Emma Hardy MP, Labour’s Shadow Minister for Further Education and Universities, responding to the government support package for universities and students, said:

“This disappointing package offers no long-term security to our universities, putting the anchors of our regional economies at risk. Using the Student Premium Funding on student hardship today could further reduce the opportunities for disadvantaged students tomorrow.

“The Government must urgently produce a plan to safeguard the future of our universities and ensure that across the UK everyone has the same opportunity to study at university regardless of where they live.”