Update: 12:40

Clarke says graduates will pick up their own bill
Education secretary Charles Clarke today confirmed that graduates would pick up the bill for their higher education. Speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme, Mr Clarke confirmed last week's report in The THES that higher fees are likely to be paid through a graduate contribution. Mr Clarke said: "I think we have shifted towards a post-university payment rather than a pre-university payment."

Birmingham honours Armatrading with degree
Musician Joan Armatrading was today due to receive an honorary doctorate in music from Birmingham University. Ms Armatrading, who was born on the Caribbean island of St Kitts but who moved to Birmingham in 1958 when she was eight, received the DMus in recognition of her 30-year career in music. Ms Armatrading is credited with being the first black singer songwriter to achieve success in Britain.