Professor Sir Paul Curran, President of City, University of London, participated in a rally to support the removal of international students from the Government’s net migration target.

Sir Paul joined influential figures including Sir Vince Cable, MP for Twickenham and Leader of the Liberal Democrats; Tulip Siddiq, MP for Hampstead and Kilburn; and Jonathan Bartley, co-leader of The Green Party; along with business leaders, students and academics.

The rally, held in Torrington Square, followed data released by business group London First that show less than one in three people believe that international students should be included in the net migration target. London First notes that international students contribute to the UK economy by generating up to £20 billion a year and supporting around 200,000 jobs.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has also supported the campaign by signing a letter to accompany the rally, along with the NUS and CEOs of major UK businesses.

Sir Paul said:

We take great pride in attracting a diverse range of students from across the globe and we value the huge contribution international students make to our institution and to London. City’s staff and students make us one of the most international universities in the world.

I fully support campaigns to remove students from the net migration target and was proud to join the Stand Up and Don’t Be Countedrally. It is important that we make sure international students are welcomed as a valued part of university and economic life.