Education Secretary Nicky Morgan visited De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) as the Britain Stronger In Europe brought its campaign to the region.
The Loughborough MP met with students and staff to find out how they have benefited from Britain’s membership of the EU through overseas study and research grants.
Vice-Chancellor Professor Dominic Shellard said: “This is the most important vote in a generation and DMU is committed to ensuring that eligible students are registered to cast their vote so their voice can be heard on 23 June.
“This is just one of a number of events we are staging to engage students in the EU Referendum debate.”
Professor Shellard has championed the national Universities For Europe campaign, to show the value of EU membership to UK higher education.
He said: “Through initiatives including #DMUglobal and Erasmus, students have enjoyed transformative experiences studying in Europe and they were able to share those with Nicky Morgan.”
Nicky Morgan, one of the most high-profile members of the Stronger In campaign, met with students who had benefited from studying aboard including Alice Davis, who spent a year in Finland via Erasmus.
Alice, 21, an English Literature student, said: “I spent a year at Oulu University in Finland. It really pushed me, it was a really challenging time but I think it has been so beneficial to me and it was a great experience. I’m very keen we stay in the EU. Other people should be able to have these opportunities.”
The Brighter Future In “battle bus” was met with students supporting the Remain campaign.
Ms Morgan said: “It is students and young people who are going to be the generation most affected by the outcome of this vote and who have most to lose if Britain leaves the EU.”
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EU referendum debate discusses thorny issues Stephen Angell, First year Economics and Politics student, said: “I think a lot of us, as young people, can see our future in Europe.
“The common market to me means access to more jobs, protecting workers’ rights and investing more in education. I just cannot see any benefit in leaving.”
Claire Marriott, First year International Relations and Politics, said: “This is the first event I have been to where I have campaigned to be in the EU but I would like to do more. From a student perspective the Erasmus exchange programme is really important. I want to option to study in Europe and learn about different cultures and I think it will be good for my career.”
Kayleigh Beere, First year Politics student, said: “I think it is so important to be part of a wider community. We should not be on our own. It is vital to have free trade (between member countries). I think it lowers the cost of living and students benefit from freedom of movement. It means we can get experience overseas and make us better candidates for jobs.”
Posted on Wednesday 13 April 2016