July 2017

Roberta Blackman-Woods MP 21 July 2017

Dear Colleague,

I imagine it has been and incredibly busy last few months for our university members as they produce the many hundreds of graduation ceremonies, and after one of the more interesting periods for Parliament, we entered the Summer Recess period yesterday. The Commons is due to return for two weeks beginning Monday 5 September, before breaking again for Party Conference season.

Our Annual General Meeting took place last week and I’m happy to announce that I remain as the group’s Chair. I also wanted to welcome some of many new parliamentary members including new officers Daniel Zeichner, MP for Cambridge and Rupa Huq, MP for Ealing Central and Acton.

For many in universities and in Parliament the Summer period will be spent looking at the detail of the Repeal Bill and trying to understand where the legislation may affect their institution or interests. You can read the Bill and supporting documents on the parliament website.

To note we have confirmed dates for our Autumn meetings, these are:

Financial sustainability of the university sector
Tuesday 31 October 2017
18.00-19.30, Committee Room 4, followed by dinner

Higher education as an export
Tuesday 28 November 2017
18.00-19.30, Committee Room 4, followed by dinner

Degree apprenticeships
Tuesday 12 December 2017
8.30-10.00, Dining Room B

Finally, our Secretariat, Kate Jackson will be moving on from her position at the end of the month, the details of her replacement to be announced shortly. Universities UK continue to provide support for the group and any queries sent to appug@universitiesuk.ac.uk will be promptly responded to.

I hope all members have the opportunity for a restful Summer break and I look forward to seeing you at our first meeting back on Tuesday 31 October.

Roberta Blackman-Woods
Chair, All-Party Parliamentary University Group