Christian students condemn proposal for extra university places

Universities Minister David Willetts appeared this week to suggest that universities could create extra places which would cost more.

His proposal immediately sparked anger as critics claimed it would create a two-tier system and allow the rich to buy university places.

SCM National Coordinator Hilary Topp said: “It is misleading to suggest that this scheme would increase social mobility.

“It would create a two-tier admissions system in which the very rich would buy their university places, while the vast majority of the population would be excluded.

“The overall increase in places would not lead to more students from lower-income families, given that the most elite universities already take most of their students from privileged backgrounds.”

Tim Stacey, an SCM member and student at the University of York said: “For us this is an issue of justice - access to higher education should be based on ability, not the ability to pay.

“These proposals would promote privilege over fairness, and are clearly incompatible with Jesus’ message of radical inclusivity and justice.”

Prime Minister David Cameron distanced himself from the proposal.

“The Government’s policy is absolutely clear. University access is about being able to learn not about being able to pay," he said.

“There is no question of people being able to buy their way into university.”

Mr Willetts made to come before MPs in the Commons and clarify that his proposal was for businesses and charities to sponsor university places, and not for rich parents to buy them.

SCM has been a vocal opponent of the Government's plans to allow universities to charge students up to £9,000 per year.

The movement argues that raising the fees will deter potential students from poorer backgrounds from applying to university.

Its members took part in the large demonstrations against the proposals in recent months but advocate non-violent direct action against fees.