Download or read book The student immigration system in Scotland written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Scottish Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2011-07-26 with total page 80 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In this report, the Scottish Affairs Committee warns that the proposed changes to the student visa system could have a disproportionate impact on Scottish universities and the Scottish economy. Given the size of the higher education sector in Scotland, and that the proposals are primarily designed to address a problem which is largely insignificant in Scotland, the high standard of Scottish education and the financial status of many institutions, could, unintentionally, be compromised and diminished. The MPs warn that Scottish circumstances were not adequately taken into account when proposals, that will apply across the UK, were drawn up, and they call for action to adjust the UK criteria accordingly. They believe that the visa proposals are likely to damage partnership working between universities and industry. International students choose to study in Scotland because of the opportunity to get a high standard of education and, often, the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in specialist subjects like petroleum engineering. A system that allows a certain number of international students to come to Scotland benefits the students, the universities and the Scottish economy. Changes to the immigration and visa system should not put this at risk. The Committee urges the government to address as a matter of urgency: the adverse impact of the proposals on the Scottish economy, the lack of focus in the proposals on bogus colleges rather than all, overwhelmingly reputable, institutions and the need to separately recognise students within the definition of immigrant.
Download or read book The Student Immigration System in Scotland written by Great Britain. Parliament and published by . This book was released on 2011-10-20 with total page 9 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Dated October 2011. Response to HC 912-I (ISBN 9780215560957)
Download or read book HC 593 Post study Work Schemes written by Great Britain. Parliament. House of Commons. Scottish Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2016-02-15 with total page 45 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Scottish Affairs Committee has published a report calling for reform to visa rules for non-EU students studying in Scotland who wish to remain in the UK to work after their studies. In their report the Committee have found that current rules for students studying here to remain in Scotland are too restrictive and are preventing businesses from finding skilled workers. Scotland faces different demographic challenges to the rest of the UK, with a much lower birth rate and significant skills gaps in the workforce. Sectors, such as health, energy and finance face particular problems in recruiting skilled graduate workers. The Committee found that the closure of the Tier 1 (Post-Study Work) visa in 2012, has harmed Scotland by making Scotland less competitive in the global education market, with other nations able to offer prospective students greater employment opportunities after graduation. Closing this visa has also prevented Scotland from making use of a pool of skilled workers, educated in Scotland, who could help mitigate Scotland's demographic challenges. Since the Post-Study Work visa was closed in 2012 the number of non-EU students remaining in the UK after graduating has fallen by 80%.
Download or read book Student visas written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Home Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2011-03-25 with total page 204 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report from the Home Affairs Select Committee cautions the Government against introducing measures which could damage the UK's thriving educational export sector. The Committee remains concerned that a number of the Government proposals could have serious unintended consequences. International students make up 10% of first degree students and over 40% of postgraduate students at UK universities. The international student market, estimated to be worth £40 billion to the UK economy is a significant growth market and the UK is the second most popular destination in the world for international students. The Committee's findings include: the importance of the Post-Study Work route in attracting students to the UK and disagrees with the Government proposal to close it; it suggests alternatives to the Government's proposals on language requirements, specifically a permanent change to the parameters of the student visitor visa so that it can be used as a viable route for all of those attending pre-degree programmes; it supports the Government's proposals to tighten the accreditation of language schools but is concerned that Government approval of the current accreditation bodies has lapsed. The Committee calls for a single streamlined accreditation system and agrees that any cap on student visas is unnecessary and undesirable; the Committee also notes that progress has been made on closing down bogus language schools and supports the Government's intention to crack down on bogus colleges and bogus students but it is not persuaded that students are migrants, as defined by the UN and suggests that students ought to be excluded from net migration numbers. The Committee also raises concerns that the data used in assessing migration figures are not fit for purpose and could inhibit effective policy making.
Download or read book The Politics of Ethnic Diversity in the British Isles written by R. Garbaye and published by Springer. This book was released on 2014-01-29 with total page 217 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores continuity and change in British multiculturalism. It offers an original perspective on British multiculturalism and also presents an exploration of the politics of ethnic diversity in all the national contexts of the British Isles as well as the United Kingdom.
Download or read book HC 504 The Implications of Scottish Independence on Business Higher Education and Research and Postal Services written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Business, Innovation and Skills Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2014-08-08 with total page 116 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A 'Yes' vote for independence will break up the UK single market and in the short-term could leave Scottish businesses uncertain of their position in Europe, says the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee in this report. A protracted Scottish negotiation over EU membership, and the uncertain investment environment arising from a 'Yes' vote, will have a damaging impact on businesses in Scotland, as well as other parts of the UK. The Committee raises serious concerns that a 'Yes' vote may also leave Scotland facing a currency 'limbo' and in the short term unable to join a sterling currency union and without the prospect of adopting the Euro. Also, the Scottish Government's stated intention to renationalise the Royal Mail upon achieving independence is an un-costed aspiration, bereft of any detail of how it is to be paid for or how it would be done. The Committee also fears for the future of the Universal Postal Obligation in an independent Scotland with its continued survival likely to be secured only at significant additional cost. On higher education, the Committee explored the topics of student fees and UK research collaboration. The central plank of the Scottish Government's HE policy, to charge tuition fees to students from other parts of the UK, was likely to be illegal under EU law. The Committee also expressed concerns this policy would result in Scottish universities facing a financial shortfall, given the significant income currently received for non-domiciled UK students.
Download or read book Policy Making in Britain written by Peter Dorey and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2014-04-22 with total page 345 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Introducing you to the public policy making process in Britain today, this book adopts an empirical approach to the study of policy making by relating theory to actual developments in Britain since the 1980s. It covers: Ideas, Problem Definition, Issues and Agenda-Setting Key Individuals Key Institutions Parliament and Public Policy Implementation The shift from Government to Governance (including marketization, and devolution) The increasing role of the private and voluntary sectors in policy delivery Internationalisation and Europeanization of policies and policy making Evaluation, audits and the New Public Management Each chapter is enriched by recent real-life case studies and boxes illustrating key arguments, concepts and empirical developments. Taking into account the 2010 election and beyond, the book addresses current issues, developments and debates. The result is a contemporary and engaging text that will be required reading for all students of British politics, public policy and public administration.
Download or read book Scottish Independence Yes or No written by Alan Cochrane and published by The History Press. This book was released on 2014-04-07 with total page 122 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In September 2014, a referendum will be held in Scotland to decide whether or not Scotland should become independent and cease to be part of the United Kingdom. In this book, two of the nation's leading political commentators will address both sides of this historic debate. George Kerevan will put forward the case for voting Yes, and Alan Cochrane will make the case for voting No. In this volume, the first title in this Great Debate series, the authors will present the distinctive arguments for both sides, fully preparing you to make up your own mind on a decision that will shape the future of Scotland and of Great Britain.
Download or read book Higher Education in Scotland and the UK written by Sheila Riddell and published by Edinburgh University Press. This book was released on 2015-11-12 with total page pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book examines the impact of devolution on Scottish and UK higher education systems, including institutional governance, approaches to tuition fees and student support, cross-border student flows, widening access, internationalisation and research pol
Download or read book Sessional Returns written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2012-09-14 with total page 442 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: On cover and title page: House, committees of the whole House, general committees and select committees
Download or read book HC 1241 The Referendum on Separation for Scotland Scotland s membership of the EU written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Scottish Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2014-05-27 with total page 52 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Today Scotland's interests in the European Union are represented by the UK which, as one of the largest Member States, has the voting power and leverage to influence decisions to the benefit of Scotland. In leaving the UK, a separate Scotland would lose this advantage. A separate Scotland is likely to have its application to join the EU accepted - but not within the self-imposed timetable of 18 months, nor with the terms, that the Scottish Government is proposing. The proposal that Article 48 of the Treaty on European Union could be used to provide for Scottish membership is not supported by any other EU state; senior EU figures have ruled it out and it is opposed by the United Kingdom Government - which would, under this process, have to initiate it. The additional and exceptional demand for the ability to discriminate against UK students with respect to tuition fees would be voted against by the UK Government and is therefore almost certain not to be met. Furthermore, insufficient attention has been paid to the need to negotiate the UK's retention of VAT zero rating on a wide range of goods. As a separate Member State, not only would Scotland cease to benefit from the UK rebate (currently worth in the region of £300 million per year to Scotland) but it would have to contribute to it. In these circumstances Scottish voters need a more realistic alternative perspective of how joining the EU would be achieved, and what its likely terms and timetable would be.
Download or read book House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee The Referendum on Separation for Scotland A Defence Force For Scotland A Conspiracy Of Optimism HC 842 written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Scottish Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2013-11-23 with total page 80 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The Scottish Government's White Paper must make absolutely clear the details of both its foreign and defence policies. Much of what has been suggested up to now suffers from a conspiracy of optimism. The most explicit pledges made to date include: that the whole cost of security and defence will be no more than £2.5 billion, that personnel in the armed services will total 15,000 full time and 5,000 reserve personnel, and that the defence force will include "current Scottish raised and restored UK regiments". Will we then have a defence force which is army heavy? An army which is infantry heavy? Or will historic regiments be redesignated as platoons, reserves or non-infantry units? If Faslane is to be kept at its existing workforce, how will people be retrained? What costs will be inccurred in the transition to the new Scottish Defence Force? What are the implications for procurement whether or not Scotland gets the assets it wants? Hanging over all of this is the future of Trident. Will a separate Scotland impose unilateral nuclear disarmament on the UK? Furthermore, membership for Scotland of NATO will require not only the unanimous agreement of all the existing NATO members, but also the resolution of any disputes with the UK. The Scottish Government must spell out what wages and conditions it would propose to offer to compensate those who would leave behind participation in world class armed services. The people of Scotland are entitled to expect that those who propose drastic change can explain what the consequences would be.
Download or read book The Referendum on Separation for Scotland written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Scottish Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2013-01-11 with total page 32 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: It is of the highest importance that both sides of the Scottish referendum argument will be willing to accept the result of the referendum - whatever that is - and that the losing side should have no basis to claim that the process was biased or illegitimate. The referendum legislation should be passed in the Scottish Parliament and so it should therefore be given the legislative competence to do so. However, that places a heavy responsibility on the Scottish Parliament to build the referendum bill on the widest possible consensus. But the Committee is concerned that in a number of aspects of the process the Scottish Government appears to be pursuing partisan advantage, rather than seeking consensus. In a previous report, 'Do you agree this is a biased question?' (HC 1492, session 2010-12, ISBN 9780215044990), the Committee drew attention to the unsatisfactory nature of the question proposed, but the Scottish Government is persisting with it. The Committee says that despite the real difficulties caused by prolonged delay, the Scottish Government is insisting on holding the referendum as late as possible. Despite agreeing to the impartial oversight of the Electoral Commission, it has refused to commit to be bound by the decisions of this neutral referee. Also, the rules around donations should follow the PPERA framework, and no foreign donations should be allowed
Download or read book The Future of HM Coastguard in Scotland written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Scottish Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2012-11-15 with total page 74 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report expresses concern about the decision to close two of Scotland's Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centres and says Government must do more to explain the rationale for the decision and how it will ensure that the same high standard of service is maintained, with fewer resources. Despite an extensive Government consultation, those on the front line felt they had been excluded from the process. There has been no satisfactory explanation for the decision to close Clyde and Forth MRCCs, which will leave the central belt of Scotland, where the population is most densely concentrated, without a Coastguard station. The Committee is particularly concerned at the loss of local knowledge resulting from the closures. Both the Minister and the Chief Executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency have assured the Committee that robust and extensive testing was being done before the closure of Clyde Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre to ensure that the stations taking over its area of responsibility would do so seamlessly and continue to provide the level of search and rescue cover which the public has a right to expect. The Committee understands the Government's argument that the changes are intended to allow HM Coastguard to do more, better, with less, and says it "hopes that this is indeed the case". The Government must keep the Committee updated on the impact of the proposed changes, and provide reassurance after 31 December 2012 that the Scottish coastline is still being served to the same high standard as before
Download or read book A Robust Grid for 21st Century Scotland written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Scottish Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2012-08-28 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: In December 2011 and January 2012, Scotland was subject to numerous storms that caused damage to homes, road and rail infrastructure, as well as leaving tens of thousands of residents without a power supply. In some cases it took more than three days before power was restored. Although all of Scotland was affected, it appears that the most severe damage occurred in the Highlands and Islands. The Committee's inquiry focussed on: the frequency and severity of weather-related power cuts in Scotland; the consequences of such power cuts to individuals, businesses and public sector services; the current condition and technological state of Scotland's electricity transmission network, and what conditions it is built to withstand; the advantages and disadvantages of using an alternative electricity transmission infrastructure, particularly regarding its vulnerability to weather-related damage; whether the response provided by the energy companies was satisfactory; and how the regulation of transmission network operators and distribution network Operators impacts upon investment in Scotland's electricity transmission network. The Committee conludes that while blackouts following severe weather incidents can never be completely eliminated, one way that they can be minimised is by ensuring that the grid is in a robust and well maintained state before any such incidents occur. The increase in renewable energy generation also offers opportunities for networks to be less reliant on single vulnerable electricity lines to serve remote communities. The value of compensation for loss of power currently offered and the conditions under which it applies should be improved.
Download or read book House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee Land Reform in Scotland Interim Report HC 877 written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Scottish Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2014-03-20 with total page 52 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report concludes that any government which is serious about land reform needs full and clear information on existing land ownership and values made widely available. Scotland lags behind most comparable European countries in providing such data, and the Committee calls on the Scottish and UK Governments to address this as a priority. Scotland is also behind other countries in terms of the openness and ease of land transactions. Land reform is an important, neglected and intensely political area of public policy and the Committee is expanding this enquiry more widely than originally envisaged. Evidence is sought from interested parties on a number of topics including: state aid; the Scottish Government's Land Reform Review Group; community land ownership; and opaque and indirect ownership by front companies, trusts and offshore entities
Download or read book The Crown Estate in Scotland written by Great Britain: Parliament: House of Commons: Scottish Affairs Committee and published by The Stationery Office. This book was released on 2012-03-19 with total page 292 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This report examines the Crown Estate Commissioner's management of the Crown property, rights and interests which make up the Crown Estate in Scotland. The Commissioner's operations in Scotland can be split into two categories: ancient possessions/responsibilities and modern activities relating to the buying, selling and management of property and land. The evidence identified major issues, particularly in relation to the seabed and the foreshore: including lack of accountability, lack of communication and consultation with local communities, the inappropriateness of the Commissioner's remit for its responsibilities in the marine environment, the cash leakage from local economies and other adverse impacts. There were no such problems in relation to the management of urban and rural estate. The Commissioner's responsibilities for the seabed, the foreshore and other ancient rights in Scotland should be devolved then decentralized as far as possible. Devolution to Holyrood should be conditional upon agreement between the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Scottish Government on how such a scheme of subsidiarity to local authority and local community levels should be implemented. This report also sets out how different arrangements could be made for each of the Scottish Crown property rights and responsibilities. Further consultation should proceed on the basis of proposals set out by the Highlands and Islands local authorities, which provides a clear framework on which to base discussion.
