Cameron retreats over paid university places

The Prime Minister claimed that access to higher education will continue to be about ability to learn rather than ability to pay. His comments were echoed by Universities Minister David Willetts who told MPs there was “no question” of rich students being able to buy their way into university.

The comments followed a row which erupted when it emerged that the Government had been considering proposals to create extra university places by allowing institutions to charge some UK students the same fees as those paid by overseas students.

Students and unions reacted angrily, warning that the proposals would allow wealthy people easier access to university. But Mr Cameron said: “That is not going to happen, that’s not our policy. The Government’s policy is absolutely clear. University access is about being able to learn, not about being able to pay.”

Mr Willetts was forced to explain the proposals in the Commons in response to an urgent question from Shadow Business Secretary John Denham. He told MPs that Ministers were considering ways of allowing universities to recruit extra students, and claimed that he had been clear that the proposals were aimed at charities and employers paying for places. But Mr Denham insisted Mr Willetts had shown he “clearly wants to allow wealthy families to buy places” and accused him of performing a U-turn.