London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has been forced to defend the government's decision to rejoin the EU's Erasmus exchange programme, after a Conservative Assembly Member claimed the £570 million cost represents a choice of "short-term vibes" over vital long-term infrastructure for the capital.
The £570 Million Question
During Mayor's Question Time at City Hall on Thursday, 18 December, Tory AM Neil Garratt directly challenged Sir Sadiq on whether the massive financial outlay was the best use of public money. The funds, secured with a 30 per cent discount from the EU, will come from the Treasury and is set to allow up to 100,000 people of all ages to study or work abroad from 2027.
While the Mayor hailed the move as a "huge win" for young Londoners and a boost for business connectivity, Garratt presented a stark alternative. "For the cost one year of the Erasmus scheme, you could replace the Hammersmith bridge three times over," he stated. The historic bridge has been closed to motor vehicles since 2019, with its repair a persistent local controversy.
Transport Projects vs. Student Exchange
Garratt went further, listing major London transport schemes he argued were being sidelined for the exchange programme. He claimed the annual Erasmus budget could theoretically fund the proposed West London Orbital railway, the recently green-lit DLR extension to Thamesmead, or, over a decade, contribute significantly to the long-awaited Bakerloo Line extension.
"This is about short-term vibes versus building a better long-term future for Londoners," Garratt concluded, accusing the Mayor of being passionate about Erasmus rather than improving transport. "You've chosen your side as the wrong one."
Khan's Defence of 'Huge Opportunities'
In response, Sir Sadiq, a staunch Remainer in the 2016 referendum, vigorously defended the scheme's value. He argued it provides irreplaceable opportunities for young people, supports London businesses, and strengthens ties with Europe. He pointed to the legacy of the programme, noting many former participants are now leaders in politics and business.
"From 2027, there'll be a new generation of British young people... and also European young people coming to our country, learning from each other," the Mayor said. On the specific issue of Hammersmith Bridge, Khan clarified that responsibility lies with the local council, not the Greater London Authority.
The announcement marks a return to Erasmus for UK participants after the scheme was excluded from the post-Brexit deal in 2020. In the 2018-19 academic year, over 18,000 UK students and trainees took part. The Mayor had previously pledged to create a London-specific version of the scheme during his re-election campaign.
