South West MEP Julie Girling today welcomed research showing the benefits Europe brings to the region through its universities and colleges.
Mrs Girling, who strongly supports the campaign for the UK remain in the European Union, said: “We benefit from membership at all sorts of levels, but this shows how Europe boosts our academic institutions – and they lift the economy of the whole South West.”
She was commenting on analysis from Universities UK showing that EU students at universities in the region generate £168m for the region’s economy and support 1,481 jobs.
Mrs Girling, Conservative MEP for the South West and Gibraltar, added: “British Universities are strong supporters of us remaining in Europe. Much has been said about their exceptional performance in gaining research funding from Europe – that benefit is well known. What this shows is the way EU membership creates jobs and growth across the board.
