Minister’s ‘doesn’t matter’ comment on access ‘troubling’

Universities minister Michelle Donelan calls for focus to be on jobs outcomes and individual needs rather than ‘box-ticking’ access measures

15 July

Government strategy for HE set out in conditions for emergency loans for universities at risk of failure in Covid crisis

16 July

Education secretary signals rebalancing towards further education in England after shift in nature of Tory electoral support

9 July

Director of Onward thinktank says polling showing public opposition to university expansion justifies shift in emphasis

20 August

Michelle Donelan’s view on entry rates of different social groups to higher education described as apparent ‘significant departure’