MPs demand thousands barred from university as Tories 'fight like cats in a bag'
Disgruntled Tory malcontents have issued a fresh challenge to Rishi Sunak - demanding that "low-achieving" students are effectively banned from going to university.
The New Conservatives faction, made up of 30 MPs, say young people already receive 14 years of free education, and anything above that is a "luxury". They called for young people who don't pass GCSE maths and English or get three Es at A-Level to be denied student loans.
The group, which has previously demanded immigration rules are tightened, making it harder for carers to get visas, say there is a "misconception" that young people have “the right" to go to university. If brought in, it would mean tens of thousands who can't afford fees are prevented from going to university.
In a scathing attack, the gang accused institutions of "taking advantage" of youngsters' dreams, claiming those who study creative and performing arts are less likely to pay back loans.
The group's demands were dismissed by Labour, with a party spokeswoman stating: “Tory factions continuing to argue like cats in a sack is just more evidence that only Labour can take our country forward.”
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A report authored by Red Wall Tory Jonathan Gullis said his plans will slash student numbers by 15%, and called on the Government to invest in apprenticeships instead. Mr Gullis wrote: “There is a common misconception that young people have the right to attend university – but they do not have the right to study ' Mickey Mouse ' courses at the taxpayer’s expense.
"Young people receive 14 years of publicly funded education – anything on top of this is a luxury, not a right."
The New Conservatives group comprises of right-wingers from the 2017 and 2019 intakes. Loudmouth Tory deputy chairman Lee Anderson is believed to be among the members, although he was missing when they launched their immigration manifesto in July.
They have previously accused Mr Sunak's Government of failing to live up to election promises as a deep divide emerges over immigration. They want to see the Shortage Occupation List - which allows visas to be fast-tracked for professions including social carers - to be slashed, in spite of warnings this would be disastrous for care homes.
They also called for a crackdown on foreign students, prompting fears universities could be bankrupted if it was ever implemented. And 12 demands unveiled in the summer also include a cap on the number of refugees permitted per year at 20,000 and a limit on social housing awarded to immigrants.
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