Latest news with #Gethins
The Courier
3 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
EXCLUSIVE: Dundee snubbed by home secretary as immigration changes hit university
An invitation to see the impact of tighter immigration rules on Dundee University has been rejected by home secretary Yvette Cooper. Arbroath and Broughty Ferry MP Stephen Gethins had invited Ms Cooper to the city after the UK Government announced a series of proposed changes to immigration rules. This includes further restrictions on fee-paying international students – seen as critical to the survival of universities – that many fear will lead to a further reduction in recruiting. Dundee University's financial crisis was prompted by a sudden reduction in foreign students. The institution's coffers faced a multi-millon hit last year due to a significant fall in international recruitment. Mr Gethins says he wanted to bring the home secretary to the City of Discovery to see 'first hand' the damage of the UK Government's so-called hostile environment. But the invite was snubbed by Ms Cooper and migration minister Seema Malhotra. The Courier also requested an interview with UK Scottish Secretary Ian Murray on the topic, but this was declined. In a written response to SNP MP Stephen Gethins, the minister said: 'This government continues to welcome and value the contribution that is made to our society, our economy and our higher education institutions by those overseas students who want to come to the UK. 'Our country has some of the best universities in the world, and we want the best minds in every country to aspire to complete their educations here. 'However, immigration must be properly controlled and managed, so that the system is fair and works for the UK.' Mr Gethins says he is disappointed his offer was not accepted. He told The Courier: 'The challenges that Dundee University is facing are driven by Westminster policies such as Brexit and the hostile environment with the Scottish Government expected to pick up the pieces. 'I wanted the home secretary to come to Dundee and see first hand not just the damage of those policies but see first hand an international university that benefits us all through the excellence of its research and teaching. 'That is something we should all get behind.' Mr Gethins has also sought clarity on whether the Scottish Government's budget could be penalised as a result of the new levy being placed on international student income at universities in England and Wales. While ministers say the policy won't be forced on Scotland, where education is devolved, Mr Gethins fears the block grant for the Scottish Parliament could be reduced as a result.
Scotsman
7 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Strategic Defence Review: SNP MP urges UK to ‘rethink priorities' and look to Europe
Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... An SNP MP has claimed the UK must 'rethink its defence priorities', as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to publish the critical Strategic Defence Review. The party's Europe spokesman Stephen Gethins urged UK ministers to seek closer ties with Europe, insisting a defence strategy was more than just 'hardware'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Speaking exclusively to The Scotsman, Mr Gethins pointed to the Nordic approach to the threat from Russia as an example for the UK to follow. He said: 'I think the UK needs to rethink its defence priorities. I am not sure everybody gets just how significant the challenge is for Europe and for democracies at the moment with the withdrawal of the United States, and the US being a less reliable security partner. HMS Queen Elizabeth leaving Rosyth in Fife, Scotland, and sailing under the Forth bridge. 'It challenges a lot of the assumptions that have been made in the MoD [Ministry of Defence] for a few years, assumptions they should have been challenging themselves. 'We are years into the war in Ukraine. We are now in the second Trump presidency, the challenges we are facing should not have come as a surprise to anybody.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The strategic defence review is an overarching examination of the UK's defence capability and will be published on Monday. SNP MP Stephen Gethins Sir Keir Starmer had previously said he would set a date for when spending 2.5 per cent of Britain's GDP on defence had to be achieved after the defence review had been completed. Mr Gethins, the MP for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry, claimed the key areas to be looking at were closer collaboration with other countries in Europe. He said: 'The Nordics for example, they have much closer collaboration and are taking the threat from Russia more seriously. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There are some really good illustrations there. It's also about thinking more about defence not simply as military hardware, but also in terms of energy security, food and drink security, and disinformation. We need a much more well rounded approach to security'. The UK government has already confirmed a new 'Cyber and Electromagnetic Command' to address cyber security. Ministers will also invest more than £1 billion into a new 'digital targeting web' to be set up by 2027 to better connect weapons systems and allow battlefield decisions targeting enemy threats to be made and executed faster. Mr Gethins praised the approach to cyber security, but said failing to work with Europe was undermining the goal. He said: 'I think cyber is an area they are increasingly taking seriously, but it is an area where Brexit damages our security. If you look at most other countries, they see membership of the EU and Nato as being the twin pillars of their security. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Europe is a way to invest heavily in its arms infrastructure, and actually that is another reason why the UK needs to be closer to its European partners. It makes sense for the UK, or an independent Scotland, to be more integrated in that European defence structure. 'Labour are still wedded to Tory policies and assumptions around a relationship with the rest of Europe and that has to end.' It comes as the UK government announced an upgrade for Scottish military homes, with 3,000 to be improved as part of an overall £7 billion funding during this Parliament. The review will cover all aspects of defence, including the UK's international partnerships and alliances, and how these can be strengthened.
STV News
19-05-2025
- Business
- STV News
EU return should have been ‘top of the agenda' for summit, says SNP
The UK returning to the European Union should have been 'at the very top of the agenda' for Monday's summit, the SNP has said. Sir Keir Starmer will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa in London, where he is expected to announce a major deal with the bloc. The agreement is expected to allow the UK access to a £125 billion EU defence fund, while reports suggest there could also be the creation of a youth mobility scheme and the cutting of red tape on food crossing the Channel. PA Media The Prime Minister will host European leaders on Monday (Leon Neal/PA). But despite the potential agreement, the SNP has claimed no deal would be better than returning to the bloc, almost a decade after the UK voted to leave. The party's Europe spokesman Stephen Gethins said: 'Returning to the EU and returning to the single market and customs union should have been at the very top of the agenda at this EU-UK summit. 'After almost a decade of damage and decline in broken Brexit Britain – there are no ifs, buts or maybes about this – there will never be a better deal than being back in the EU. 'It is the biggest and the best growth strategy available and yet it is the only option the Labour Party have turned their face against – all because they are running scared of Nigel Farage.' The Government told Gethins through a series of questions in Parliament that no analysis had been done of the potential impact of returning to the bloc. Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray wrote in response: 'The OBR has estimated that productivity will be 4% lower in the long run than it would have been had the UK not withdrawn from the EU, and that imports and exports will eventually both be 15% lower than had we stayed in the EU. As of the Spring Budget 2025, these assumptions are unchanged from its previous assessment. 'The OBR estimated in their March 2021 economic and fiscal outlook that two-fifths of this impact on productivity had already materialised before the trade and co-operation agreement came into force in January 2021.' Gethins added: 'In advance of this summit, by deliberately failing to even commission an official forecast, analysis or impact assessment on a return to the single market and customs union – the Labour Party is deliberately trying to cover up the benefits of EU membership. 'The UK Labour Government will sit back and allow the OBR to outline the negative costs, but they aren't prepared to publish the positive benefits of finally reversing the madness of Brexit. 'It's clear that Labour would rather keep their heads in the sand and try to hoodwink the public with a minimalist deal with our European neighbours. 'Once upon a time Keir Starmer used to argue for EU membership, he used to argue for its economic benefits, he used to argue for the benefits of European freedom of movement – now his government won't even publish an objective analysis on the benefits of returning to the European institutions he once argued for.' Meanwhile, the Scottish Tories urged the Government not to move on access to Scottish waters for European fishing vessels. The party's fishing spokesman Tim Eagle said: 'The upcoming UK-EU summit must not be the Starmer surrender summit. 'Keir Starmer has the chance to protect the industry rather than selling out fishermen by using them as a bargaining chip to get a deal over the line. 'Since leaving the EU and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), not only have we seen catches and landings increase but Scotland has had a far stronger voice in annual quota negotiations since the UK became an independent coastal state. 'The SNP would gladly sacrifice that by re-joining the CFP and the sector is rightly concerned that Labour will follow them by surrendering access to UK waters on Monday. 'Rather than sacrificing the future of Scotland's fishermen, Keir Starmer must safeguard our waters by ensuring the industry has a voice at the summit.' The UK Government has been contacted for comment. 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
South Wales Guardian
19-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
EU return should have been ‘top of the agenda' for summit, says SNP
Sir Keir Starmer will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa in London, where he is expected to announce a major deal with the bloc. The agreement is expected to allow the UK access to a £125 billion EU defence fund, while reports suggest there could also be the creation of a youth mobility scheme and the cutting of red tape on food crossing the Channel. But despite the potential agreement, the SNP has claimed no deal would be better than returning to the bloc, almost a decade after the UK voted to leave. The party's Europe spokesman Stephen Gethins said: 'Returning to the EU and returning to the single market and customs union should have been at the very top of the agenda at this EU-UK summit. 'After almost a decade of damage and decline in broken Brexit Britain – there are no ifs, buts or maybes about this – there will never be a better deal than being back in the EU. 'It is the biggest and the best growth strategy available and yet it is the only option the Labour Party have turned their face against – all because they are running scared of Nigel Farage.' The Government told Mr Gethins through a series of questions in Parliament that no analysis had been done of the potential impact of returning to the bloc. Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray wrote in response: 'The OBR has estimated that productivity will be 4% lower in the long run than it would have been had the UK not withdrawn from the EU, and that imports and exports will eventually both be 15% lower than had we stayed in the EU. As of the Spring Budget 2025, these assumptions are unchanged from its previous assessment. 'The OBR estimated in their March 2021 economic and fiscal outlook that two-fifths of this impact on productivity had already materialised before the trade and co-operation agreement came into force in January 2021.' Mr Gethins added: 'In advance of this summit, by deliberately failing to even commission an official forecast, analysis or impact assessment on a return to the single market and customs union – the Labour Party is deliberately trying to cover up the benefits of EU membership. 'The UK Labour Government will sit back and allow the OBR to outline the negative costs, but they aren't prepared to publish the positive benefits of finally reversing the madness of Brexit. 'It's clear that Labour would rather keep their heads in the sand and try to hoodwink the public with a minimalist deal with our European neighbours. 'Once upon a time Keir Starmer used to argue for EU membership, he used to argue for its economic benefits, he used to argue for the benefits of European freedom of movement – now his government won't even publish an objective analysis on the benefits of returning to the European institutions he once argued for.' Meanwhile, the Scottish Tories urged the Government not to move on access to Scottish waters for European fishing vessels. The party's fishing spokesman Tim Eagle said: 'The upcoming UK-EU summit must not be the Starmer surrender summit. 'Keir Starmer has the chance to protect the industry rather than selling out fishermen by using them as a bargaining chip to get a deal over the line. 'Since leaving the EU and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), not only have we seen catches and landings increase but Scotland has had a far stronger voice in annual quota negotiations since the UK became an independent coastal state. 'The SNP would gladly sacrifice that by re-joining the CFP and the sector is rightly concerned that Labour will follow them by surrendering access to UK waters on Monday. 'Rather than sacrificing the future of Scotland's fishermen, Keir Starmer must safeguard our waters by ensuring the industry has a voice at the summit.' The UK Government has been contacted for comment.
The National
19-05-2025
- Business
- The National
UK returning to EU should have been 'top of the agenda for summit'
Keir Starmer will meet European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa in London, where he is expected to announce a major deal with the bloc. The agreement is expected to allow the UK access to a £125 billion EU defence fund, while reports suggest there could also be the creation of a youth mobility scheme and the cutting of red tape on food crossing the Channel. But despite the potential agreement, the SNP has said no deal would be better than returning to the bloc, almost a decade after the UK voted to leave. READ MORE: Second independence referendum could go ahead if 'overwhelming support' The party's Europe spokesman Stephen Gethins said: 'Returning to the EU and returning to the single market and customs union should have been at the very top of the agenda at this EU-UK summit. 'After almost a decade of damage and decline in broken Brexit Britain – there are no ifs, buts or maybes about this – there will never be a better deal than being back in the EU. 'It is the biggest and the best growth strategy available and yet it is the only option the Labour Party have turned their face against – all because they are running scared of Nigel Farage.' The UK Government told Gethins, through a series of questions in Parliament, that no analysis had been done of the potential impact of returning to the bloc. (Image: NQ) Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray wrote in response: 'The OBR has estimated that productivity will be 4% lower in the long run than it would have been had the UK not withdrawn from the EU, and that imports and exports will eventually both be 15% lower than had we stayed in the EU. As of the Spring Budget 2025, these assumptions are unchanged from its previous assessment. 'The OBR estimated in their March 2021 economic and fiscal outlook that two-fifths of this impact on productivity had already materialised before the trade and co-operation agreement came into force in January 2021.' Gethins added: 'In advance of this summit, by deliberately failing to even commission an official forecast, analysis or impact assessment on a return to the single market and customs union – the Labour Party is deliberately trying to cover up the benefits of EU membership. 'The UK Labour Government will sit back and allow the OBR to outline the negative costs, but they aren't prepared to publish the positive benefits of finally reversing the madness of Brexit. 'It's clear that Labour would rather keep their heads in the sand and try to hoodwink the public with a minimalist deal with our European neighbours. 'Once upon a time Keir Starmer used to argue for EU membership, he used to argue for its economic benefits, he used to argue for the benefits of European freedom of movement – now his government won't even publish an objective analysis on the benefits of returning to the European institutions he once argued for.' Meanwhile, the Scottish Tories urged the UK Government not to move on access to Scottish waters for European fishing vessels. The party's fishing spokesman Tim Eagle said: 'The upcoming UK-EU summit must not be the Starmer surrender summit. READ MORE: Inside the extreme far-right plot to infiltrate Reform UK 'Keir Starmer has the chance to protect the industry rather than selling out fishermen by using them as a bargaining chip to get a deal over the line. 'Since leaving the EU and the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), not only have we seen catches and landings increase but Scotland has had a far stronger voice in annual quota negotiations since the UK became an independent coastal state. 'The SNP would gladly sacrifice that by re-joining the CFP and the sector is rightly concerned that Labour will follow them by surrendering access to UK waters on Monday. 'Rather than sacrificing the future of Scotland's fishermen, Keir Starmer must safeguard our waters by ensuring the industry has a voice at the summit.' The UK Government has been contacted for comment.
