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Arab News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
UK students could face jail over support for banned Palestine Action
LONDON: University students in the UK face jail if they support the group Palestine Action, the former government advisor on political violence and disruption has warned. Lord Walney, who wrote a report in 2024 advising that the organization be proscribed, said vice-chancellors should let students know the penalties that could be incurred by promoting the group's policies, displaying its symbols or voicing support for it. Palestine Action was declared a terrorist organization earlier this month after activists filmed themselves breaking into a Royal Air Force base in England. On Monday, 29 people were arrested for supporting it at a protest in Westminster, with some holding placards stating: 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.' Penalties for membership of, or eliciting support for, proscribed groups in the UK include a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison. Protests in support of the Palestinian cause and against Israel's war in Gaza have been frequent features across numerous university campuses in the UK since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023. In a letter to Vivienne Stern, CEO of Universities UK — a body representing 142 higher education establishments — Walney claimed there was a 'clear danger that individuals may be unwittingly lured into expressing support for an entity whose methods are not only criminal, but now formally recognised as terrorism,' and 'Universities UK has an important role to play in protecting both freedom of expression and student welfare within the bounds of the law.' He added: 'Palestine Action's deliberate strategy has long involved drawing students into criminal activity under the guise of legitimate protest, preying on the understandable sympathy for Palestinians felt by large numbers of young people to find recruits. 'With its formal proscription, the legal threshold has shifted: expressions of support, including wearing insignia, arranging meetings, or promoting the group's activities — whether knowingly or through naivety — now risk serious sanction with students at risk of acquiring a criminal record for a terror offence. 'This risk clearly exists whatever any individual may think of the government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action. 'My view is that the group's systematic campaign of sabotage justifies proscription, given the fact that property damage is included in the legal definition of terrorism.' UUK told The Times that it had 'written to our member vice-chancellors to alert them to the fact that Palestine Action has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000, effective from Saturday July 5, and to their obligation to ensure that staff and students are aware of this.'
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UK higher education feels the pinch of funding crunch, over 50 universities drop in QS world rankings
A significant number of UK universities have experienced a decline in the latest QS World University Rankings, primarily due to funding concerns. While a few institutions maintained top positions, a majority witnessed a drop, raising alarms about the impact of inadequate investment and policy changes on the quality of UK higher education. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Also Read: IIT Delhi leads among 54 other Indian institutions in QS World University Rankings 2026 Also Read: Harvard wins again as judge blocks Trump ban on international students Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Over 50 UK universities have dropped in the latest QS World University Rankings , with funding concerns emerging as a key factor behind the the 2026 edition of the global rankings, 54 UK universities saw a fall in position. While four institutions made it to the top ten, including Imperial College London , which retained its No. 2 spot globally, 61% of UK universities saw their rankings decline. Oxford dropped to fourth, and Cambridge slipped to sixth. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States remained at the College London held on to its ninth-place position. Meanwhile, the Universities of Sheffield and Nottingham re-entered the global top 100 at ranks 92 and 97, respectively. Universities UK (UUK), representing 141 institutions, pointed to inadequate investment as a growing concern. As per a report by The Times, Vivienne Stern, chief executive of UUK, said, 'This decline isn't inevitable. Universities are already working extensively to transform their work in the face of funding pressures and, with a commitment from the government to a long-term and lasting funding settlement, this slight downturn can be reversed.'Jessica Turner, CEO of QS, said government policy could impact the quality of UK higher education. 'The UK government is seeking to slash capital funding in a higher education system that has already sustained financial pressure,' she noted, adding that policies such as shortening the post-study visa route and introducing a levy on international students may hurt the country's education added that while other countries are increasing investment in their universities, the UK risks falling the overall dip, 24 UK universities improved their rankings, and 11 maintained their positions. However, nearly 100 institutions are believed to be undergoing restructuring, with several cutting staff and courses. At least ten are reportedly at risk of insolvency.
The Guardian
07-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Ministers accused of being ‘asleep at the wheel' over UK's soft power around the world
Ministers have been accused of being 'asleep at the wheel' over threats to the UK's soft power around the world, as some of their own advisers warned a funding crisis is undermining key institutions promoting British influence. Members of the government's new soft power council, set up by ministers earlier this year, warned the BBC World Service, the British Council and universities – regarded as the bodies at the forefront of the UK's soft power efforts – all face major financial pressures. There are concerns that the institutions could suffer further in next week's spending review, despite ministers facing calls to 'step up' their soft power efforts. It comes with Donald Trump defunding soft power institutions backed by the US, just as Russia and China spend billions to increase their influence and bring countries into their orbit. Vivienne Stern, the chief executive of Universities UK, who sits on the council, warned that when compared with China's soft power efforts 'through investment and things like scholarships, media, music and cultural efforts, you just think, we're asleep at the wheel'. 'We've got this position which we have inherited, which we believe to be our divine right – it's not,' she said. 'You have to work to maintain it. I've benefited from having the British Council's support around the world as the university sector tries to extend its links. Yet we're knocking lumps out of it. We need to wake up.' Tristram Hunt, the director of the Victoria and Albert Museum and another council member, warned the British Council, which boosts Britain's cultural and educational relations overseas, was facing an 'existential crisis' exacerbated by a £200m Covid-era government loan. 'It is crippling its ability to promote UK soft power around the world,' he said. 'Similarly, cuts to the [BBC] World Service, at a time when Russia and China and other actors unfavourable to the west are increasing their interventions and energies, also seems self-defeating.' Gen Sir Nick Carter, the former chief of the defence staff, warned the US under Trump was 'vaporising its soft power' and creating 'greater opportunities for our autocratic rivals to take on the space that formerly we filled with ease'. He added: 'Those of us who still believe in this should be leaning in even harder.' Despite the concerns, there are fears that soft power institutions could suffer in next week's spending review, which sets out public spending until the end of the decade. Both the Foreign Office and the culture department are unprotected, meaning they could have their budgets raided to make savings. The Guardian has already revealed that the Foreign Office has asked the World Service to draw up plans for either flat or reduced public funding. Sources said the demands would prove 'disastrous', coming as Trump attempts to remove funding from US institutions tackling disinformation, such as the Voice of America and Radio Free Asia. The chief executive of the British Council, Scott McDonald, has warned it is at risk of disappearing in two years. The institution has faced a collapse in revenues and must repay its government loan. Whitehall sources said the loan was given on commercial terms and ministers had a 'duty to the taxpayer' to recoup it. Meanwhile, ministers are being warned that almost three in four English universities are expected to be in the red in 2025-26, hit by increased national insurance payments and significantly diminished tuition fee income. While fees will increase with inflation in September, it comes after a long freeze that has meant their value decreased in real terms. UK universities are seen as a driver of soft power. Recent research suggests they educated more national leaders than any other country in the world. However, Stern and Sir Peter Bazalgette, the chancellor of the University of the West of England and former ITV chair, warned the government's immigration plans would restrict overseas students. Sign up to First Edition Our morning email breaks down the key stories of the day, telling you what's happening and why it matters after newsletter promotion Members of the government's soft power council welcomed the creation of the body, which is designed to promote better coordination of Britain's efforts. They also acknowledged the tough economic choices faced by the chancellor, Rachel Reeves. However, several called for ministers to prioritise soft power. Bazalgette, another council member, said the 'absolute gold-plated priority is the BBC World Service' in terms of maintaining soft power. He said it was 'the jewel in our crown', alongside the British Council and universities. 'I'm hoping that we don't diminish the World Service any further, and that we find ways … of actually funding it further. 'There's no point in pretending these [funding] tensions aren't there. We have to have some sympathy for the government. All we can do is make the very best argument.' Lord Neil Mendoza, the provost of Oriel College, Oxford and chair of Historic England, said Britain has an 'incredible opportunity' amid the US retreat from the world stage. 'Although we have a very difficult financial situation, which will impinge on budgets, there's now a soft power void,' he said. 'It's a good moment for people to make these arguments.' Dr Sara Pantuliano, the chief executive of the thinktank ODI Global, said: 'I'm hoping that we will continue to make soft power central to decisions related to spending as well, although we know the mantra is that we don't have enough money overall as a country, so there are difficult choices.' A government spokesperson said the UK's sport, arts, culture and education sectors were 'world-class' and it was 'totally committed to doing all we can to further their reach, as well as promoting the English language overseas'. 'While we wouldn't get ahead of the spending review, our track record on this is clear,' they said. 'Despite the tough fiscal situation, we continue to back the British Council, with over £160m in 2025-26 alone, and are providing the BBC World Service with a large uplift of over £32m, taking our total funding to £137m. 'The foreign secretary also launched the UK soft power council in January, alongside culture secretary Lisa Nandy, to further strengthen our support for British soft power. Future spending decisions will be informed by the spending review.'
Wales Online
13-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Keir Starmer launches new immigration crackdown with tax on thousands
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Thousands could face a controversial tax and tighter visa restrictions under a new immigration white paper launched by Sir Keir Starmer. The Prime Minister's proposals were unveiled as part of Labour's bold bid to curb rising migration figures. They include a plan to force overseas graduates to leave the UK within 18 months unless they land a skilled job - instead of the current two-year post-study period, The Express reports. READ MORE: State pension and DWP benefit payments to see key date change Universities also face a six per cent levy slapped on each foreign student's tuition fee, which would be the first tax of its kind on international learners. The Home Office published the white paper, which outlines a sweeping shake-up of the current system. According to early estimates from Universities UK, the financial impact of the levy could cost universities around £600 million. The plan could "jeopardise" the financial future of Britain's higher education system, senior university figures have warned. It's thought courses like medicine and dentistry, which are already costly to run, could be hit the worst as they are often heavily subsidised by income from international students, meaning any drop in funding could pose serious risks. However, the government has insisted that proceeds from the levy would be reinvested to boost opportunities for British students. According to early projections, the plan could lead to 7,000 fewer student visa applications each year and 12,000 fewer graduate visa applications annually. Concerns have also been raised over quality, with officials noting that while student visa numbers jumped 49 per cent between 2021 and 2023, visas for top 100-ranked UK universities actually dropped by seven per cent in the same period. International students brought in £10 billion to the UK economy through tuition fees alone in 2023-24. Fees for non-EU students can range from £20,000 to more than £41,000 per year, while EU students pay between £9,600 and £14,000, depending on course type. Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, warned that, for instance, a course like veterinary medicine costs around £20,000 per student, with nearly half funded by international student fees. She said: "We'd like the government to explain to us how it will make it easier for us to provide opportunities for UK students to do those high-cost subjects if they're taking some of that cost."
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Universities face foreign student tax as Starmer cracks down on migration
Universities face a new tax on foreign students as part of Sir Keir Starmer's efforts to reduce net migration. In its white paper published on Monday, the Government announced it was considering a 6 per cent 'levy' on the £12 billion-a-year fee income that universities generate from overseas students. It said the money would be reinvested in the 'higher education and skills system' as part of proposals to boost training of domestic workers to reduce reliance on foreign staff. The white paper also cut the time that foreign graduates can remain in the UK after finishing their studies from two years to 18 months. They do not have to work during that period, but will only be allowed to stay on afterwards if they are in graduate-level work. University rules on recruiting foreign students are to be tightened, requiring fewer drop-outs and no-shows. Universities that fail to meet these tougher targets will face restrictions on the numbers they can recruit and could be barred from sponsoring foreign students. The moves sparked a backlash from universities, which have already had a 16 per cent drop in applications from overseas after a crackdown by the Tories on students bringing dependents with them. One union leader warned it could push universities into bankruptcy. Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, said: 'Following years of frozen fees, inadequate research funding and a rapid downturn in international students, the current operating environment is very challenging. 'We would urge the Government to think carefully about the impact that a levy on international student fees will have on universities and the attractiveness of the UK as a study destination.' Jo Grady, general secretary of the University and College Union, said: 'This anti-growth white paper is straight out of the Reform playbook. With higher education already under severe financial pressure, any further restrictions which deter international students from coming to the UK could lead to universities going under.' She added: 'The Home Office needs to stop imposing arbitrary restrictions that prevent international students and staff from coming to the UK, driving economic growth and enriching local communities. Its failure to do so will harm universities, the country and our global standing.' Nick Hillman, director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, said the 'deeply controversial' levy was 'a tax on a very successful UK export sector'. 'There will also be concerns that some of the money raised will be siphoned off by the Treasury – just as has happened with the apprenticeship levy,' he added. The number of foreign students – who pay full fees of as much as £60,000 a year and effectively cross-subsidise universities' losses on UK students – have more than doubled in the past five years. More than half moved on to another visa after completing their studies in the past three years, up from 20 per cent in 2020, meaning they have had a bigger impact on net migration. The white paper said there was, however, evidence that the system was being abused, with 16,000 making asylum claims, accounting for about half of all such applications from people who had arrived in the UK on a visa. 'The evidence suggests that at present, in some cases, the integrity of the UK's student visa system is being undermined, both by individuals from overseas seeking to exploit it and by education providers in this country failing to protect it,' said the white paper. It raised particular concerns over the number of foreign students coming to the UK for masters' courses, which increased by 150 per cent to 315,000 between 2020 and 2022, and over the types of institutions with the biggest rises. Visas for universities in the bottom-ranked 500 universities rose by 49 per cent in the two years to 2023, compared with a fall of 7 per cent in the top 100. To prevent the misuse of student visas, universities will now be required to ensure at least 90 per cent of foreign students complete their courses and at least 95 per cent turn up for them. A new red-amber-green warning system will tell the public how universities are performing in achieving compliance. Universities 'close to failing on their metrics' will have to draw up an action plan and face limits on the number of new foreign students they can recruit. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
