Festival of culture wars

This year’s online edition of the Festival of Higher Education is providing some provocative insights

There are those who believe the next general election will be contested by Labour leader Keir Starmer in the red corner and Rishi Sunak in the blue. The chancellor is widely viewed to have had a “good” pandemic—his decent performance under pressure no doubt boosted by the shambles that has surrounded him.

Sunak’s credentials will be tested later today as he delivers his summer statement—a precursor to the more significant budget and spending review announcements, but nonetheless a significant bellwether for the government’s thinking on financial priorities. We will report any significant announcements for higher education and R&D as they develop, and in the meantime you can read what the MillionPlus mission group wants to hear when Sunak takes to the podium.