The scrap among the main political parties and the media focus on protest violence has taken public attention away from the purpose and future of public universities in the UK, says beliefs and values thinktank Ekklesia.
Higher education in England has changed forever. It is no exaggeration to say that universities are in their twilight hours as public institutions for the universality of people and ideas, says John Heathershaw. The discussions during the occupation at the University of Exeter show that there are alternatives.
Radical Christian pacifists have declared their support for students who occupied Conservative Party offices in Millbank during a protest against fees.
The Business Secretary, Vince Cable has triggered a mixed reaction after saying that university students will “almost certainly” have to pay more towards their education, in contrast to the Liberal Democrats' previous approach.