Update 13:20

Higher education white paper on the cards
A strategy document for higher education - possibly a white paper - will be published in the autumn, education secretary Estelle Morris said today. It will consist of a comprehensive review of funding for universities, colleges and student support and will be issued for consultation, she told the House of Commons select committee on education and skills.

Northampton applies for university status
University College Northampton has prepared its formal case for receiving university status. The college, which has seen £60 million investment since its failed bid in 1992, must apply to the Privy Council. A decision could take up to a year.

US questions closure of Al-Qud offices
The United States has questioned the Israeli government's closure of offices at Al-Quds University in East Jerusalem including the office of its president, Sari Nusseibeh, the Palestine Liberation Organisation's representative in the city. The Israeli government said the university's offices were used illegally as a representative office of the Palestinian Authority.

Italian convict escapes after attending seminar
A prisoner who studied architecture while serving a sentence for attempted murder, armed robbery and kidnapping escaped after attending a seminar at Genoa University. Bruno Turci, 47, who was not due to be released until 2029, had a ten hour permit but failed to return to prison.