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Written question asked by Baroness Coussins (Crossbench) on Monday, 23 March 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 April 2026. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Monday, 30 March 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Languages: Higher Education

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have carried out impact assessments of the closures and restructuring of university language departments, including assessments of (1) the impact of regional 'cold spots' on their ambitions for equal opportunities as described in their White Paper Every Child Achieving and Thriving (CP 1508-I), published on 23 February, (2) the sustainability of teacher recruitment targets in modern languages, and (3) the UK's future capabilities in national security, diplomacy, defence and trade.

Answer

The department is aware that some universities are making difficult decisions about their provision. As autonomous institutions, universities are free to choose which courses they deliver. While the government is supportive of language provision, we play no role in the delivery of these specific schemes.

As education is a devolved matter, it would not be appropriate for the government to comment on provision at Scottish universities.

We want to ensure that all children and young people have access to a high-quality language education. In response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review, we set out our commitment to strengthen the languages pipeline, including at A level and degree.

Teacher recruitment in modern languages is kept under review. Incentives, bursaries and training reforms aim to support a sustainable pipeline, recognising that universities play an important but independent role in this.

The government continues to assess national capability needs in security, diplomacy, defence and trade, ensuring language skills requirements are understood across departments.

The department has published our plan for higher education reform through the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, which sets out our ambition for a world leading sector that supplies the skills our labour market needs.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL15841
Session
2024-26
Related items
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Equality Languages Higher education
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk