The next prime minister has a golden opportunity to deliver jobs,
regional growth and improve life chances across the UK by working
with universities.
To strengthen the economy and drive social mobility, Universities
UK has called on the next prime minister to pledge support to the
UK’s universities, which generate £95 billion for the
economy and create more than 940,000 jobs across the nation.
Universities UK is highlighting five policy issues that the next
Conservative party leader should support if universities are to
maximise their positive impact economically, socially and
culturally and continue to rank as global leaders.
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Immigration – the removal of barriers to
recruiting and retaining international students and staff.
-
Student experience – including committing
to promoting policies to encourage access to university and
supporting student mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
-
Science, research and innovation – a
commitment to meeting – or beating – research and development
investment targets to enable continued excellence in these
fields.
-
Sustainable funding – universities must
have sustainable funding to continue world-class teaching,
delivered in a way which supports continued student mobility
across the UK. Funding cuts would negatively affect opportunity
and impact all four nations of the UK and overseas.
-
Brexit – an effective post-Brexit
settlement must be reached, avoiding a ‘no-deal’ departure and
ensuring continued partnerships and exchange between the UK and
its EU partners.
Alistair Jarvis, Chief Executive of Universities UK,
said: “Our universities, their students and staff are
vital to the UK’s future success. Policies to support and enhance
the positive impact of universities should be priorities for the
next prime minister.
“With the right policies, the new prime minister will have the
opportunity to drive economic growth and social mobility by
supporting universities to create jobs, enhance productivity and
improve lives.”
Notes
- The
complete document of asks for the next prime minister can be
read, here
