8 July 2010
million+ Summer Reception 2010
million+ annual Parliamentary reception highlighted the ‘University Challenge’ for MPs and Peers who were also presented with the latest million+ publication: So just what is a university?
This provides the answers to frequently asked questions about universities in the UK, challenges some misconceptions and identifies key policy and funding issues for MPs and Ministers in the new Parliament.
The reception was very well-supported and the Attlee Room at Portcullis House was filled with undergraduate and postgraduate students and University Vice-Chancellors and staff from universities throughout the country. For their part, MPs and members of the House of Lords signed up to become ‘University Champions’ for their local universities.
Helen Jones MP
Adrian Bailey MP
Kelvin Hopkins MP
Jason McCartney MP
The principal guest speaker, the Rt Hon David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities & Skills, paid tribute to the work of universities in promoting social mobility and for their contribution to the economy.
Pam Tatlow, Professor Les Ebdon and Rt Hon David Willetts MP
He was joined by the Rt Hon Pat McFadden, Shadow Secretary of State for BIS and Susan Nash from the NUS.
Rt Hon Pat McFadden MP, Emma Reynolds MP and the University of Wolverhampton
Bucks New University
The reception was hosted by Tom Blenkinsop MP, elected to Parliament in May 2010 for Middlesbrough South & East Cleveland, and a graduate of Teesside University. In his remarks Tom said that some people were still surprised that as part of his university course he had discussed the works of Aristotle and pointed out that wherever people study, there is huge benefit in going to university.
Tom Blenkinsop MP, Lord Sawyer and the University of Teesside
Pam Tatlow, Chief Executive of million+ introduced the event and Professor Les Ebdon, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire and Chair of million+, outlined the challenges facing universities, students and MPs.
For more see: million+ press comment