Latest news with #BillKidd
The National
27-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
No levy on international students in Scotland, Home Office says
Home Office officials confirmed that a six percent tax on university students from outside the UK will not apply to Scottish higher education institutions unless the Scottish Government take action to implement them. According to reports from STV, the Home Office said: "The international student levy will not apply in Scotland unless the Scottish Government decides to introduce it.' It comes after the SNP called for the Labour Government to confirm on Monday whether or not the fees, introduced as part of Keir Starmer's proposed crackdowns on immigration, will apply to Scottish institutions. READ MORE: Winter festivals worth almost £200 million to Edinburgh, report shows MSP Bill Kidd accused Keir Starmer of 'dancing to Nigel Farage's tune' amidst the proposals and said Scottish universities had been 'left in limbo' over the suggested levy. Independent reports found that, if implemented north of the border, universities would be left with an £85 million bill as a result of the charges. The proposed tax caused confusion in higher education and Holyrood, with education being a devolved power and immigration still fully controlled by Westminster.
STV News
27-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
No levy on international students in Scottish universities, say UK ministers
A proposal to introduce a levy on international students would not be implemented in Scottish universities without the approval of ministers in Edinburgh, the UK Government has said. The SNP had earlier complained that Scottish universities were being 'left in limbo' over the proposals, saying the sector could lose up to £85 million. The UK Government has said it will explore introducing a levy on higher education provider income from international students, which would be reinvested into the university system. The proposal was included in the White Paper on immigration released by Sir Keir Starmer's Government earlier this month, which said further details would be set out in the autumn budget. The SNP had called for clarity on the issue, saying the 'damaging migration plans' were a threat to Scotland's NHS, economy and universities. Bill Kidd, SNP MSP, said: '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.' On Monday, the UK Government said the tax would not apply north of the border. A spokesman said: 'The international student levy will not apply in Scotland unless the Scottish Government decides to introduce it.' 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
STV News
26-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
Scots universities ‘left in limbo on international student levy'
Scottish universities are still 'left in limbo' over proposals for a tax on international students which could cost the sector up to £85 million, the SNP says. The party says there must be urgent clarity on whether the levy would apply in Scotland, arguing the proposals will put further financial pressure on universities on top of a £30 million bill from increased employer national insurance contributions. The UK Government has said it will explore introducing a levy on higher education provider income from international students, which would be reinvested into the university system. The proposal was included in the white paper on immigration released by Sir Keir Starmer's Government earlier this month, which said further details would be set out in the Autumn Budget. SNP MSP Bill Kidd said the Prime Minister was 'dancing to Nigel Farage's tune' on immigration. He said: '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.' Claire McPherson, director of Universities Scotland, said earlier: '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.' 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
The National
01-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Poll: Around half of SNP voters back nuclear power in energy mix
Polling for the campaign group Britain Remade found 52% of those who voted for the party in 2021 believe nuclear power should be included in Scotland's energy mix to meet the 2045 net zero target. Meanwhile, 57% of those who voted for the party in last year's general election felt the same way, the poll found. READ MORE: 'Panic' change of nuclear policy would make 'SNP as bad as Tories', MSP warns A total of 56% of Scots thought nuclear power should be part of Scotland's clean energy mix to meet the targets, while 23% disagreed, and 21% said they did not know. Opinium surveyed 1,000 Scottish adults between April 22 and 25. Britain Remade describes itself as a grassroots campaign for economic growth. Founder Sam Richards said: 'The message from our polling is clear: when it comes to safe and reliable nuclear power, the SNP is not just out of step with the majority of Scots – they're at odds with a huge number of their own supporters. 'It's time for the SNP to stop saying 'no' to new nuclear and start listening to the people, the experts, and the communities who know what's at stake. 'Investing in a new generation of nuclear power is not just critical if Scotland is to hit its 2045 net zero target – it is essential for Scotland's economy. Grangemouth could be transformed by SMR (small modular reactor) technology, but the SNP's opposition is standing in the way.' Torness nuclear reactor Scotland has one remaining active nuclear reactor, at Torness in East Lothian, which is due to shut down in 2030. Last week the deactivated Hunterston B power station was declared 'nuclear free' as all fuel elements were removed ahead of decommissioning. Despite the polling, the SNP argued nuclear power projects remain too expensive to be a viable alternative to renewable power. SNP MSP Bill Kidd said: 'Our focus is delivering a just transition that supports communities and creates long-term economic opportunities to build a truly sustainable future. 'Nuclear remains one of the most costly forms of energy with projects like Hinkley Point C running billions over budget and years behind schedule. 'In contrast, Scotland's net zero transition is already delivering thousands of green jobs across energy, construction, innovation, and engineering. This number will continue to grow. 'Simply, renewables are cheaper to produce and develop, create more jobs, and are safer than nuclear as they don't leave behind radioactive waste that will be deadly for generations. 'While Labour funnels billions into slow, centralised projects, the SNP is focused on creating real, sustainable jobs in Scotland now.' READ MORE: 'Gaza is the story': Musicians rally around Kneecap after 'kill your MP' footage Commenting on the poll, Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'The Scottish Government has a long-standing opposition to nuclear power, and that means investment, jobs and opportunities for Scottish communities will continue to head south. 'The Scottish Government should stop blocking this investment, allow those jobs to be created, and let that revenue flow into Scotland and work in partnership with the UK Government to deliver it.' Labour MSP Martin Whitfield said: 'If we don't act soon to end this ideological opposition, Scotland will lose its nuclear energy capacity entirely, damaging jobs and the economy, including East Lothian. 'A Scottish Labour Government will end the block on new nuclear, delivering zero carbon nuclear energy, kickstarting economic growth and bringing significant investment into East Lothian and the rest of Scotland.' Conservative MP John Lamont said: 'It's absolutely ridiculous for the Nationalists to ignore the majority of Scots who support the use of more nuclear power, especially since it is clean energy that doesn't harm the environment.'
