Meetings

NDM6198 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the important contribution of the Welsh higher education sector in providing important opportunities to the people of Wales, and delivering significant economic benefits to communities across the nation.

2. Believes that a successful and vibrant higher education sector is essential for a prosperous Wales.

3. Believes that the Welsh Government should do all that is necessary to safeguard the future sustainability of the Welsh higher education sector.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to work with the UK Government to:

a) protect or replace existing EU funding and programmes for research and higher education;

b) secure the continued participation of Welsh universities in the Erasmus Plus scheme of staff and student exchange, and to support further international collaborations and movement of students, researchers, and staff;

c) secure the visa and citizenship status of EU nationals working in Welsh universities;

d) enable Welsh universities to participate in a post-study work visa scheme; and

e) remove international students from UK net migration targets.

The following amendment has been tabled:

Amendment 1. Paul Davies (Preseli Pembrokeshire)

In point 4, delete sub-points a), b), c) and d) and replace with:

'a) maximise international sources of research funding for Welsh universities;

b) support collaborations which provide opportunities for Welsh university students, researchers and staff to engage in international exchange programmes;

c) explore the development of reciprocal arrangements with the EU to address concerns regarding the status of EU nationals working in Welsh universities;

d) continue to provide opportunities for international graduates to be provided with visas post their studies which enable them to work and establish businesses in the UK;'

The item started at 16.16

Voting on the motion and amendments under this item was deferred until Voting Time.

A vote was taken on the motion without amendment:

NDM6198 Rhun ap Iorwerth (Ynys Môn)

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the important contribution of the Welsh higher education sector in providing important opportunities to the people of Wales, and delivering significant economic benefits to communities across the nation.

2. Believes that a successful and vibrant higher education sector is essential for a prosperous Wales.

3. Believes that the Welsh Government should do all that is necessary to safeguard the future sustainability of the Welsh higher education sector.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to work with the UK Government to:

a) protect or replace existing EU funding and programmes for research and higher education;

b) secure the continued participation of Welsh universities in the Erasmus Plus scheme of staff and student exchange, and to support further international collaborations and movement of students, researchers, and staff;

c) secure the visa and citizenship status of EU nationals working in Welsh universities;

d) enable Welsh universities to participate in a post-study work visa scheme; and

e) remove international students from UK net migration targets.

The motion without amendment was agreed.