Newscast (BBC News)

Episode: "Is The Erasmus Student Scheme Worth The Money?"

Date: December 17, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Newscast delves into the UK’s decision to rejoin the Erasmus student exchange scheme, sparking debate about costs, benefits, and implications for young people post-Brexit. Host Victoria Derbyshire, joined by Jo Coburn and political guest Nick Thomas-Symonds (Minister for the Constitution and EU Relations), analyses the financial arrangements, the scheme’s wider significance, and reactions from political parties and the public. The podcast also briefly covers the election of Andrea Egan as Unison’s new General Secretary and its implications for Labour and the trade union movement.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Political Banter and PMQs Recap

• [01:10–03:52] Lighthearted coverage of the last Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) of the year, with seasonal jokes and political barbs exchanged between party leaders.
  • Keir Starmer delivers holiday-themed jabs:
    “She’s not going to ban doctor strikes. He doesn’t have the baubles. And a little festive advice to those in Reform: If mysterious men from the East appear bearing gifts this time, report it to the police, Mr. Speaker.” — Keir Starmer [01:44]
  • Humorous interludes bridge into the main topic about Erasmus.

2. What is the Erasmus Scheme and What’s Changing?

• [04:33–05:27] Jo Coburn gives a concise explanation:

  • Erasmus was an EU scheme for university and apprenticeship exchanges. Post-Brexit, the UK replaced it with the “Turing” scheme.
  • The government has now negotiated returning to Erasmus from 2027, allowing 1-year exchanges in EU institutions without extra fees for Brits and vice versa.
  • Reaction among students is positive:
    “His reaction was, ‘Quality.’” — Victoria Derbyshire, on her son’s view [05:27]

• [05:43–06:48] Political reactions:

  • The EU and Lib Dems praise the move; Conservatives like Priti Patel criticize it as “undoing Brexit by stealth” and worry about the cost.
  • The new deal: £570 million per year, nearly double the pre-Brexit cost, for the 2027–28 academic year.

3. Interview: Nick Thomas-Symonds Explains the Government’s Rationale

Why Return to Erasmus?

• [07:07–08:08]
  • “To create tens of thousands of greater opportunities for principally young people but for adult learners as well. This is a really exciting announcement… This is a much bigger scheme, broader set of opportunities.” — Nick Thomas-Symonds [07:13]

How Does Erasmus Compare to Turing?

• [08:08–08:39]
  • Erasmus is EU-focused but now includes some non-EU countries.
  • Up to 20% of grants can be used for exchanges to countries beyond Europe.

Cost Concerns

• [08:39–11:35]
  • Victoria: Points out the last year’s UK participation cost £126 million, compared to £570 million now.
  • Nick: Argues this is a “30% discount on what it would ordinarily be” since the UK is paying directly, no longer as an EU member through the general budget.
  • Participation expected to exceed 100,000 people vs ~56,000 in the past.
  • There will be a cost/value assessment 10 months after joining, based on real participation.
    • “It would be based squarely on value for money and ... data… I absolutely want to get that right.” — Nick Thomas-Symonds [10:25]
  • Victoria presses on the high cost for “shared experiences.”
    • “That’s half a billion quid.”
  • Nick responds:
    • “But it also contributes to our workforce. There’s clearly an economic benefit.” — [12:51]

The Future of the Turing Scheme

• [11:35–12:22]
  • Ongoing Turing placements are protected.
  • The new Erasmus scheme allows up to 20% of funding for study/work abroad outside the EU group.

Negotiation Details & Value Assurance

• [13:24–14:28]
  • The original EU “ask” was £810 million; the UK negotiated a 30% discount for £570 million for the first year.
  • Erasmus now covers more than double the Turing scheme’s participants and broader categories, including sports/youth/adult education.

4. Brexit, Youth Mobility, and the Government’s Broader EU Policy

• [15:04–17:22]
  • Upcoming negotiations: A separate Youth Experience Scheme should be settled by the 2026 UK-EU summit, giving more freedom for young people to work and travel in Europe.
  • Not a reversal of Brexit:
    • “We respect the outcome of the 2016 referendum... What we were absolutely clear about is that we would, in the national interest, negotiate a closer UK EU relationship within that framework, within those guardrails.” — Nick Thomas-Symonds [16:54]

Minister’s Status and Policy Direction

• [17:22–18:46]
  • Nick clarifies his Cabinet position and framing of Brexit/EU relations: “2026 in the UK-EU relationship is now going to be about delivery, it’s about delivering those and ending the negotiations... instruction from the Prime Minister to get on and deliver.” — [18:46]

Political Reactions

• [18:46–19:43]
  • Lib Dems want deeper EU integration; Conservatives accuse government of “betrayal.”
  • Nick’s retort:
    • “The Government is delivering. We are putting forward a deal that is good for jobs, that is good for bills bearing down on food and energy bills and is giving us more tools...” — [19:10]

5. Trade Union News: Andrea Egan Elected Unison General Secretary

• [20:10–25:13]
  • Andrea Egan, a Bolton-based social worker, wins Unison’s top job, ousting Keir Starmer ally Christina McAnea.
  • She is seen as being to the left of the party and critical of Labour leadership.
    • “She will, quote, hold Keir Starmer’s feet to the fire, or rather Labour's feet to the fire.” — Jo Coburn [21:44]
  • Egan could influence Labour both vocally (on air/media) and financially (possibly reducing Unison’s financial support).
  • Her support for Andy Burnham (Greater Manchester Mayor) vs Starmer may impact Labour dynamics, especially on the National Executive Committee.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “He doesn’t have the baubles.” — Keir Starmer [01:44]
• “His reaction was, ‘Quality.’” — Victoria Derbyshire’s son on Erasmus return [05:27]
• “...this undoes Brexit by stealth...” — Jo Coburn quoting Priti Patel [05:43]
• “It would be based squarely on value for money and it would be based on data.” — Nick Thomas-Symonds [10:25]
• “That’s half a billion quid.” — Victoria Derbyshire [12:38]
• “We respect the outcome of the 2016 referendum... What we were absolutely clear about is that we would, in the national interest, negotiate a closer UK EU relationship within that framework, within those guardrails.” — Nick Thomas-Symonds [16:54]
• “She will, quote, hold Keir Starmer’s feet to the fire.” — Jo Coburn on Andrea Egan [21:44]
• “He’s the King of the North.” — Jo Coburn, quoting Egan about Andy Burnham [24:02]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• PMQs Banter & Political Jokes: 01:10–03:52
• Erasmus Explained, Political Responses: 04:33–06:48
• Minister Interview: Policy, Cost, Value: 07:07–15:04
• Brexit Position & Broader EU Direction: 15:04–19:43
• Unison & Labour Party Implications: 20:10–25:13

Tone & Language

The episode is lively and candid, with journalists using friendly banter and clear language. Ministers and guests maintain a professional but conversational tone, with occasional pointed (but respectful) challenges on complex financial and political matters. The hosts work to make policy details accessible and relevant, often using humor to keep the conversation engaging.

Summary

This episode offers a thorough examination of the UK’s re-entry into Erasmus, highlighting its broader scope compared to the Turing scheme but also its much higher price tag. While government representatives argue the expanded opportunities for youth and the economy justify the cost, critics see it as an expensive reversal of Brexit principles. The discussion expands into what the new Unison leadership could mean for Labour and the wider UK political landscape. The episode balances detailed policy analysis with humor and accessible explanations, making complex topics approachable for a general audience.