The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Bristol, Professor Eric Thomas, has given his initial reaction to the vote on the second reading of the Higher Education Bill in the House of Commons on the evening of 27 January:

“Provided the Bill is not watered down during the committee stage, it will mean the University is able to raise the standard of educational provision for its undergraduates. Investment in teaching, educational resources and facilities will increase and the University will be better able to maintain its competitive position internationally.

“The abolition of up-front fees, the package of support for poorer students and the emphasis on widening participation are all very welcome. They fit well with Bristol’s commitment to attracting, recruiting and retaining the students with the greatest ability, motivation and potential, irrespective of background.

“The additional income will, of course, be only part of the solution to universities’ funding difficulties. Variable fees were never regarded as a means of dealing with universities’ research and infrastructure needs. I hope the Government will continue to address these equally pressing matters in other ways. For our part, we must continue to maximise income from other sources including philanthropy and the commercial exploitation of knowledge.”