Pressure is mounting on the UK government to decide whether or not to strip London Metropolitan University of its right to recruit outside the EU, after a report this weekend that the decision had already been made sparked panic among students. 2,700 students may be forced to seek alternative courses.

London Metropolitan University has denied suggestions of widespread visa fraud after its licence to enrol non-EU students was suspended last week. UKBA concerns centre on how the university recorded data on overseas students regarding their ability to speak English and attendance.