ROLE OF HIGHER EDUCATION REGULATOR

Early day motion 1997, tabled 22 January 2019 by Caroline Lucas (Green). Signed by 14 members.

That this House recognises the crucial role of our higher education sector in meeting the nation's skills needs and supporting local economies; notes with concern the recent comments by Sir Michael Barber, chair of the Office for Students, which suggest that the new regulator will not support universities experiencing financial difficulties; further notes that allowing a higher education institution to fail would cause significant harm to its students, graduates and local area; awaits with interest the findings of Philip Augar's review of post-18 education and funding which represents an opportunity to overhaul the current system predicated on student debt; and calls on the Government to introduce a fair and sustainable funding system which protects both student interests, institutional funding, and which recognises higher education is not a private commodity but an essential public good.

Signatures by party: Labour 5, Scottish National Party 3, DUP 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1.