Statement on Erasmus+

Joint Statement on Erasmus+ from SNP Students, Scottish Young Liberals, Scottish Young Greens, and Scottish Labour Students

As organisations representing students and young people in Scotland, we condemn the callous decision by the Tory Government to remove Scotland, and Great Britain as a whole from the Erasmus+ scheme. Participation in Erasmus meant that young people, regardless of their background, could study, volunteer, or work across the European Union.

The removal of Scotland, England, and Wales from Erasmus+ breaks Boris Johnson's own promise that there was “no threat to the Erasmus scheme” from his Brexit plans. Such a move erodes future opportunities for young people, and constitutes a betrayal of students and academic institutions across Scotland, and the rest of the UK. Northern Irish students will continue to enjoy full participation in the

Erasmus+ scheme due to funding from the Irish Government. It is clear that without action, Scotland’s young people will face a restriction of our future prospects, due to a Brexit that was rejected by young people across the four nations within the United Kingdom, and by 62% of Scots, in each one of Scotland's local authorities.

We call on the Scottish Government, and the UK Government to work collaboratively with other devolved nations and interested parties, to ensure continued Scottish, and UK participation in the Erasmus+ scheme. It is estimated that the Erasmus+ scheme generates £7 for every £1 invested in the programme, for university towns and cities across Scotland. Keeping Scotland, and the rest of the UK in Erasmus+ would ensure we continue to feel the economic and social benefits of Erasmus+, and enable our young people to participate in a world beyond Brexit Britain.

It is vital we stand up for our young people, and the generations yet to come.