Bath MP Champions Students who have Lost Out on Education

19 April 2021

Last week Liberal Democrats in Parliament called on the Government to double hardship funds for university students to £700m and compensate them for lost teaching and rent.

In an Urgent Question in the House of Commons to the Minister of State for Universities, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, Daisy Cooper, said that the Government's proposed return date of 17 May – after many courses have finished – is the "final end of term insult" to students.

Following the Urgent Question Bath MP, Wera Hobhouse, said:

“Government is failing to take action to support students who are facing real hardship, like many I have spoken with at our universities in Bath.

"Many students have been unable to work – and have fallen behind on rent and bills, whilst paying for accommodation they cannot use. The negative impact on the mental health of these young people cannot be understated.

"Government continues to dodge questions on whether they will increase financial hardship funding to reach those students in need.

"Students have been neglected, again and again, throughout this pandemic. Government need to act now.”