Control of student numbers heading to Britain could harm ties with trade partners: think-tank

A proposed government tough line on overseas students could harm Britain's economy and damage relations with trade partners abroad, such as India and China, the IPPR, a think-tank, warned on Tuesday.

An announcement of stricter immigration controls was made earlier at the Conservative Party conference by Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

It will control students from overseas coming to study "lesser courses" at British universities and colleges.

But there has been criticism of the proposal which is being seen as a reaction to demands to control immigration into Britain.

The IPPR said in a statement that a crude reduction in numbers could pose a serious risk to the country's economy. Instead, the institute called for a smart, strategic approach to post-Brexit immigration.

IPPR argued that the government should take a strategic view of Britain's immigration system to protect the economy in an "uncertain post-Brexit landscape."

"International students are a major economic asset to the UK and a vital part of our education exports. Students of all abilities pay fees and contribute to our economy, so there is a weak case for distinguishing students on the basis of academic ability within our immigration system," said IPPR. Endit