Private doubts

Half of the public believe that more privatisation in UK universities would damage standards and harm Britain's international reputation, according to a new poll. The poll, from YouGov and the University and College Union, found that 49 per cent of the public agreed that standards would fall when universities use private firms to provide tuition. Some 59 per cent said Britain's reputation abroad would be harmed.

Just one in six (17 per cent) said they would like to see more private-sector involvement in UK universities, with more than a third (35 per cent) calling for less.