Gillian Keegan strikes back at Starmer's university statements

Gillian Keegan dismisses the suggestion that the university is not accessible to some students. Photo: Danny Lawson/PA

Gillian Keegan hit back at Sir Keir Starmer's warning about the accessibility of higher education by insisting the university is 'accessible to all'.

Labour leader says he can't go to university to study law if he leaves school today, arguing that the current economic situation «would get in the way of my dream.»

But the education minister dismissed the suggestion that the university was not accessible to some students, saying that now «much more than ever before» is entering higher education.

She told Times Radio that Student Loan and Maintenance Loan Systems are «allowing more and more disadvantaged people to go to university.»

She also pointed out that there are different paths to a degree.< /p> «More paths to the same destination '

«Since 2010, you're 86% more likely to get into university if you're from a disadvantaged background,» she said.

While she admitted that «at her age, she would hardly have had the confidence to invest around £50,000», she added: «Now we have more and more routes to the same destination.»

She noted that there are currently apprenticeships in 140 different professions so that people can earn wages while studying.

Ms Keegan also revealed that the government has increased university funding by £276m this year.

But she added: “Many, many young people, far more than ever before go to university, so it's a path that is accessible and accessible to everyone.”

Sir Keir said that «ambitious and successful students» had to make decisions about their future based solely on financial considerations, and that this «should be a disgrace to conservatives.»

He said: «I distinctly remember the excitement related to moving to Leeds to study law. Then it was a financial delay. If I were a student today, I wouldn't be able to go.»

Comments suggest Sir Keir may soon announce a policy to help students with rent increases and other expenses if he becomes prime minister.< /p>

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Earlier this year, Sir Keir backtracked on his campaign promise to waive tuition fees — a major financial burden that leaves students up to £50,000 in debt — due to the economic situation.

Labour resources. has yet to announce any reforms to ease the burden of tuition fees, but Bridget Phillipson, shadow education minister, has promised that graduates will pay less under a Labor government.