SNP: Welcome Progress Against Opportunties Narrowed By Brexit
During an exchange at First Minister’s Questions today, the First Minister outlined his commitment in this week’s Programme for Government to developing the Scottish Education Exchange Programme, which will prioritise placements for disadvantaged groups and demonstrate Scotland’s commitment to EU and global partnerships with schools, colleges and universities.
The Scottish Education Exchange Programme will demonstrate Scotland’s commitment to European and global partnerships and ensure young people can benefit from some of the exchange opportunities which the UK Government’s refusal to participate in Erasmus+ has robbed them of.
The First Minister also updated Holyrood with figures which show more than 93% of Scots leaving school in 2021/22 went onto positive destinations within 9 months – the highest level since comparable data was first gathered.
Ruth Maguire MSP, who asked the FMQ, said:
“The SNP Scottish Government has made significant progress in supporting Scotland’s young people – with over 93% of leavers going onto positive destinations.
“This week’s Programme for Government also committed to developing the Scottish Education Exchange Programme, to retain links with our European neighbours and improve opportunities for our young people.
“But these significant strides in widening opportunities for those from the most disadvantaged backgrounds come against the backdrop of an insular Brexit that has been an unmitigated disaster for Scotland’s young people, as the First Minister outlined so clearly today.
“Rather than picking up the pieces of Brexit, we need to be able to play a full and constructive role with our neighbours in Europe by joining the European Union as an independent country.
“It’s only with the full powers of independence that Scotland can unleash its full potential, opening opportunities for our young people. Our neighbouring nations are happier, wealthier and fairer – so why not Scotland?”
Programme for Government:
Launch a new Scottish Education Exchange Programme – building on an initial test and learn project that we are delivering in 2023-24, prioritising placements for disadvantaged groups and further demonstrate our commitment to EU and global partnerships with schools, colleges and universities including through working with these sectors