I see the Erasmus+ deal as a valuable opportunity for Wycombe’s young people – one they are seeking to grab with both hands.
Joining Erasmus+ will open up opportunities again to study and train abroad regardless of background. I want Wycombe’s young people to be at the centre of Erasmus+ and a new relationship with our European allies. That is why I have written to local schools, colleges and BNU, as well as Buckinghamshire Council and Buckinghamshire Business First, to ask them to partner with me to secure those life-changing opportunities for our children.
Erasmus+ will bring approximately £60 million in funding for schools, £80 million for Vocational Education & Training, £20 million for adult education, £40m for Youth, as well as access to a pot of c.£1bn managed by the European Commission for wider policy cooperation projects. The first funding window will open in November 2026.
At the UK-EU Summit in May, the Labour government secured a closer relationship with the EU, delivering a deal that supports jobs, cuts bills, and secures borders. The renewed relationship aligns with Labour’s approach to making the UK a great trading nation once again, securing closer cooperation with the EU while striking deals with countries like the US and India.
The new partnership complements Labour’s wider education agenda with has brought free school meals, cheaper uniform costs and as many as 2,440 of children to be lifted out of poverty to Wycombe.