YP Comment: Universities challenged

GIVEN the cost of a university education, the Government's intervention in the system to ensure students '“ and often the Bank of Mum and Dad '“ are receiving value for their money is sensible.
Could the likes of Leeds University face competition from Google and Facebook?Could the likes of Leeds University face competition from Google and Facebook?
Could the likes of Leeds University face competition from Google and Facebook?

Degrees should not simply exist to exploit the naive or allow people to take a three-year holiday before joining reality. Britain’s position in the global race depends on there being sufficient rigour in every course so that graduates are prepared as best they can be for the world outside the lecture hall.

To this end, the decision to allow new “challenger institutions” to award degrees if they meet national standards should ensure that traditional institutions are kept on their toes.

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Not so long ago, the idea of a qualification from Google might have appeared risible. Yet the seismic shifts that have taken place in technology and its ever increasing role in everyday life means that is no longer the case. Universities will need to evolve if they are to keep pace and compete for students in an ever more crowded market – and that is no bad thing.

One sticking point of these ambitious Government plans for higher education, however, is the idea that those institutions which score highly in teaching will be able to raise their £9,000 annual tuition fees in line with inflation.

Though this appears logical – the better the quality, the higher the price – it raises concerns that academic merit will in future take second billing to a capacity to pay, freezing those students from less wealthy backgrounds out of the top courses and further decreasing Britain’s already stagnant social mobility.

What is welcome is that the Government appears to be recognising that the power should rest with prospective students, not least as they have a financial stake in the matter that demands they make a clear and informed decision as to what and where they study, knowing precisely what they will receive in return for their investment.

Boris’s blunder

Hitler link is beyond the pale

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WITH his crass and deeply insensitive comparisons between the European Union and Adolf Hitler, Boris Johnson’s descent to the depths of dog whistle politics appears complete.

Having previously blamed Barack Obama’s anti-Brexit position on the US President’s “part-Kenyan” heritage and “dislike of the British Empire”, the former London Mayor has now likened the EU’s aims to Hitler’s, saying both involve the intention to unify Europe under a single “authority”.

Whilst many may share Johnson’s concerns over the idea of ceding further sovereignty to Brussels, such comparisons are inherently offensive to the memory of the millions of Europeans who suffered and died under Nazi occupation. They are also nonsensical given the peaceful cooperation that closer union between individual states has engendered in the six decades since the establishment of the Common Market.

Yet there is now a whiff of desperation in the increasingly inflammatory comments now emanating from the Leave camp, creating the impression that they have given up trying to win the economic argument.

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Furthermore, in seeking to sway undecided voters with ill-advised soundbites of this kind there is a danger that they will erode their existing support base, making many question their belief that the UK would be better off outside the EU.

After all, if the country decides in favour of Brexit on June 23 it is likely that David Cameron’s position will become untenable and Boris Johnson will be in a strong position to replace him. Many will now have reason to consider if that is what they truly want.

A fine romance

Couple tie knot after 44 years

THERE are long engagements... and then there is the 44-year courtship of Sally and Colin Dunn.

Having falling in love in 1972, the couple – who were each married previously – have decided to make it official by tying the knot.

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“We were always so busy,” explains Colin, now 84. “We kept on saying, ‘it’ll be next year’.”

After bringing up four children, 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren the couple finally found time to enjoy their nuptials surrounded by friends and family. Happily, they agreed that it was worth the wait.

Here is a couple that proves there is no age limit on romance and that it’s never too late to open a new chapter in your life.

We wish them many years of happiness together as man and wife.