No handouts

The government is expecting detailed proposals from universities before agreeing to further support for research

It has been a hectic 24 hours for UK universities after the government confirmed details of its support package for higher education. While initially anticipated with optimism, it is fair to say that the plans announced by ministers yesterday have received a frosty-at-best reception from a sector that views the proposals as short-term respite rather than a long-term fix.

Yesterday’s Telegraph front page heralded a “£2.7 billion lifeline” for universities, meaning the government got the headline it wanted—and that was no doubt the first publication virtually handed to education secretary Gavin Williamson during the morning press review. Today, though, Williamson (along with universities minister Michelle Donelan and science minister Amanda Solloway) will do well to avoid the backlash that academics and professional staff in the university system have thrown at his so-called “bailout”.