During his first afternoon in office, new Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that Jo Johnson would be returning to his previous position as a Minister of State within the Departments for Education and Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. He held this position from 2015 to 2018 under David Cameron and Theresa May.
In recent months, Jo Johnson has been extremely vocal in his critique of the fee reduction called for by the independent panel reporting to the Post-18 Education and Funding Review, calling it “regressive” as it would “destabilise uni finances, imperil many courses & reverse progress in widening access”.
He has also been engaged in the debate surrounding student-visas and recently tabled an amendment to the immigration bill to allow students to work in the UK for two years following their graduation.
Vanessa Wilson, Chief Executive of University Alliance said:
“We welcome the minister back to the role during what is an important junction for UK higher education and the country. As we look to the needs of our economy and workforce post-Brexit, Alliance Universities are well-placed to deliver the high-level skills and creativity needed to drive the necessary innovation, workforce development and social change.”
“In order to continue and extend their impact on students, communities and the economy, UK universities need sustained funding and certainty. We wholeheartedly agree with Jo Johnson’s vocal opposition to cutting tuition fees and we hope the new government will do all it can to ensure UK universities can continue to deliver for students and society.”
