BEYOND FINANCIAL COSTS
The government argues that deeper cooperation with the EU is in Britain’s national interest.
But the proposals have drawn criticism from some Eurosceptic lawmakers – particularly over the only major non-trade measure under discussion: rejoining the Erasmus+ exchange programme.
Erasmus+ enables students and other learners from participating countries to study, train or undertake placements abroad.
The UK withdrew from the programme following Brexit and launched the Turing Scheme as its replacement in 2021.
Unlike Erasmus+, which is primarily focused on European mobility, the Turing Scheme supports placements around the world.
Critics argue that rejoining Erasmus+ – which is expected to cost the UK around £570 million (US$760 million) in the 2027/28 academic year – would be significantly more expensive than the Turing Scheme and represents an unnecessary concession to Brussels.
Supporters, however, say the benefits go far beyond the financial costs.
Jude Waites, regional coordinator of the Erasmus Student Network, said: “Erasmus+ and the idea of EU students coming to study in UK universities has been proven to provide massive economic benefits (and) also benefits to home students in the UK who, whilst they might not choose to study abroad, are able to experience a diverse range of different views.”
