Bright Blue, the independent think tank for liberal conservatism, believes the Government is wrong in refusing to take international students out of the net migration target.

Bright Blue research shows that the overwhelming majority of the public, including Conservative voters, do not want less international students.

Ryan Shorthouse, Director of Bright Blue, commented:

"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.

"At a time when the UK needs to be working extra hard at showing we are open for business to the world, clamping down on international students is unwise.