Foreign students contribute £514m to North East economy

International students generate £514m to the economy in the North East of England and support over 2,000 jobs, according to an analysis by UniversitiesUK.

The research also found overseas students spent a total of £256m off-campus in the region.

Lord John Shipley, former Leader of Newcastle City Council and Liberal Democrat Brexit Spokesperson for the North East, commented:

"These figures highlight the threat to the North East's economy posed by the Government's reckless plans to cut international student numbers at all costs.

"Overseas students make a huge contribution to cities like Newcastle and Sunderland, supporting jobs and businesses by spending millions of pounds in our local economy.

"If the Government was serious about boosting regional growth, it would be helping our world-class universities to attract more foreign students.

"Instead, Theresa May is planning a crackdown on foreign students and opting for a hard Brexit that will discourage EU students from coming here.

"The Liberal Democrats will stand up against this narrow-minded approach and for a Britain that is open, tolerant and united."