First Report - Universities and Scotland

The government acknowledges the importance of working with devolved administrations on higher education and states that ongoing engagement at ministerial and official levels will continue to exchange information and policy developments.

The government acknowledged the committee's congratulations, highlighting its ongoing engagement with the Scottish Government and support for Scottish universities, and referencing the International Education Strategy's goal of diversified student recruitment.

The government effectively rejected the recommendation to diversify income streams away from international student fees by reaffirming its strategy to increase international student numbers to 600,000 by 2030 and detailing existing scholarship programs and promotional efforts.

The government's response highlights increased overall international student visa grants and new Student and Graduate visa routes, but does not commit to a new or expanded scholarship scheme specifically for EU students or increased funding for Study UK to target EU students.

The government's response discusses the Turing Scheme and international educational mobility, failing to address the recommendation regarding mental health services for university students in Scotland.

The government's response for this item focused on the Turing Scheme and Erasmus+ and did not address the recommendation to submit a full formal response to the predecessor Committee’s 2018 report on Immigration and Scotland.

The government's response details its plans for R&D funding and Official Development Assistance (ODA) spending, failing to address the committee's comments on the Turing Scheme or the International Education Strategy.

The government's response discusses UKRI board appointments and governance structures, but does not address the recommendation to continue and expand the Turing Scheme to include funding for international student and academic staff inward placements.

The government's response focused solely on the UK's association with Horizon Europe and the delays encountered from the EU, completely failing to address the recommendation regarding the Scottish Government's desire to remain in the Erasmus+ programme.

The government's response did not address the recommendation to ensure that UK Research and Development Roadmap commitments are not derailed by the temporary reduction in UK ODA spend, instead focusing entirely on visa fees and immigration policies.

The government's response discusses immigration policies and the Office for Talent, completely failing to address the recommendation regarding Scottish representation on UKRI boards and Executive Committee.

The government confirms its agreement to associate with Horizon Europe, stating the terms ensure fair financial contribution and equivalent participation for UK applicants, and has a contingency plan if association is not formalised.

The government's response did not address the specific recommendations concerning reducing visa costs for international researchers and their families, justifying high fees, or taking a pragmatic approach to researcher visa extensions.

The government redirected the recommendation to promote a positive narrative for EU academics in Scotland by stating Higher Education in Scotland is largely a devolved responsibility, and instead offered general statements about supporting international students across the UK.

The government notes that higher education in Scotland is largely a devolved responsibility and details its ongoing engagement with the Scottish Government. It also highlights its International Education Strategy and the Graduate Route as measures to help universities diversify their student recruitment and funding.

The government states that higher education in Scotland is a devolved responsibility, while noting continued engagement with the Scottish Government and highlighting efforts to support the economy and attract international students through its International Education Strategy.

The government states that higher education in Scotland is largely a devolved responsibility and outlines its ongoing engagement with the Scottish Government. It also highlights its International Education Strategy and the Graduate Route to help universities diversify student recruitment, but does not directly address the explanation of the unofficial cap on Scottish student places.

The government states that higher education in Scotland is largely a devolved responsibility and outlines its ongoing engagement with the Scottish Government. It also highlights its International Education Strategy and the Graduate Route to help universities diversify student recruitment, but does not address the unofficial cap on Scottish student places.

The government acknowledges the importance of diversified income streams for universities, focusing on international students as a vital source while recognizing the risks of over-reliance. It highlights the existing International Education Strategy and the Graduate Route as measures to attract international students and ensure sustainable, diversified recruitment.

The government acknowledged that higher education in Scotland is a devolved responsibility and recognised the benefits of international students. It highlighted the International Education Strategy and Graduate Route for attracting students and advised universities to diversify recruitment to manage dependence on a single source of funding.

The government states that higher education in Scotland is largely devolved and highlights its ongoing engagement with the Scottish Government, as well as its International Education Strategy which aims to help universities diversify student recruitment and funding sources.

The government states that higher education in Scotland is largely a devolved responsibility and emphasizes its continued engagement with the Scottish Government. It also highlights its International Education Strategy and the Graduate Route to help universities diversify income, but does not directly address the Scottish Government funding reductions.

The government acknowledges the varying income streams and risks for universities, emphasizing the importance of diversified funding, especially concerning international students. It outlines existing initiatives like the International Education Strategy and the Graduate Route, which aim to attract international students sustainably while managing associated risks.

The government acknowledges the committee's findings on the varied financial health of Scottish universities, reiterating that higher education is primarily a devolved matter. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and the UK government's efforts to support the sector and the Scottish economy.

The government acknowledges the committee's observations on the financial health and estate challenges of Scottish universities, emphasizing that higher education is largely a devolved responsibility. It highlights ongoing close working relationships with the Scottish Government and its efforts to support the Scottish economy and universities.

The government acknowledges higher education as a devolved responsibility and emphasizes its ongoing engagement and collaboration with the Scottish Government to support the sector and recovery efforts.

The government's response reiterates that higher education is a devolved responsibility and emphasizes the importance of continuing close working relationships with the Scottish Government, without directly addressing the initial financial concerns and expected deficits for Scottish universities during the pandemic.

The government acknowledges the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Scottish higher education sector and the need for interventions, reiterating that higher education is largely a devolved responsibility. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and the UK government's efforts to support the sector and economy through the pandemic.

The government's response reiterates that higher education is a devolved responsibility and emphasizes the importance of continuing close working relationships with the Scottish Government, without directly engaging with the committee's observations on the take-up rates of UK Government loan schemes.

The government's response reiterates that higher education is a devolved responsibility and emphasizes the importance of continuing close working relationships with the Scottish Government, without directly addressing the criticism regarding unclear communication around the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

The government's response reiterates that higher education is a devolved responsibility and emphasizes the importance of continuing close working relationships with the Scottish Government, without directly addressing the criticism that UK Government/UKRI support packages were too prescriptive.

The government acknowledges the observation about the improved financial outlook for Scottish universities and the role of international students, stressing that higher education is a devolved responsibility. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and general UK government support for the sector and economy.

The government acknowledges the concerns about the financial vulnerability and unsustainable public funding for Scottish universities, stating that higher education is primarily a devolved responsibility. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and the UK government's general efforts to support the sector's recovery from COVID-19.

The government acknowledges the ongoing financial implications of the COVID-19 pandemic and the identified pressures facing Scottish universities, stressing that higher education is largely a devolved responsibility. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and the UK government's efforts to support the sector's recovery.

The government acknowledges the devolved nature of higher education in Scotland and highlights its ongoing close and constructive working relationships with the Scottish Government to support the sector and recovery from COVID-19.

The government acknowledges the general context of support for higher education in Scotland, emphasizing its devolved nature and the importance of UK government policy impact. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and efforts to support the sector's recovery from COVID-19.

The government acknowledges the ongoing uncertainty regarding the recovery of Scottish universities from the pandemic, emphasizing that higher education is largely a devolved responsibility. It highlights ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and the UK government's general efforts to support the sector and economy.

The government's response reiterates that higher education is a devolved responsibility and emphasizes the importance of continuing close working relationships with the Scottish Government, without directly addressing the committee's commendation or the Scottish Government's commitment regarding university insolvency.

The government acknowledged the importance of internationalisation and responded by detailing its UK-wide International Education Strategy, which aims to increase international students and education exports, noting that the target of 600,000 international students per year by 2030 has already been met.

The government reiterated its International Education Strategy's ambition to increase international students to 600,000 by 2030, noting that this target has already been met for the 2020-21 academic year.

The government acknowledges the importance of international students and the need for diversified recruitment, highlighting existing strategies like the International Education Strategy and Graduate Route to attract international students while managing risks.

The government acknowledges the observations regarding universities' reliance on international student income and associated vulnerabilities, emphasizing its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route to support diversified international student recruitment.

The government acknowledges the observation regarding universities' increasing dependence on international student fees for infrastructure by promoting diversified recruitment through its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route, and noting that universities are aware of funding risks.

The government acknowledges the devolved nature of HE in Scotland and its support for the sector, stressing that diversifying student recruitment is a key strategic priority to manage risks associated with dependence on single funding sources.

The government acknowledges the concerns raised about the financial sustainability and overdependence on international students, highlighting its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route for attracting a diversified international student base.

The government acknowledges the points raised by the Secretary of State regarding the balance of international students and domestic provision, outlining its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route to attract a diversified international student base while noting universities' awareness of funding risks.

The government generally acknowledges the importance of international students and diversified recruitment in the context of pandemic-related fears, citing its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route as mechanisms to support universities and attract students.

The government redirected the committee's observation regarding Scottish HE's dependence on international student fees to the devolved responsibility of Higher Education in Scotland, while highlighting broader UK strategies for international education and emphasising universities' responsibility to manage financial risks.

The government acknowledges the devolved nature of HE and its engagement with Scottish Government, and states that its International Education Strategy has already seen an increase in international student enrolments, meeting its 2030 target ahead of time.

The government acknowledges the vulnerability of the current funding model and overdependence on international students by reiterating its commitment to diversified student recruitment, as outlined in its International Education Strategy and supported by measures like the Graduate Route.

The government acknowledges the potential risk from UK immigration policies by highlighting its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route as key measures to attract a diversified international student base, and notes universities are aware of funding risks.

The government acknowledges the importance of ensuring diversified student recruitment for sustainable growth, outlining its International Education Strategy and Graduate Route as measures to attract international students, and states it will work with DAs on this aim, but does not explicitly commit to a joint effort to seek best practices in diversifying away from international student fees as the primary gap-filler.

The government acknowledges the devolved nature of Higher Education in Scotland and its commitment to working with the Scottish Government, while highlighting its International Education Strategy and efforts to diversify international student recruitment.

The government acknowledges that Higher Education in Scotland is devolved and reiterates its commitment to working with the Scottish Government and supporting the sector, referring to its International Education Strategy and efforts to diversify student recruitment.

The government stated that Higher Education in Scotland is a devolved responsibility and highlighted UK-wide initiatives like the International Education Strategy and the Graduate Route, rather than directly addressing the observed 15% fall in EU student applicants despite SAAS fee coverage.

The government provided general statements about welcoming European students and promoting UK education but did not specifically address the committee's observations regarding the 40% drop in EU student applications to Scottish universities for 2021-22.

The government discusses its International Education Strategy, its targets for international student numbers, and existing global scholarship programmes, without directly addressing the changes in tuition fees for EU students in Scotland or the Scottish Government's funding decisions.

The government acknowledged the non-financial benefits of international students, aligning with the committee's observations that they enrich learning environments, foster cultural exchange, and build future networks.

The government states it has launched a new global, points-based immigration system, including the Graduate route, and is promoting these extensively to welcome international students, aiming for 600,000 by 2030, which it believes addresses the issue.

The government refers to its existing International Education Strategy and notes it already operates global scholarship programmes like Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships. It also states the British Council Study UK campaign collaborates with Scottish stakeholders to accurately represent Scottish universities.

The government described its overall international education strategy and existing global scholarship programmes that support international students across the UK, but did not specifically address the Scottish Government's intent to offer additional scholarships targeted at European countries.

The government stated its International Education Strategy aims to increase international students, a target already met, and highlighted existing global scholarship programmes (Chevening, Commonwealth, Marshall) available to students, rather than committing to a new or expanded scheme specifically for EU students or increased funding for Study UK to target them.

The government describes a series of concessions introduced to support the education sector and international students during COVID-19, including enabling distance learning and ensuring COVID-related absences do not count against students.

The government acknowledges the value of international students, stating that its International Education Strategy (updated Feb 2021) aims to sustainably increase international students and education exports, noting they have already met the 600,000 student target for 2030.

The government acknowledges the importance of attracting international students and refers to its updated International Education Strategy, which sets ambitions for student numbers and education exports, noting the 2030 student target has already been met.

The government states it is already committed to supporting the higher education sector and increasing international students, citing recent migration statistics and the introduction of 'streamlined, simplified' Student, Child Student, and Graduate routes. They also highlighted concessions made during Covid-19.

The government reiterated its commitment to supporting and increasing international students and academics, citing record numbers of sponsored study visas and the introduction of streamlined Student and Graduate routes. It did not directly address the committee's observation regarding visa costs and the healthcare surcharge making the UK less welcoming.

The government reiterates its commitment to the higher education sector and confirms the launch of the Student, Child Student, and Graduate visa routes in 2020-2021, which streamline and simplify pathways for international students and graduates.

The government states it will submit its response to the Committee's Report on Immigration and Scotland shortly, deferring action on the recommendation.

The government acknowledged the premise of continued cooperation with devolved administrations on higher education, stating that engagement is ongoing at ministerial and official levels.

The government accepted the recommendation, stating it would submit its response to the Committee's Report on Immigration and Scotland shortly.

The government has committed £110 million for the Turing Scheme for the 2022/23 academic year, as its replacement for Erasmus+, aiming to support international educational mobility, evaluate its impact, and focus on widening access for disadvantaged students, noting that partial association with Erasmus+ is not legally possible.

The government confirmed three-year funding for the Turing Scheme, maintaining £110 million for 2022/23, and reiterated its commitment to evaluating and developing the scheme. It explicitly stated that partial association with the Erasmus+ programme is not legally possible.

The government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for three years and outlined its aims to promote international educational mobility, also noting President Von Der Leyen's comment that partial country association with Erasmus+ is not legally possible.

The government confirmed three-year funding for the Turing Scheme, maintaining £110 million for 2022/23, and committed to evaluating its impact and developing the scheme in future years to ensure it delivers on its objectives. It also noted the impossibility of partial association with Erasmus+.

The government confirmed £110 million funding for the Turing Scheme for three years from 2022/23, reiterating its commitment to international educational mobility and the scheme's evaluation to ensure it delivers on its objectives.

The government confirmed three years of funding for the Turing Scheme, maintaining £110 million for 2022/23, but reiterated that the scheme prioritises outward mobility and does not cover inbound student placements, addressing the mixed reaction and concerns raised.

The government has confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years, including £110 million for 2022/23, and commits to evaluating its impact and engaging with Devolved Administrations to develop it further.

The government confirmed three years of funding for the Turing Scheme but stated that the scheme prioritises pupils, students, and learners over staff and inward mobility funding, thus not envisaging funding for overseas students coming to the UK.

The government reiterated its commitment and funding for the Turing Scheme, explicitly stating that it prioritises pupils, students, and learners over staff and inward mobility funding, thereby rejecting the implied recommendation to include staff mobility.

The government has confirmed three years of funding for the Turing Scheme, addressing concerns about its temporary nature and outlining its long-term ambitions for international educational mobility.

The government confirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years at £110 million, outlining its commitment to developing the scheme and evaluating its impact. It stated that partial association with the Erasmus+ programme is not legally possible.

The government's response focused on continued funding and development of the Turing Scheme, but did not address Minister Lochhead's concerns about the UK Government's motivations for withdrawing from Erasmus+.

The government committed to three years of funding for the Turing Scheme, confirmed it prioritises inward mobility funding, and stated it will continue to engage closely with Devolved Administrations in the scheme's future development.

The government confirmed continued funding for the Turing Scheme at £110 million for 2022/23, committed to its development and evaluation, and stated its intent to engage with Devolved Administrations, noting that partial association with Erasmus+ is not legally possible.

The government confirmed continued funding for the Turing Scheme at £110 million for 2022/23, committed to its development and evaluation, and stated its intent to engage with Devolved Administrations, noting that partial association with Erasmus+ is not legally possible.

The government confirmed three years of funding for the Turing Scheme, maintaining £110 million for 2022/23, and reiterated its commitment to international educational mobility and global reach, aligning with its stated aims to improve upon Erasmus+.

The government confirmed continued funding for the Turing Scheme at £110 million for 2022/23, committing to its development and evaluation, and stated its intent to engage with Devolved Administrations. It generally acknowledged international educational mobility but did not directly address the International Education Strategy.

The government confirmed three years of funding for the Turing Scheme, stating it will evaluate the first year to continue developing the scheme and will continue to closely engage with Devolved Administrations in its future development.

The government acknowledged the committee's support for the Turing Scheme by confirming its funding for the next three years, committing to evaluating its first year's impact, and continuing engagement with Devolved Administrations.

The government confirmed three years of funding for the Turing Scheme at £110 million for 2022/23 but noted the scheme prioritises outward mobility over inward placements and staff. It therefore did not commit to expanding the scheme to incorporate inward international student and academic staff placements.

The government acknowledges the ongoing situation regarding Scotland's desire to participate in Erasmus+ but reiterates that association by part of a country is not legally possible, while also providing an update on Turing Scheme funding.

The government rejected the possibility of Scotland continuing an association with Erasmus+, stating that it is not legally possible for part of a country to associate with the program. It reaffirmed funding for the Turing Scheme for the next three years.

The government confirmed that association by part of a country with the Erasmus+ programme is not legally possible, reinforcing the statement from the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland, and outlined Turing Scheme funding and evaluation.

The government reiterated its position that association with Erasmus+ by part of a country is not legally possible, citing President Von Der Leyen, and provided an update on the Turing Scheme's three-year funding and evaluation plans.

The government rejected the recommendation for Scotland to independently participate in Erasmus+, stating that association by part of a country is not legally possible, according to President Von Der Leyen.

The government acknowledges Scotland's strong global reputation for higher education and research, stating the need to work together to maintain it.

The government acknowledges Scotland's strong global reputation for higher education and research and expresses a desire to work together to ensure its continuation, but does not outline specific actions.

The government acknowledged Scotland's strong reputation in higher education and research, stating the need for continued collaboration to maintain it.

The government acknowledges Scotland's strong global reputation for higher education and research and states the need to work together to ensure this continues, but does not commit to specific new actions or investment.

The government addresses the impact on research by committing to a significant uplift in public R&D spending, reaching £20 billion per annum by 2024/25, which it believes will help the R&D sector plan ahead and overcome fiscal challenges from Covid.

The government's response details its processes for appointing a balanced UKRI Board and its engagement with Devolved Administrations, but does not address the committee's observations regarding the varied funding sources for Scottish universities or their reliance on cross-subsidisation of academic research.

The government's response focuses on UKRI board appointments and engagement with devolved administrations, which does not address the conclusion about funding models, cost recovery rates, or the debate around increasing the 80% full economic cost for UKRI-funded research.

The government responds by committing to a significant uplift in public R&D spending, reaching £20 billion per annum by 2024/25, which aims to provide a long-term and stable solution for research funding, reducing reliance on charity donations impacted by the pandemic.

The government acknowledged the R&D Roadmap, detailing its commitment through the 2021 Spending Review to significantly increase public R&D funding to £20 billion by 2024/25 and £22 billion by 2026/27, affirming its plan to make the UK a science and technology superpower.

The government affirmed its commitment to making the UK a global science and technology superpower by increasing R&D funding to £20 billion by 2024/25 and providing for ODA funding to return to 0.7% of GNI by 2024/25 when fiscal conditions allow.

The government acknowledged the temporary ODA reduction by outlining its commitment to increase public R&D spending to £20 billion by 2024/25, and to return ODA funding to 0.7% of GNI by 2024/25, contingent on the fiscal situation.

The government outlined its commitment to increase R&D funding to £20 billion by 2024/25 and noted a provision to return ODA funding to 0.7% of GNI by 2024/25 if fiscal conditions permit. It also confirmed increasing R&D ODA spend to £1bn per annum by 2024/25.

The government reiterates its commitment, made at the Spending Review 2021, to return ODA funding to 0.7% of GNI by 2024/25, conditional on the fiscal situation allowing, and highlights an increase in R&D ODA spend.

The government has increased public R&D spending to £20 billion per annum by 2024/25, demonstrating commitment to the R&D Roadmap, and is increasing R&D ODA spend to £1bn per annum by 2024/25, while planning to return total ODA to 0.7% when fiscal conditions allow.

The government acknowledged the description of UKRI by detailing its commitment through the 2021 Spending Review to significantly increase public R&D funding to £20 billion by 2024/25 and £22 billion by 2026/27, aligning with the R&D Roadmap and Innovation Strategy.

The government describes its process for appointing a balanced UKRI Board and its engagement mechanisms, but fails to address the committee's finding about Scotland's historically poor success and low share of the UKRI Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund.

The government's response highlights existing UKRI mechanisms and plans to ensure understanding of the diverse R&D landscape across the UK, including legal requirements for board appointments, regular engagement with devolved administrations, and holding meetings outside London.

The government describes its process for appointing a balanced UKRI Board and its mechanisms for engaging with Devolved Administrations and stakeholders to understand the UK R&D landscape, but does not address the specific criticisms about funding bias towards older universities or based on gender, ethnicity, and age.

The government states that UKRI Board appointments consider research conditions in devolved nations and that UKRI engages regularly with Devolved Administrations and their bodies to understand the R&D landscape, while clarifying Research England's essential integration within UKRI's corporate structure.

The government asserts that UKRI operates with an effective understanding of the UK R&D landscape through regular engagement and collaboration with Devolved Administrations and their delivery bodies, and considers devolved nations' research conditions for board appointments.

The government maintains that UKRI Board appointments are merit-based, but legal requirements ensure consideration of research conditions in devolved nations, and UKRI engages regularly with DAs. It also clarifies that Research England's integration into UKRI is essential for corporate operations and accountability.

The government asserts that UKRI Board appointments are made on individual merit, not regional representation, but that legal requirements ensure consideration of devolved nations' research conditions for a balanced Board, and UKRI engages regularly with Devolved Administrations.

The government's response details UKRI board appointment processes and the structure of Research England within UKRI, failing to address the observation about Scottish Government input into a Ministerial Taskforce on research funding.

The government rejects the recommendation for dedicated Scottish seats on the UKRI Board and Executive Committee, stating appointments are merit-based and do not represent specific constituencies or regional groupings.

The government stated it has agreed to associate with Horizon Europe and is ready to formalise participation, but has faced delays from the EU. It confirmed UK applicants are eligible and outlined financial terms and a contingency plan if association is not possible.

The government confirms it has already agreed to associate with Horizon Europe through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, specifying the terms of participation and financial arrangements, and notes ongoing delays in formalisation by the EU.

The government confirms its agreement to associate with Horizon Europe through the Trade and Cooperation Agreement, reiterating the terms of participation and financial safeguards, despite persistent delays from the EU in formalising the arrangement.

The government confirms its agreement to associate with Horizon Europe, explaining that the UK will participate in all areas except the EIC Fund and that applicants are eligible on equivalent terms, with financial provisions ensuring no payment for excluded parts.

The government has already agreed to associate with Horizon Europe under terms that ensure UK researchers' access and financial contributions are fair, with provisions to not pay for excluded parts of the program, addressing the US's previous concerns.

The government reaffirmed its agreement to associate with Horizon Europe, noting persistent delays from the EU but confirming UK eligibility to apply for funding on equivalent terms to EU Member States. It also outlined plans for alternative UK schemes in the event that association is not possible.

The government confirmed its agreement to associate with Horizon Europe, reiterating its readiness to formalise participation despite delays from the EU, and detailed the benefits and terms for UK researchers. It also outlined plans for alternative UK schemes if association is not possible.

The government confirms its agreement to associate with Horizon Europe, stating the terms ensure fair financial contribution and equivalent participation for UK applicants, and has a contingency plan if association is not formalised.

The government acknowledges the international nature and importance of Scottish higher education, citing ongoing collaboration with the Scottish Government and UK government support for universities, recognising the benefits of international students.

The government's response described the appointment process for the UKRI Board, how devolved nation experience is considered, and the integration of Research England, but did not directly address the committee's observation regarding the international success and collaborative nature of Scottish academic research.

The government's response details UKRI board appointment processes and the structure of Research England within UKRI, but does not address the committee's observation about ensuring a framework for continued Scottish international research collaboration.

The government's response focused solely on justifying UK visa fees and keeping them under review, failing to address the stated concern about extending visa validity for international researchers or collaboration with the Scottish Government on this issue.

The government highlights its new global, points-based immigration system, including the Graduate route, and the Office for Talent, asserting these policies already ensure the UK welcomes international talent and is competitive.

The government highlights its new points-based immigration system, including the Graduate route, which aims to attract international talent and is committed to increasing international student numbers to 600,000 by 2030. It also notes the establishment of the Office for Talent to further improve the UK's talent offer and visa reforms.

The government asserts that UK visa fees are broadly competitive and are kept under review, justifying them as necessary to fund the migration system and reduce taxpayer burden, without committing to changes.

The government rejected the recommendation to substantially reduce visa charges, stating that UK visa fees are broadly in line with competitors and that income from fees helps fund the migration and borders system, reducing the burden on taxpayers. Fees are kept under review but no commitment to reduction was made.

The government's response for this item explicitly addresses recommendation 151 (ID 19691), rather than the recommendation to reduce the cost of visas for international researchers, justify high fees, or take a pragmatic approach to extensions.

The government's response for this item explicitly addresses recommendation 151 (ID 19691), rather than the committee's conclusion about the vulnerability of the research sector in Scotland to a potential 'brain drain' of EU academics.

The government stated it has extensively promoted its new immigration system, including the Graduate route, to send a clear message that the UK welcomes international talent. It has also established the Office for Talent to improve the approach to attracting global talent and strengthen the UK's talent offer.

The government's response for this item explicitly addresses recommendation 151 (ID 19691), rather than the committee's conclusion regarding Minister Stewart's statements on maintaining links with Europe versus a global British ambition.

The government accepted the recommendation, outlining actions such as launching the new global, points-based immigration system (including the Graduate route), extensively promoting these routes, committing to increasing international student numbers, and establishing the Office for Talent to further improve the UK's talent offer.