Shadow Immigration Minister Damian Green visits to talk student visas and immigration policy under a new Government.
Mr Green visited staff and students at the Winchester School of English, based on Hyde Street, to hear their concerns about new Government plans which threaten the future of the business.
New regulations, designed to prevent bogus institutions being used to allow people into this country illegally, could force legitimate English schools such as Winchester, to close if they are not amended.
Prospective Winchester MP Steve Brine has taken up the case locally, which was reported in the Hampshire Chronicle and ECHO recently. He has also liaised with Damian Green in the Shadow Cabinet to feedback views from the WSE on the changes.
He said; “I promised the school here I would bring the Shadow Minister to Winchester so was pleased to get him here during the campaign. We know there are serious problems with the abuse of student visas for immigration purposes and have long called on the Government to crackdown on bogus colleges and students. However, the Government’s new proposals are insufficient to tackle the real problem and threaten to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Winchester School of English is a first-rate institution which brings important business into the UK and adds to the rich diversity we so value in this city.
"If we win the election we will end the minimum English language requirement and ensure we are able to continue to attract genuine students to our world class educational establishments, whilst closing the loopholes that are being exploited by bogus colleges and students.”
While in the city, Mr Green spoke to BBC South Today and Meridian Tonight about the campaign and the first election debate. Damian Green had played Gordon Brown in rehearsals alongside David Cameron.
He and Steve Brine also took the opportunity to discuss wider immigration policy which the Conservative will enact if they win the election.
More information …
Watch Steve Brine in conversation with Damian Green via Steve Brine TV www.stevebrine.tv
See recent story in the Hampshire Chronicle here.