Julian Raises University Funding Beyond 2020 in Prime Minister’s Questions
September 7, 2016
Today Julian pressed the Prime Minister on funding arrangements for Universities after the UK leaves the European Union.
Speaking in the House of Commons Julian said, “Our world leading universities are one of our country’s great assets. So when I next meet with the Vice Chancellor of York University to discuss Brexit and higher education, what assurances can I pass to him from my Right Honourable Friend the Prime Minister that our universities will continue to receive the vital funding they need to thrive beyond 2020?”
In response the Prime Minister Theresa May said that it is right to raise the significance of our universities and drew attention to the reassurance given by the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond which guaranteed university and agriculture funding up until 2019. The Prime Minister added that “We have a great record on higher education in this country; we want to build on that and develop it for the future.”
After Prime Minister’s Questions had concluded Julian said, “I am encouraged that the Prime Minister shares my belief that Britain’s higher education sector must continue to punch well above its weight following our exit from the European Union. York is home to two excellent universities and they play a hugely important role in the local community and wider region. The Chancellor’s recent commitment to guaranteeing university funding for the next three years is welcome news and I am confident that the this Government will ensure support for our universities extends well beyond the end of the decade.”
Julian last met with Professor Koen Lamberts, Vice Chancellor at the University of York in July and will be meeting him again next month to discuss the implications of Brexit amongst a number of other matters.
