Alternative student finance

Early day motion 227, tabled 21 June 2021 by Stephen Timms (Labour). Signed by 28 members.

That this House notes that a significant number of Muslim young people do not take up a university place because the only student finance available involves payment of interest; notes that former Prime Minister David Cameron pledged in October 2013 at the World Islamic Economic Forum in London that the UK would introduce alternative student finance so that never again should a Muslim in Britain feel unable to go to university because they cannot get a loan simply because of their religion; further notes that in 2014, the Government announced following a consultation that it would provide Alternative Student Finance based on the takaful model; regrets that this commitment has still not been delivered; and calls on the Government to reaffirm its commitment to providing alternative student finance, and to announce a clear timetable for delivering it in time for the 2022-3 academic year.

Signatures by party: Labour 14, Liberal Democrat 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Scottish National Party 3, Independent 2, DUP 1, Green 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.