The Shadow Secretary of State for Universities David Willetts came to Winchester this week to talk Higher Education.
The Shadow Secretary of State (and ex-Havant MP) came to Winchester this week and he headed straight for the city’s University.
Mr Willetts was invited by Prospective Winchester MP Steve Brine and spent an hour seeing the new Performing Arts Centre and student residence block on the King Alfred Campus off Sparkford Road. They also met with Pro Vice Chancellor Tommy Geddes, the President ‘elect’ of Winchester Students’ Union Seb Miell and members of the newly formed Conservative Student Society on campus to discuss issues facing Higher Education in the years ahead. They were also joined for the visit by Liz Stuart, Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic).
Speaking after the visit, Mr Willetts said; “I really like Winchester University and I can sense how comfortable Steve Brine is with it and how much respect there is for him there. It was good to see the new buildings, especially the Arts centre which continue the striking design qualities I have come to expect from this University. Given the state of the public finances there is of course a challenging time ahead for Higher Education but we’ve been looking at what we can do to bring some extra money in to pay for at least 10,000 extra places this Summer. That policy is now in place, fully costed by incentives we will give for early repayment of student loans, and I hope that will give young people some real hope for this Summer.”
Steve Brine added; “It was good to have David here and of course we discussed the issues around student fees and Lord Brown’s wider review of Higher Education which will report later this year. As David made clear we think that review should have at its heart what we can do to improve the student experience young people here have rightly come to expect. It would in our view be wholly irresponsible now to pre-empt what Lord Brown will say and make unfunded promises that suit an election campaign, young voters are very switched on in my experience and know nothing comes for free.”
Mr Willetts added; “The younger generation have had a raw deal in this recession. They’ve been worst hit by unemployment and have struggled to get their voice heard. I think coming out to vote here in Winchester is crucial for them. I hope what we have in the manifesto launched this week on the environment, education, strengthening our society and reforming our politics are proposals people will find well worth voting for.”
More information ...
Steve Brine TV - see Steve and David in conversation about Higher Education issues via www.stevebrine.tv