Angela Crawley MP is calling on the UK Government to commit to protecting the Erasmus scheme following Brexit.

Erasmus is a European Union student exchange established in 1987 by former Hamilton MP Winnie Ewing, and in recent years over 1,400 students from Scottish universities have been supported by it.

The programme gives students funding to live in another European Country for one year, with the intention of broadening horizons and expanding their education.

Commenting, Angela said:

“The Erasmus scheme allows Scottish students to experience other European cultures, and gives Scotland the opportunity to host students of other nations.

“From its beginning the scheme has grown to become a significant part of student life, with thousands of Scottish students taking the opportunity to study abroad.

“We also see hundreds of students coming to Scotland as part of the scheme and like other educational institutions, South Lanarkshire College and UWS reap the benefits.

“It was former Hamilton MP and Scotland MEP Winnie Ewing who chaired the European Parliament’s Education and Culture Committee when Erasmus was established.

“The Brexit vote has put the continued participation of the UK in the programme under threat. Our students benefit massively from the opportunity, giving them the chance to experience new cultures and ways of learning, whilst becoming more open to different ways of life.

“That exchange of culture is hugely important in building strong relationships across borders with our European neighbours.

“The UK Government needs to make it clear that the Erasmus programme will be protected – that way our universities and our students can continue to benefit from the scheme.”