As part of the 30 year anniversary celebrations of the student exchange programme Erasmus, Norwich MEP Alex Mayer gave the keynote speech at an evening reception at the University of East Anglia.

UEA has an extremely active exchange programme with links to more than 160 universities across the globe.

The Erasmus programme has so far given 600,000 British students the chance to study and work, not only allowing young people to experience different cultures but also boasting their chances in the employment market. Figures show five years after graduation Erasmus students are 77% more likely to be in a job.

Ms Mayer said: “Erasmus gives UEA students a fantastic chance to meet new people, experience different cultures and different ways of life. It also means students from across Europe come to Norwich helping expand the richness and diversity of University life. Happy Birthday Erasmus! I very much hope, even with Brexit looming, we can remain part of this fantastic programme.”