Closing Britain to Global Talent Will Be An Act of Immense Self-Harm –London Mayor

At a time when the United States is tightening restrictions on international students, the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, has called on the British government to take a different path by keeping the UK’s doors open to global talent.

“Closing our economy to global talent will be an act of immense self-harm,” Khan warned adding “It will slow down growth and leave working people in the UK worse off than before.”

According to the London Mayor, the UK should be embracing international students at a time when President Donald Trump’s America is turning them away.

“At a time when President Trump is attacking international students, we should be welcoming them,” he emphasised.

Sir Sadiq Khan made these remarks while addressing students of the University of Ghana and Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School, at the West African Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) auditorium, University of Ghana.

The event formed part of his historic visit to Ghana in partnership with Imperial College London’s Ghana Hub.

Over five days, the Mayor is visiting four African cities; Lagos, Accra, Johannesburg and Cape Town to strengthen trade links with London and deepen partnerships with the continent’s growing diaspora communities.

His statement comes amid growing concerns over proposals in the UK’s immigration whitepaper, which is reportedly considering imposing a new levy on income that English universities generate from international students.

This move, Sir Khan argues, risks discouraging students from applying to UK institutions, while placing additional financial burdens on already stretched universities.

“There are people back home who believe we should pull up the drawbridge to international students or punish universities that choose to welcome people from around the world,” he said.

Backing his concerns with data, the Mayor revealed that international students contribute tens of billions of pounds to the UK economy over the course of their studies, including £12.5 billion to London alone.

“And when they graduate,” he added, “they go on to make our city and our country a better place to be.”

Looking beyond economics, Sir Khan noted that the presence of international students enrich London culturally and intellectually.

“This is not just about the economy. Every student that comes to London brings something else, something that cannot be measured in pounds or cedis. Their experience gives them the courage to think differently, to challenge the status quo.

“When they return home, they bring more than degrees, they bring back a little bit of London in how they think and act. They become part of the ongoing global conversation between our cities, our countries, and the world.”

The Mayor emphasised London’s continued openness: “On my watch, London will be as open as ever… but I think we must do more. We cannot simply wait for the world to come to London; we must bring London to the world.”

Imperial College London’s Ghana Hub

Sir Sadiq Khan’s visit also spotlighted Imperial College London’s growing footprint in Africa. The university recently became the first UK higher education institution to establish a permanent base on the continent – focused exclusively on science, technology and innovation.

Imperial Global Ghana, located at the University of Ghana, serves as a hub for high-impact collaboration in fields such as AI, medical diagnostics, urban health, and climate science.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, welcomed Sir Sadiq Khan and praised the growing collaboration between the two institutions.

“It is a great honour to welcome the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan to Ghana and to the University of Ghana. His presence underscores the growing importance of global partnerships in shaping the future of education and innovation,” she said.

Highlighting the strategic partnership with Imperial College London, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo noted its success in advancing vaccine manufacturing, digital diagnostics, public health, innovation and environmental sustainability.

“We are especially proud of our collaboration with Imperial College London – one that thrives through initiatives such as the Impact Hub and the five-year Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024.

“This partnership aligns with our five strategic pillars: transformative student experiences, impactful research, faculty and staff development, strategic engagement and sustainable resource mobilisation.”

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