The SNP has called on the UK Government to do everything possible to secure a return to the EU’s Erasmus programme, following reports that talks are under way to rejoin the scheme.
The party says the move represents a long overdue acknowledgment of the damage Brexit has caused to Scotland’s students, universities and wider society.
The SNP has consistently argued for continued participation in Erasmus since the Brexit referendum, pointing to lost opportunities for young people and reduced international collaboration in education and research.
While welcoming discussions on rejoining the programme, the party has criticised Labour for what it describes as a failure to confront the underlying consequences of Brexit.
The SNP says Scotland was taken out of the European Union against its will and that attempts to rejoin individual programmes cannot fully repair that democratic breach.
Joe Fitzpatrick MSP said:
“Scotland did not vote for Brexit.
“Our young people, our universities, and our communities have already been paying the price of Farage’s campaign to leave for years while Starmer refuses to admit that the whole thing was a mistake.
“The SNP has campaigned tirelessly for Scotland’s access to Erasmus, while Labour and the Tories ignored the voices of the young people most affected by Brexit.
“It is baffling how Labour is only now realising what Scots figured out a long time ago.
“This isn’t leadership, it’s a desperate scramble to fix a mess they helped create.
“Scottish students shouldn’t be used as pawns in Westminster’s Brexit blunders.
“Rejoining Erasmus is welcome, but it cannot undo the fact that Scotland has been dragged out of the EU against its will.
“Only a fresh start with independence can restore Scotland’s place in Europe.”
Erasmus previously allowed thousands of Scottish students to study, train and work across Europe each year, while also bringing international students into Scotland’s colleges and universities.
The SNP argues that the loss of the programme has narrowed horizons for young people, weakened cultural exchange and made Scotland less attractive as a destination for international collaboration.
The party says rejoining Erasmus would be a positive step but insists it must not be used to mask the wider economic and social impact of Brexit on Scotland.
It also argues that the renewed talks highlight the gap between Scotland’s pro European stance and decisions taken at Westminster.
The SNP has repeated its position that only independence can guarantee Scotland’s long term place in Europe and ensure decisions affecting education and young people are taken in Scotland.
The UK Government has not yet confirmed a timeline or terms for any potential return to Erasmus.
