Jesse Norman highlights the success of the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering as an engine of growth and opportunity, and invites the Secretary of State to visit the university and explore how this model could be replicated around the country.
Jesse Norman (Hereford and South Herefordshire) (Con)
I am delighted to hear the right hon. Lady talk about engines of growth and opportunity, because that is exactly what universities are when they are well run. In my county we have a new university, the New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering, which is doing exactly that, and offering incredible opportunities for young people to do a masters programme in three years, and then, as we are seeing with the new cohort, to go into companies as good as BAE Systems, Kier, Balfour Beatty, the Atomic Weapons Establishment and others. That work has been assisted by the Office for Students, which granted new degree-awarding powers. Does the right hon. Lady share my view that this is a deeply worthwhile enterprise that could be replicated around the country, and will she come and visit herself?
The Secretary of State for Education (Bridget Phillipson)
I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman for raising this matter. I would be happy to meet with him to discuss it further.