Higher education system would be damaged if the Oxbridge college fee were moved

Britain's whole higher education system would be damaged if the Oxbridge college fee were removed, MPs were warned this week. In a House of Commons debate, Liberal Democrat Evan Harris claimed axeing the fees would increase the brain drain of academics travelling abroad.

But Labour MP Brian Iddon accused Dr Harris of fighting to protect privilege. A funding balance needed to be struck between Oxbridge and other universities.

Oxbridge, page 4; leader, page 13