Interesting programme on ITV tonight

[smudger]

No problem with equality Lifesabeach, simply with those expected to pay for it.

As I said, the cake is limited, so either choices have to be made or taxes are raised. I'm now retired and living in Cyprus, so taxes are no longer a problem, but in years gone by I would have been mightily miffed to be providing university education for a few, whilst youngsters wanting to become plumbers, electricians, hairdressers etc had to fund it themselves.

It's always choices, and somebody has to decide where the line is drawn.

[smudger]

"Some private universities charge higher but almost all are lower than the U.K. which stands alone in the (rising) charges made to its young people for this form of education. So I still ask, how can they all do and the UK cannot?"

It's fine if the size of the cake fits all requirements. BUT - the size of the cake is driven by taxation, so would you be happy to see taxes rise in the U.K. to fund free uni places?? Your answer may well be yes, but many others would prefer to see more £ ploughed into the NHS, or care provision, or .............. whatever. Do you know what provisions these other countries have for health service, care provision, nursery provision, military/defence, security..........??

Without detailed info on all of these provisions it's not acceptable to simply quote your pet provision as being easier/better/poorer provided/better provided........... You are simply targeting the provision you would prefer to be better provided, without considering either other requirements or taxation.

Not a level playing field.

[smudger]

"To add a lighter sense into this post - my actual ambition was to be the first Lady Prime Minister but I got beaten to the post by one Margarett Thatcher "

Rita, when I did my O level French oral I managed to tell the invigilator that I wanted to be a librarian. It didn't happen, I went into banking and eventually after having 3 children went back to full time work in accounts. I eventually went down the long road into Financial Accountancy and eventually qualified as an ACCA, whilst bringing up 3 children as a single mum and doing a full time job.

When I retired and moved out here, I did several charitable things, eventually, with the indomitable Sue Busfield, setting up the Bookshop in Tremithousa for Paphiakos and helping to raise over £72k in the six years we have been open, so I'm pretty close to being the librarian I planned to be almost 60 years ago!!

I often think on the phrase " if you want to make God laugh just tell Him your plans"

Regards
Jacs

[Rita Sherry]

Jacs

"If you want to make God laugh tell him your plans"

Love it -and I tell you he must have been in hysterics with most of my plans over the years.

By the way well done you and I am so glad you nearly got there. Dont expect me to be addressing the Nation outside No.10 any time soon although I have been inside and did meet the great lady several times giving the head of Department almost a seizure when I had the temerity to tell her I thought she was using the wrong tract on one matter - but contrary to what a lot of people think she patiently listened and then carried on doing it "her way".

Rita

[smudger]

I did get there Rita, just not in the field originally planned. Think ACCA was quite a bit harder! But probably more profitable in the long run!!

Would loved to have seen you in No 10, bet you were more than a match for Maggie! Guess she was well versed in the hard line 'just smile and take it on the chin

[Jim B]

I served a five year apprenticeship as did my brother, although all my siblings and I went to grammar schools the opportunity of any of us going to university due to financial restraints was nil. I believe most of the drive for degrees comes from companies these days; In my job sector companies want degreed Engineers and not artisans who came up the through the ranks as It were.

Jim

[Dominic]

I served a five year apprenticeship as did my brother, although all my siblings and I went to grammar schools the opportunity of any of us going to university due to financial restraints was nil. I believe most of the drive for degrees comes from companies these days; In my job sector companies want degreed Engineers and not artisans who came up the through the ranks as It were.

Jim

If that was the case there wouldn't be a glut of unemployed graduates.

[Rita Sherry]

The children of two Cypriot friends of ours are at present studying at Glasgow University, their education is free, paid for by the Scottish Govt. All EU students who study in Scotland, study for free. English students were offered the same reciprocal arrangement in that Scots students would study in England for free and vice versa, this was refused by the WM government at the time.

Road Warrior

No Government anywhere pays the fees for students or any other provision - the tax payer picks up the bills i.e. thee and me.

Rita

[Rita Sherry]

The children of two Cypriot friends of ours are at present studying at Glasgow University, their education is free, paid for by the Scottish Govt. All EU students who study in Scotland, study for free. English students were offered the same reciprocal arrangement in that Scots students would study in England for free and vice versa, this was refused by the WM government at the time.

Road Warrior

No Government anywhere pays for student fees or any other provision - the tax payer picks up the bill i.e. thee and me.

Jim B RW has found a way out for you - send your daughter to a Scottish University to my certain knowledge they have excellent medical schools within their universities - I am not being flippant here it is a fact.

Lloyd

Why do you say UK citizens will no longer be able to study and work in the EU countries after the UK's withdrawal? People were studying, working and holidaying there long before we entered membership as were Cypriot citizens - my doctor here studied in Germany as did several of the consultants I have met and children of my contemporaries have also studied and worked before our membership.

Rita

[Steve - SJD]

Worth noting that interest on student loans has just increased by nearly a third to 6.1% due to rising inflation, tuition fees have just gone up and the point at which they start paying money back has been frozen. My daughter starts Uni this summer and like many before her will undoubtedly end up with large and increasing debt which was taken into consideration.

There is more choice for 18yr olds than just universities these days and the rising costs will no doubt mean that many look at alternatives. Should the number of international students drop after Brexit that will only add further upward pressure on fees.

Cheers

Steve

[PaphosAL]

@ Road Warrior: excuse my ignorance, but what was the WM government?

Enlighten me, please... Thanks- AL

[Jim B]

Al
I may be wrong but possibly West Minister as opposed to the Scottish Parliament.

[Jim B]

Hi Rita

Our daughter has applied to Edinburgh to complete her Masters. She has applied to several universities in Europe with courses on offer at her university in the UK but the courses have been withdrawn possibly because of all the uncertainty.

Jim

[Jim B]

Thanks for that RW.

Jim

[Jim B]

It looks as if you only read the Headlines again. Very close to the bottom it says the vast majority of EU students are British who live overseas and most have not reached the payback salary yet. It also goes on to say that it is only a very small minority, around 2% that have not been traced but if the worse comes to the worse the UK can always ask for a reduction off the 50 billion it owes the EU.

Jim