Bridget Phillipson's speech at the Embassy Education Conference
Thank you very much. I am delighted to be here with you today. Thanks so much for the invitation.In my first weeks as secretary of state in this new government I have been resetting relationships across the length and breadth of education.I want to refresh old partnerships and grow new ones, not just at home but around the world too.By joining forces in education, we can build new bridges between our nations.And I want to set the record straight on international students. I know there’s been some mixed messaging from governments in the past, from our predecessors most of all.And for too long international students have been treated as political footballs, not valued guests.Their fees welcomed, but their presence resented.Exploited for cheap headlines, not cherished for all they bring to our communities.This government will take a different approach and we will speak clearly.Be in no doubt:international students are welcome in the UK.This new government values their contribution – to ou...