EU presses UK to guarantee discounted university tuition fees for European students

Failure to agree lower fees for EU citizens studying in UK should delay prized food and drink deal, members say

The EU is seeking a firmer pledge from the British government to guarantee European students discounted rates on university tuition fees before a much-anticipated summit this month.

At a meeting of senior EU diplomats on Wednesday, at least six member states called for a clear commitment from the UK by the time of the summit that EU students will pay the lower domestic rate of university tuition fees.

These member states oppose deferring agreement for another half-year. Many believe a failure to reach an agreement should delay the highly prized food and drink deal to cut Brexit red tape coming into force.