Fines for universities who don't fly EU flag

BRITISH universities will be fined if they fail to display the EU flag, campaigners have claimed.

- AARON NEWBURY Political Correspondent

Brussels rules attached to the costly Erasmus scheme would mandate showing the Flag of Europe - or risk institutions having their funding docked by the bloc.

The project allows students and apprentices to study, work and train abroad while waiving host tuition fees. Britain is set to rejoin in 2027.

Now campaigners are demanding that Andy Burnham tear up the deal if he becomes PM.

A dossier seen by this newspaper shows that ministers have admitted universities signing up must follow the EU’s “publicity requirements”.

The Sunday Express can reveal Education Minister Josh MacAlister said British institutions joining the scheme will need “to follow the provisions” set by the EU. When challenged by Tory MPs on what would happen to those who defied the rules, the minister revealed non-compliance would “result in action”.

Such punishments could even include “a reduction of the grant amount”, he conceded in written parliamentary answers.