University bodies join in condemning Westminster education policies

The University of Edinburgh’s ruling court has joined students in condemning the Westminster government’s policies on higher education, which led to the University introducing the most expensive degree in the UK.

In a joint statement released by the University of Edinburgh Court and Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA), the two bodies stated that they are “deeply concerned by the negative impact” of the policies of the UK government regarding higher education.

The organisations have also called for the government at Westminster to work with the Scottish government and the student body to ensure that higher education is accessible to individuals from all financial backgrounds, rather than simply to those who can afford it.

The statement has come as both the universities of Cambridge and Oxford passed no-confidence motions on the higher education policies of the Westminster government.

Matthew McPherson, President of Edinburgh University Students Association, said: “In the spirit of Oxford and other universities across the UK who have passed no-confidence motions in Westminster’s policies, we have joined together to call upon the UK Government to reverse their plans and devise solutions that ensure universities can protect access to education both here at Edinburgh and across the UK”.

Despite remaining critical of the University’s decision to set the highest fees for a degree in the UK, Robin Parker, president of NUS Scotland, backed the University Court and EUSA in criticising the Westminster government’s policies on higher education.

He said: “This joint statement by the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh University Students’ Association is the clearest signal yet that Westminster needs to dramatically change direction and that the Scottish Government must do more to protect students in Scotland”.

EUSA also aligned with NUS Scotland in appealing to the Scottish Government to introduce a minimum bursary standard for rest of UK students in Scotland.

Last month, the University of Edinburgh controversially announced that, starting with the 2012/13 academic year it would be charging £9,000 a year for a degree course for RUK students, making it the most expensive place to study in the UK.