Question to the Department for International Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Trade, whether the export of UK higher education is a priority sector in future trade negotiations; and whether (a) research collaboration and (b) student exchanges will be included in those negotiations.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) recognises that higher education is a significant export for the United Kingdom, bringing value in the collaboration and partnerships they foster, and helping to forge deep global relationships. These underpin opportunities for the United Kingdom and our international partners to develop, trade and work together.

HM Government is exploring to what extent our trade negotiations could support trade in education services. This may include collaboration in science, research and innovation as appropriate. DIT will continue to work across government and with other interested parties to make sure our trade negotiations represent the sector’s interests.