Andy Burnham has been accused of putting foreign students ahead of British students as the Conservatives launched a fierce attack on plans to reduce fees for EU citizens at UK universities. The Prime Minister's proposal, intended to pave the way for a new trade deal with the EU, is expected to cost £450 million in lost tuition fee income.
This comes as the Labour Government increases student fee repayments by £400 million for UK graduates. Conservative Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott said: "Politics is about priorities, and English students are bottom of the list for Andy Burnham."
Fee cuts and repayment rises
Mr Burnham is considering cutting fees for EU students from £38,000 to as low as £9,535, so they pay the same as UK undergraduates. The cost is estimated at £450 million annually.
At the same time, Labour has increased repayments for many English and Welsh graduates by freezing repayment thresholds for student loan schemes. The Office for Budget Responsibility says the move, which affects people on "plan 2" payment schemes, will raise an extra £400 million every year.
Trade deal context
The fee cut would be part of a deal to be agreed at a summit on November 20, which would significantly cut red tape on UK food exports to EU nations. The UK-EU deal is also expected to mean the UK stops sending foreign national prisoners to the EU, and to include a "Youth Experience" scheme allowing freedom of movement for younger people.
It was condemned as "a re-subjugation to European lawmakers" by veteran Tory MP Sir Bill Cash. He told GB News: "It really crosses the boundaries of sovereignty, and this is in fact a racket."
Economic arguments
Mr Burnham argues his trade deal could add 0.4% to the UK economy. In an interview this week, he said: "I have the opportunity to add to UK growth ... I think people in Britain would expect me to take that with both hands."
He added: "If that can get growth, if that can help our farmers, if that can remove red tape from British businesses, I think most people would expect me to go to that summit and negotiate the best deal that I can."
