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University think-tank urges the Labour Party to stop ‘shilly-shallying’ on fees

In advance of the Labour Party Conference which starts on Sunday, the university think-tank million+ is urging the Labour Party to be clear with students and universities on the Party’s manifesto commitments to students and universities. The think-tank is demanding that Labour no longer hides behind the fees review, due to report after the general election next year and that it reveals its hand in terms of its future approach to tuition fees and university funding before voters go to the ballot box.

Professor Les Ebdon CBE Vice Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire and Chair of million+ said, “Labour needs to stop shilly-shallying and say where it stands on fees and university funding. Do they want to increase the market in higher education? Will they pledge to get rid of the discrimination that part-time students face in accessing adequate funding? Will they lift the cap on fees without addressing any of the inequities in the system?

“Telling voters to ‘wait and see’ what Labour’s policies will be until after the election will just not wash. Students and universities can’t be left in the dark. Labour needs to stop hiding behind the fees review. Students, university staff and their families need to know what they are voting for before they head off to the ballot box.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

  1. million+ is a leading university think-tank, working to solve the complex problems in higher education. www.millionplus.ac.uk
  2. Professor Les Ebdon will bespeaking at the million+ and National Union of Students fringe meeting entitled Higher Education: What will Labour promise students and universities on Sunday 27th September at 17.45 in DODS Theatre A, Durham Gallery, Hilton Metropole. Speakers: Rt. Hon David Lammy MP Minister for Higher Education and Lifelong Learning, Wes Streeting NUS and Chukka Ummuna Streatham PPC. The meeting will be chaired by Ann Mroz Editor THE
  3. For more information please contact Gemma Tumelty on 0207 7171655 or 07900 277819