Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Bill

I was waiting to contribute to the debate about students, but Members of the Committee who know far more about it than I do have already shot my fox. I do not resent that in any way because the points have been put. However, I reiterate that the effect of the Bill on students is of enormous importance not only to universities but to our reputation abroad among people who will become influential. It is most important. If the issue can be resolved by altering the whole system to an in-country decision-making one, perhaps these amendments are not relevant. But if that is not going to happen, they are very relevant. Students should be exempted from the provisions. I do not know whether Members of the Committee realise the enormity of the contribution made by overseas students throughout the country. That is particularly the case in Scotland where there have always been a large number, particularly of post-graduates. Indeed, some of our universities in Scotland are becoming dependent on the anticipation that they will increase their funding by increasing the number of such students. The cost of visas for students has been very important and that issue has been discussed in the House on a number of occasions. However, the Bill will also have a big effect because the news will get round about what happens if you are told you have got to go and you cannot appeal until you get home. Students will understand that and an increasing number of students are already going to Australia or the United States rather than this country, which is alarming universities for a number of reasons. The Bill will be wrong in a number of ways from a student’s point of view. Noble Lords have talked about the human rights issue, which matters very much when countries abroad hear about how we are dealing with it. I think figures have been given on the funding question—I am not sure whether the noble Baroness, Lady Warwick, reiterated them—but we need to remember that 11 per cent of all students in higher education pay full fees. They pay the whole cost of their course. I think I am right in saying that.