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30 Jun 2010 15:15:53
University of Bedfordshire students joined Vice Chancellor Professor Les Ebdon CBE at the House of Commons to issue a challenge to MPs to work harder to protect higher education institutions from spending cuts.
UBSU President Julie Sadlier and incoming President Lyndsay Murphy were part of a student delegation from the University to hear speeches from David Willetts MP, Minister for Universities and Science, and Susan Nash from the NUS. Professor Ebdon, in his capacity as chair of the leading university think tank million+, also addressed the audience of more than 100 students and staff from universities across the UK.
Professor Ebdon said: “People have come here today to challenge their local MPs to become ‘university champions’ – working to support their local university at a time when universities and students face difficult spending reductions.
“By having university champions from all parties, that are active and vocal in parliament, we can work together to try to improve the understanding of the impact that universities have on our economy and why having the opportunity to study at university is vital in building a fairer and more cohesive society.”
Julie said that it was important for students and families who would like to send their children to university in the future to remain vigilant of the potential impact of funding cuts.
“We have to acknowledge that we are facing cuts in all aspects of public spending. But if we start to see the introduction of variable fees and cuts in university funding there is no doubt that will have an impact on newer institutions and especially on those people who do not come from affluent backgrounds.
“If fees go up, there is a strong risk that that will create a deterrent from going to university.”
Latest news» 2010» June» Students and Vice Chancellor lay down university challenge
