The Browne review

A plan for higher university fees, fewer subsidies, more markets and less government has been unveiled by an independent review into the future of the English higher education system. The radical blueprint, revealed on Tuesday by a panel chaired by Lord Browne, the former chief executive of BP, will cause tremors in the coalition government and problems for Labour.The review proposes removing the current cap on annual fees of £3,290. If institutions want to charge more than £6,000, however, they will be obliged to pay a levy to recompense the government for the cost of higher student loans. – The FT

David Cameron has urged Liberal Democrat MPs to “compromise” over university funding, as the Government prepared to announce a dramatic rise in university fees. John Hemming (Lib Dem Yardley) and Lorely Burt (Lib Dem Solihull) both signed a pledge before the general election promising to vote against any increase in student tuition fees. But they will face a dilemma if a Government review recommends allowing universities to charge more. Lord Browne of Madingley’s independent review of student finance is expected to recommend removing the existing tuition fee limit of £3,290 a year. – The Birmingham Post

Sky’s chief political correspondent Jon Craig said Prime Minister David Cameron would brief Labour leader Ed Miliband in the morning in an attempt to build a consensus. “The crucial vote will be in six weeks time,” Craig said. “That’s when the big showdown will come.” The National Union of Students said debts could double and students who have to borrow the most to fund their studies will be hit by higher interest payments. Speaking before the report’s publication, NUS president Aaron Porter said: “It would be an insult to the intelligence of those who voted for the Liberal Democrats to attempt to rebrand the regressive and deeply unpopular top-up fee system. Liberal Democrat MPs have long opposed tuition fees and at the general election each of them signed a pledge to vote against higher fees in Parliament.” – Sky News Read the rest of this entry »

Ed’s “new generation”

Other new-intake MPs who have been given shadow ministerial roles include Michael Dugher, a former special adviser to Gordon Brown, at defence. John Woodcock, who also worked for Mr Brown at Downing Street, becomes a Shadow Transport Minister. Gloria De Piero, the ex-television journalist, is a Shadow Culture Minister. Luciana Berger, who was once wrongly romantically linked to Tony Blair’s son Euan, is a Shadow Energy Minister at 28. Mr Miliband said: “I am delighted with Labour’s front bench team. I am particularly pleased that I could bring in a new generation of talent, whilst also using the experience of a broad range of Labour MPs. – The Herald

The Labour leader said he was turning to a “new generation of talent” with shadow ministerial jobs for 12 MPs elected last May. The frontbenchers include Gloria De Piero, Luciana Berger, John Woodcock and Shabana Mahmood. Rising star Chuka Umunna becomes Mr Miliband’s personal aide. Diane Abbott is shadow minister for health, while MP John Spellar joins Yvette Cooper in foreign affairs. Gareth Thomas is in business and skills, while Vernon Coaker will again work with Ed Balls, on home affairs. Mr Miliband said: “This is a team which will robustly hold the Government to account.” – The Mirror

LABOUR leader Ed Miliband has appointed another Welsh MP to a shadow ministerial role. Wayne David, MP for Caerphilly, is to become the party’s new Shadow Minister for Europe. Mr David, a former MEP, was one of the eight Welsh MPs who initially missed out on a role in the Shadow Cabinet thanks to the party’s ballot system. The party’s MPs elect their colleagues to the front bench while in opposition, but despite eight Welsh MPs putting their names forward, none made the final cut. – Western Mail

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