Following news in The Times revealing that only 1 per cent of international students break their visa terms by refusing to leave after the end of their course, Bright Blue reiterates its call for the removal of international students from the net migration targets.

Ryan Shorthouse, Director of Bright Blue, said:

"The Government is wrong to want to reduce the number of international students coming to the UK. The public do not want to see fewer foreign students studying at our Higher Education institutions. The Government should remove students from the net migration target.

"The UK is home to world-class universities, attracting talented people from around the world. International students contribute huge amounts to the British economy, as a result of paying fees as well as buying goods and services in Britain. An overwhelming majority of the public does not want to see a reduction in the number of international students."