UCU response to appointment of Chris Skidmore as universities minister

Responding to the appointment of Chris Skidmore as the universities minister, University and College Union (UCU) head of policy and campaigns Matt Waddup said:

‘The minister comes in at a crucial juncture for higher education. We have the highest fees in the world, an admissions policy which embeds inequality and are suffering on the global stage because of a hostile environment and Brexit.

‘In the face of much political uncertainty, what the sector needs is a champion who understands the huge contribution universities make to our economy and society.’