Planned changes to the UK's visa system could hit Brighton's English language schools, Caroline warned yesterday at a well attended Home Affairs Select Committee hearing at Brighton Town Hall.

Having talked at length about the Government's visa proposals with local language schools over the past few months, Caroline had invited the Select Committee down to Brighton to highlight the importance of English Language schools to the local economy.

She said: "Many constituents have written to me to raise concerns about the Government's proposed changes to immigration rules, which will dramatically reduce the numbers of overseas students coming here to study.

"This could have serious consequences for local language schools, which contribute over £100 million every year to the Brighton and Hove economy.

"The Select Committee hearing at the Town Hall was a great opportunity for language school representatives to voice their fears about the plans and put forward ideas.

"The message from English language schools is that, while we need improved regulation to minimize abuse of the UK visa system and root out bogus institutions, these Government proposals put all English language schools at unnecessary risk."

ENDS