Warwick welcomes MPs from the House of Commons’ Education Select Committee
On Monday 17th November, the University of Warwick welcomed members of the House of Commons’ Education Select Committee for a day of discussions in support of their ongoing inquiry into higher education and funding.
Throughout the day, Helen Hayes MP, Sureena Brackenridge MP, Darren Paffey MP, and Manuela Perteghella MP, heard from leaders across the Higher Education sector on risks to financial sustainability and the challenges of international student recruitment.
Attendees from a wide range of universities shared their views on the future outlooks for their institutions, insights into how government policy is impacting the sector, and thoughts on what measures the Government could take to support universities.
Reflecting on the day’s discussions, Professor Stuart Croft, Vice-Chancellor and President, University of Warwick, said:
“At a time of major challenges across Higher Education, Warwick is engaging directly with leading MPs, convening conversations between politicians and universities on critical issues such as funding and international student recruitment – helping secure our long-term sustainable future.
“Higher Education remains a vital part of the UK economy, generating £14 for every £1 of public money invested. Working with Parliamentarians, we are showcasing how Warwick is driving innovative research, contributing outstanding teaching, and delivering economic growth locally, nationally, and internationally.”
As part of the Education Select Committee role scrutinising the Department for Education and its arms-length bodies, it is conducting an inquiry into the UK’s world-leading higher education sector.
Commenting on the visit, Helen Hayes MP, Chair of the House of Commons’ Education Select Committee said:
“My colleagues and I on the Education Committee are very grateful to the University of Warwick for helping us to explore the challenges facing the higher education sector, by hosting discussions between ourselves and experts with first-hand experience of steering institutions through this difficult financial climate. These discussions will aid us in developing our recommendations to the Government and Office for Students in the coming weeks.”
The day concluded with a campus tour; including the Faculty of Arts Building, highlighting the importance Warwick places on strengthening the Arts and Humanities; the International Manufacturing Centre, where they were introduced to students undertaking engineering projects; and the Degree Apprenticeship Centre to emphasise measures Warwick is taking to diversify its educational offering.
18 November 2025