“’University Challenge’ for the new Parliament” says local MP

Andrew Miller, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, met representatives from the leading university think tank million+ at the House of Commons where they set out the ‘University Challenge’ that the new Government and Parliament face in the coming months.

Andrew Miller said:

“Over 100 students and staff from universities across the UK came to showcase their work in Parliament and to challenge their own local MPs to become ‘university champions’ – working to support their local university at a time when universities and students face difficult spending reductions.

“As we work to rebuild the UK economy, government and MPs from all parties must recognise the huge potential of universities to contribute to economic growth and innovation.  The economic impact of a university is two and half times its annual turn-over, universities contribute over £5 billion in foreign exchange earnings each year and 2.5 million students and staff study and work in our universities.

“By having university champions from all parties, that are active and vocal in Parliament, we can work together to try to improve the understanding of the impact that universities have on our economy and why having the opportunity to study at university is vital in building a fairer and more cohesive society.”

Ends

20^th July 2010