The United Kingdom is set to rejoin the European Union's Erasmus+ student exchange scheme under plans announced by the Labour party, a move that has drawn criticism regarding the potential for political indoctrination in educational materials. The program, which is projected to cost the UK £570 million in its first year, includes lesson plans that could introduce British pupils to revised versions of classic fairytales and methods for political activism.
Under the revised curriculum, stories like 'Little Red Riding Hood' may be adapted to remove perceived gender assumptions, ageism, racism, or disablism. One example cited is a retelling titled 'Over the rainbow,' where Red Riding Hood is portrayed as confident in her sexuality, with the narrative including "obvious Freudian imagery." Additionally, students might be taught how to organize "school walkouts and online campaigns" to "spearhead youth-led climate activism."
The Department for Education directs teachers and youth providers to these lesson plans, though it states this does not constitute an endorsement. Ministers have promoted the scheme as an opportunity for young people to gain travel experiences within the EU, with the program slated to begin in 2027. A government-approved provider highlighted a "strong emphasis on inclusion and diversity" within the program.
Critics have voiced strong opposition to the scheme. Andrew Gilligan, a research fellow at the Policy Exchange think-tank, described the educational content as "stupid" but indicative of a serious intent "to turn schools into factories producing a generation of activists." MP Mike Wood stated, "It is unbelievable kids are being brainwashed as part of what the EU claims is a travel scheme. Erasmus is nothing more than a Trojan horse to peddle a political agenda."
Labour ministers have characterized the deal as "fair and balanced." However, the cost is reportedly double that of a previous iteration rejected by Boris Johnson in 2021 due to its expense. The initial £570 million cost for the first year represents a 30 percent discount, but funding is expected to rise by an additional 50 percent from 2028. The return to Erasmus+ will coincide with the abolition of the Turing scheme, which provided opportunities for disadvantaged students to study worldwide at a lower cost to the UK.
The Department for Education stated that the Erasmus+ program "will enable over 100,000 young people from all backgrounds to access life-changing opportunities to... study abroad."