Labour calls on government to help universities and students

The Labour Party has called for the government to support UK universities, guarantee students get the support they need to succeed, and ensure that a degree course is available to anyone with the aspirations to study one.

Labour has asked government to ensure seven key tests are met, including making sure no university go bust and ensuring there is equality of opportunity for all in every region.

Labour wants government to reduce barriers to learning; protect and enhance domestic and international research; and enhance a co-operative and co-ordinated Higher Education sector across the whole of the UK.

Labour also calls on the government to prevent further financial hardship for current students; provide comprehensive support for 2020 final year students; and promote universities as civic institutions.

Emma Hardy, Shadow Further Education and Universities Minister, said: “No country has ever increased economic activity through reducing access to higher education. This Government cannot allow any university to fail and it must ensure everyone in every region with the desire to learn has access to a university.

“By passing these 7 key tests the government will show commitment to our higher education sector, to our young people, and to our regional economies. Meeting these tests will help guarantee a fairer society and allow aspiration to flourish.

“I have written to the Secretary of State today to ask him to show support for every person who aspires to attend university and to protect the equality of opportunity for everyone in every region as part of Labour’s ‘7 Key Higher Education Tests’ campaign."