Blackpool MP's fears for future college funding

The Shadow Higher Education Minister spoke at Labour’s Party Conference to warn of the danger further education and higher education providers across Lancashire.

He said Theresa May’s new Government needed to reassure these institutions that the same levels of funding would still be there to compensate for the loss of European money.

Mr Marsden said: “Institutions such as Blackpool and The Fylde College, have in the past benefited from the European Social Fund, which has enabled them deliver local community based projects.

“This has provided excellent learning and research opportunities for students, as well as supporting hundreds of high skilled jobs, which in turn have helped the North West economy.

“Our very own Blackpool and The Fylde College, as well local universities like UCLAN in Preston and Lancaster are rooted at the heart of their communities. It is these communities that will suffer if this Tory Government fails to put in place measures that will compensate for the loss EU funding following Brexit.”

Mr Marsden also criticised the decision to increase fees and scrap grants for University students. Labour plans to restore grants for disadvantaged students.