THE UNIVERSITY for the Creative Arts (UCA) has spoken out with concerns after MPs voted to end UK access to EU education and training funding after Brexit.

Tabled by national Liberal Democrat education spokesperson, MP Layla Morgan, the New Clause 10 was an amendment to the EU Withdrawal Agreement Bill.

It would have required the government to seek to negotiate continuing a full membership of the EU’s education, training and youth programme, Erasmus+.

The programme gives young people in the UK the chance to learn across 27 countries.

Last Wednesday, the clause was defeated by 344 votes to 254, with 336 Conservative and eight Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) MPs voting against.

Speaking of the decision and its impact on the university, UCA’s study abroad co-ordinator Daniel Neat said: “The University for the Creative Arts has participated in the Erasmus+ programme since 2012 and it has played an integral part to the study and work abroad experience students have.

“Students at UCA have benefited from being able to undertake study abroad exchanges for one to two semesters at one of our European partner institutions, as well as benefiting from the Erasmus+ Traineeships programme. This enables them to access grant funding to support them while working abroad, and gives them access to a valuable set of international working skills and experience.

“I believe passionately the Erasmus+ programme must continue beyond 2020 for the benefit of student mobility across Europe and beyond.

“Having undertaken the Erasmus+ study abroad exchange and the Erasmus+ Traineeship myself, I am privileged to work in a role where I can advocate the importance of learning and developing internationally through the programme.”

Also commenting on the vote, European Parliament Committee for Culture and Education (CULT) member Judith Bunting called the decision “every bit as mindless as it is devastating”.

She added: “The Conservative government has consistently pledged to minimise the damage of Brexit, yet despite talking a big game, they are once again letting down the young people of the country – and for what?”