition' from a Government 'running down the clock', and he claimed commentators had been 'embarrassed' by the result. Sarwar added: 'Frankly, your questions are embarrassing too, Martin.' The broadcaster responded: 'I think you should be slightly embarrassed.' PA Media Prior to the vote, John Swinney had claimed only SNP candidate Katy Loudon could stop Reform (PA). Sarwar said he had spoken to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Friday following the victory, and the Scottish leader said he wants to see the two-child benefit cap removed 'as fast as possible'. He told the BBC that Labour aims to 'improve growth' and bring mortgage rates and energy bills down to alleviate the cost-of-living crisis. He added: 'Maybe you don't have a mortgage Martin, but people do have mortgages across the country. 'There have been four interest rates cuts because of economic stability and those four interest rates cuts have meant that the average mortgage is down by over £1,000. 'We've started to see energy bills come down, but those need to come down much quicker, because people feel a real pressure in the cost-of-living crisis.' He said voters had 'utterly rejected the SNP and Reform and sent a message to John Swinney that he ran a dishonest and disgraceful campaign that attempted to push people into the arms of Reform rather than confront the issues he has caused in people's communities'. He added: 'That's why, ultimately, people want them removed from office.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
Popular discount store announces another shop closure
Eleven branches of the Original Factory Shop will shut in the coming weeks after the discount chain announced further closures. The group's store in Middlewich, Cheshire, will close its doors for good on Saturday, June 28. It's the latest location earmarked for closure by the group, which had already announced the shuttering of 10 stores over the next month, including branches in Dorset, Aberdeenshire and Cumbria. This is in addition to five further shops, which will be put up for sale. Residents reacted to the blow to their local high street, saying they would miss the discount store. One wrote: 'What a shame. So sorry for the staff.' 'Another blow for Middlewich… sad news. Staff always friendly and the store was good to shop in…', another commented. A third said: 'There is going to be nothing left in Middlewich everything is closing down.' The Original Factory Shop was purchased by Hobbycraft owner Modella in February. Modella also recently acquired WH Smith's High Street stores, which will be rebranded to TG Jones. The group announced its intention to place TOFS into a company voluntary arrangement or CVA – a scheme used to avoid insolvency and prevent the business from collapsing. As part of the process 'a number of loss-making stores will have to close,' the company said. The latest closures follow over a dozen shops already shuttered in the past year, the Sun reported. More Trending Over 13,000 shops closed their doors permanently last year, amid squeezes on business, including the increase to employers' National Insurance contributions. A total of 11 stores are now due to close over the coming weeks Milford Haven, Pembrokeshire – June 26 Arbroath, Angus – June 28 Chester Le Street, County Durham – June 28 Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire – June 28 Middlewich -June 28 Normanton, West Yorkshire – June 28 Pershore, Worcestershire – June 28 Perth – June 28 Peterhead, Aberdeenshire – June 28 Shaftesbury, Dorset – June 28 Staveley, Cumbria – July 12 The following five stores are set to be sold: Nairn Market Drayton Troon Blairgowrie Castle Douglas Other high street names including Iceland and Poundland have announced store closures, with hundreds of locations facing an uncertain future. Most recently, fashion giant River Island announced it had called in consultants to discuss how to keep stores open through tough trading conditions. The brand has had a high street presence for more than 75 years, having previously named Lewis and then Chelsea Girl before being renamed to its current iteration in 1988. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: The best-selling bra top range from Uniqlo has expanded ahead of summer MORE: Supriya Lele x Mango collection has landed and here's everything we're buying MORE: These are the must-have straw and raffia bags to see you through summer
The National
an hour ago
- The National
SNP candidate calls out Tory rival for being in 'lockstep with failed ideology'
John Redpath, the party's candidate for the Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire constituency hit out at incumbent MSP Rachael Hamilton for failing to deliver for the local community as he officially launched his campaign for Holyrood 2026 over the weekend. A founding member of Yes Berwickshire, Redpath launched his campaign with an event at Gordon Village Hall, the village where he grew up. We told how he was confirmed as the SNP candidate in April. SNP members, supporters and local residents took part in the event, where Redpath pledged to fight for more investment in rural infrastructure. READ MORE: Scottish independence 'already begun as UK political culture diverges' Redpath will contest the seat against the Tory deputy leader, who he accused of taking part in 'plenty of photo ops' without delivering for local residents. Speaking at the launch, Redpath said: "I believe this constituency deserves more than just timid and inactive representation. It deserves ambition. It deserves action. 'It deserves a voice in Parliament that will fight for your interests. 'For too long, rural communities like ours have been ignored or taken for granted by politicians who stoke division in Parliament but say little of substance here at home. 'Farmers have been hit hard by the fallout from Brexit - a decision Scotland overwhelmingly opposed. (Image: SNP) 'Fishing communities, local businesses, and our NHS have all faced the ripple effects of decisions made in London, not in Holyrood - and certainly not in the Borders. 'And what has Rachael Hamilton done about it? Plenty of photo ops. Plenty of party line speeches. 'But when it comes to delivering real change - she's marched in lockstep with a failed right-wing ideology that has delivered nothing for the Borders. I'm standing for a different kind of politics - one that is rooted in Scottish values, Scottish democracy, and Scottish priorities.' Hamilton was appointed deputy leader of the Scottish Tories by Russell Findlay in September 2024, after he won the contest to replace Douglas Ross. The Scottish Borders MSP has been in a number of rows during her time in the Scottish Parliament. In 2022, Hamilton prompted a furious response after she suggested that families who are forced to turn to food banks are 'less well-educated' when it comes to cooking and preparing meals. In January 2023, she raised eyebrows after she suggested Scotland's parliament only had the right to pass legislation if it was 'good law' during a discussion on the UK Government blocking Scotland's gender reforms from becoming law. We also told how she repeatedly failed to declare an interest in blood sports while attempting to water down hunting legislation. In response to Redpath's comments, Hamilton said: 'As MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh & Berwickshire, my priority has always been to champion the issues close to the hearts of my constituents. 'I know how important to Scotland rural communities are, unlike the out of touch SNP who have neglected the genuine concerns of rural Scotland over the last 18 years. READ MORE: Furious Anas Sarwar clashes with BBC journalist over Labour policies 'I'm focused on the issues that really matter to people living in this constituency rather than the fringe obsessions of the cosy left-wing consensus at Holyrood.' Redpath also warned of the 'clear and present threat' of Nigel Farage's Reform UK, who came third in the recent Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election, won by Labour, where the SNP came second. He argued that Westminster failings had opened the door to Farage's 'dangerous' ideology. At the event, Redpath was surprised by a £500 kickstarter donation from Scottish Borders SNP Councillors, announced by SNP group leader Councillor Elaine Thornton-Nicol.
