Beveridge, Britain, and the UK Border Agency

Beveridge, Britain and the UK Border Agency

In 1941 the British Government commissioned the Rangpur born economist Sir William Beveridge (1879-1963) to write a report on the best ways of helping society, especially those on low income. The Beveridge Report (1942) became a seminal work, a real vision of what post-war Britain should aspire to. Chief amongst a whole raft of recommendations was the desire to rid the country of five ‘Giant Evils’ – ‘Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor and Idleness’. In order to rise to such a challenge the British Government established the Welfare State, a system of universal social provision that soon became a template for much of the civilized world. Yet in providing for its subjects Britain created a society which has arguably fallen victim to those who would seek to exploit the munificence of the British State.

Education has been central to much of what has been achieved in subsequent years. A veritable revolution has taken place with the Butler Education Act (1944) providing free universal schooling and the Education and Skills Act (2008) raising the school leaving age for compulsory education to 18. The education system in the United Kingdom excites considerable comment from all sections of society, not all of it positive. Some bemoan the perceived decline in standards, whilst others resent intervention from successive governments.  All political parties in the UK have sort to make capital out of education as an issue. It is worth noting that Margaret Thatcher was Minister of Education (1970-1974) , whilst Tony Blair famously declared in 1987 that his three priorities were; “Education, education, education”. In the year 2010-2011 the UK will spend a staggering ?74.4 billion on education (6.3% of GDP).

British educational institutions have endeavoured to capitalise on their unparalleled experience and connections to turn the very best of tertiary education provision into a global brand. The London Business School is currently the market leader in its field and universities such as Oxford and Cambridge along with fellow members of the Russell Group - www.russellgroup.ac.uk  continue to be at the forefront of excellence and innovation. Yet with such success comes danger; charlatans and frauds have been eager to exploit the global demand to buy in to such success. Sadly, in recent years there has been a proliferation in bogus educational institutions intent on selling false dreams to international students, or acting as a front to enable individuals to gain entry to the UK by unscrupulous means. Naturally legitimate seats of learning have been perturbed by this for sometime, for the disreputable behaviour of the few impacts on the good name of the many. It is for this reason that the UK Home Office working through the UK Border Agency - www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk  has introduced a new system with regard to student visas.

This new system has been inspired, in part, by the entry system established by Australia. As from 1st April 2009 students wishing to study in the UK will need to accumulate a series of points (40 in total). The first 30 points will be awarded for the ability to meet the entry requirements for their chosen course (this will include certain levels of competency in English as well as being able to supply genuine relevant academic certificates). Once this has been achieved the remaining 10 points will be awarded for meeting financial requirements connected with the fees and specified living allowances. Providing all these criteria are met the student should (providing there are no other difficulties) be granted a visa.

In essence the system is fairer and more transparent. The UK Border Agency is also licensing all genuine educational institutions, and this can only be for the good of all who have honest intentions. That said, there is no doubt that the financial requirements are exacting and will regrettably put a UK education beyond the reach of many people. Consequently, Britain will miss out on something of the unique perspective that people from other countries and cultures can bring.

57 years after the Beveridge Report was first published it is clear that we all need to value education and commit ourselves to ridding the world of the five ‘Giant Evils’ -  ‘Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor and Idleness’.

Mark T Jones, Director of External Affairs, The London College of Management Studies.