The government appears to be in a real mess in its approach to immigration. It has made promises concerning reductions in the rate of net migration that are outside of its control (given that most inward immigration is from the EU and is uncapped, and the number of UK citizens leaving the UK is not controlled).
This has resulted in action to significantly limit immigration from non-EU countries and has produced several unintended consequences. It has made it harder for UK businesses to engage, in a flexible way, in the recruitment of the best talent from around the world and the business community has complained loudly and consistently. It has also created additional barriers for legitimate students from outside the EU who wish to study at UK universities. It has also given the overall impression that we are not ‘open for business’ in international higher education relative to other countries such as the USA, Australia and Canada. Given that the great majority of students studying in the UK return to their home country (and most that stay contribute positively to the UK economy) it is not surprising that Universities UK is engaged in a campaign to have students excluded from the UK migration data. The University supports this campaign.
So why am I bothering you with my political opinions? My wife Sarah and I were able to host the 40th anniversary celebrations of the University International Women’s Club at Birchwood on 16 May. This club is run by volunteers within the university community to provide practical and social support for the female partners of international students and staff who have recently joined the University. Its existence and ethos sits wonderfully in juxtaposition to the current position of the government, showing our community to be one that is welcoming and that embraces the rich cultural diversity of our world. The Club has its origins in 1972 when the wonderfully named Women’s University Tea Committee formed a sub-committee to help wives of international students and staff ‘to assimilate into the British way of life’.
Since that time the Club has evolved, but still aims to provide a welcoming atmosphere and companionship to our overseas visitors, increasing mutual understanding and friendship between women from all parts of the world. The Club has maintained its commitment to a mix of social, cultural and practical support. There is less emphasis today on assimilation and much more on enjoying and sharing cultural differences. This was superbly illustrated by the food brought by members and guests to the lunch!
The lunch was a great opportunity to say thanks to all those past and present who have made the Club such a success and who, without fuss, have provided such invaluable behind the scenes support for the University community.
Later the same day, I had another of those glorious experiences as vice-chancellor when I hosted a public presentation at the Bluthner Piano Showroom of our highly original HAWK technology, invented by Dr Cheryl Metcalfe, from Health Sciences. HAWK enables the three dimensional study of hand movements and has been enthusiastically embraced by Professor of Musical Performance David Owen Norris at the University, to improve his own hand movement and to advise students. Following the presentation, we were entertained by our music students in a rare performance of a piano concerto for 12 pianos. This is rare for the simple reason that it is highly unusual to have 12 concert pianos in the same place! The event was concluded by, Keith Davis, Head of Vocal Studies and our student choir singing A Nightingale sang in Berkeley Square (the Bluthner Showrooms are just off Berkeley Square). Pure magic!