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Version 6 Version 7
Newsdesk live - Monday 30 January Newsdesk live - Monday 30 January
(about 1 hour later)
3.06pm: A quick guide to the people you may see contributing to this blog from time to time other than myself and the national news editor Dan Roberts. Each covers a particular patch on the newsdesk and you can contact them all on Twitter with ideas of things we should cover.
Claire Phipps (@claire_phipps https://twitter.com/#!/claire_phipps) covers society, health and education
James Randerson (@james_randerson https://twitter.com/#!/james_randerson) covers science and environment
David Teather (@davidteather https://twitter.com/#!/davidteather) covers arts and culture
Stephen Khan (@stephenkhan https://twitter.com/#!/stephenkhan) covers crime, law and the home affairs teams.
2.41pm: The datablog team have crunched the university application figures into this very good post illustrating all the trends. The decline in arts is really very striking. Some readers were asking for more detail on the individual universities and their relative rise and falls. This table shows those who have lost the most and you can get the data for each individual university from the datablog here.
1.42pm: Our reporter Helen Carter is in court for the inquest into the death of the Wales manager Gary Speed. She'll be live-tweeting and you can follow her here @helen__carter. His wife Louise Speed is currently giving evidence, Helen's latest tweets report:
The couple knew each other from childhood, Louise Speed says.
Louise Speed says the couple were "working through" problems in their marriage. #garyspeedinquest
Couple had "exchange of words" after dinner party in early hours of Nov 27, his wife tells #garyspeedinquest
Louise Speed slept in her car outside their house after being locked out of house #garyspeedinquest
4 days before his death, Gary sent txts talking of ending life but dismissed as spoke of future
12.45pm: This is the top of Jeevan's story on the Ucas figures:12.45pm: This is the top of Jeevan's story on the Ucas figures:
The number of UK university applicants has dropped by 8.7% – but school leavers have not been deterred by the tripling of tuition fees, and there has been a sharper drop among more affluent candidates compared with those from "disadvantaged" backgrounds, official figures show.The number of UK university applicants has dropped by 8.7% – but school leavers have not been deterred by the tripling of tuition fees, and there has been a sharper drop among more affluent candidates compared with those from "disadvantaged" backgrounds, official figures show.
The controversial decision to let universities raise undergraduate fees to a maximum of £9,000 provoked widespread public anger and battered the credibility of the Liberal Democrats. Nick Clegg's party had gone into the election promising to phase out fees.The controversial decision to let universities raise undergraduate fees to a maximum of £9,000 provoked widespread public anger and battered the credibility of the Liberal Democrats. Nick Clegg's party had gone into the election promising to phase out fees.
However, Ucas figures published on Monday show the number of UK 18-year-old applicants – the largest single group of candidates – has decreased by 3.6% compared with 2011, representing a drop of just under 8,500 people. The number of 18-year-olds in the UK population has declined by 11,000 this year, to 772,000, according to the Office for National Statistics, a fall of 1.4%.However, Ucas figures published on Monday show the number of UK 18-year-old applicants – the largest single group of candidates – has decreased by 3.6% compared with 2011, representing a drop of just under 8,500 people. The number of 18-year-olds in the UK population has declined by 11,000 this year, to 772,000, according to the Office for National Statistics, a fall of 1.4%.
But total applicant numbers, including overseas and mature candidates, are 7.4% lower than at the same point in 2011, Ucas says. The number of applicants from the UK has decreased by 8.7%. There has been a sharper drop among male applicants than women. The proportion of men is down 8.5% on last year, while female applicants are down 6.7%.But total applicant numbers, including overseas and mature candidates, are 7.4% lower than at the same point in 2011, Ucas says. The number of applicants from the UK has decreased by 8.7%. There has been a sharper drop among male applicants than women. The proportion of men is down 8.5% on last year, while female applicants are down 6.7%.
Couple of corrections to the earlier post on this as we dig further into the figures. The 3.6% decrease in 18 year old applicants is disproportionally high compared with the 1.4% population decrease and I've just been reading over the shoulder of the datablog team as they put together the stats and that drop is markedly higher for 19 year olds. They've also pulled out charts showing the drops for individual universities and subjects and the effect on arts degrees and institution is astounding. This follows the government's decision to decrease funding for arts courses.Couple of corrections to the earlier post on this as we dig further into the figures. The 3.6% decrease in 18 year old applicants is disproportionally high compared with the 1.4% population decrease and I've just been reading over the shoulder of the datablog team as they put together the stats and that drop is markedly higher for 19 year olds. They've also pulled out charts showing the drops for individual universities and subjects and the effect on arts degrees and institution is astounding. This follows the government's decision to decrease funding for arts courses.
The following table shows the decline in applications subject by subject.The following table shows the decline in applications subject by subject.
A couple of interesting tweets on the subject. On the figures on disadvantage and the missing middle stats it is infact the top and bottom 20% that are compared and on this @paulstpancras writes:A couple of interesting tweets on the subject. On the figures on disadvantage and the missing middle stats it is infact the top and bottom 20% that are compared and on this @paulstpancras writes:
@pollycurtis Interesting, it might well be "squeezed middle" families that are most impacted. My son 14 and his friends are talking about it@pollycurtis Interesting, it might well be "squeezed middle" families that are most impacted. My son 14 and his friends are talking about it
@McGinOxford tweets:@McGinOxford tweets:

@pollycurtis applications are not acceptances lets wait&see how many take up places defer or withdraw when it comes to commitment on finance
@pollycurtis applications are not acceptances lets wait&see how many take up places defer or withdraw when it comes to commitment on finance
and the Labour MP @tomgreatrexmp tweets:and the Labour MP @tomgreatrexmp tweets:
@pollycurtis suspect might have something to do with lack of jobs & those cancelling gap yrs to get into system before they go up more@pollycurtis suspect might have something to do with lack of jobs & those cancelling gap yrs to get into system before they go up more
12.04pm: The datablog team are working on the full stats from Ucas, but in the meantime this is the trend in university application figures that shows the boom of the last few years and this year's marked drop.12.04pm: The datablog team are working on the full stats from Ucas, but in the meantime this is the trend in university application figures that shows the boom of the last few years and this year's marked drop.
Meanwhile on the Occupy story, Lizzy Davies has updated her story and is now going to do a bit of work on the bailiff firm to find out more about who they are and who they were employed by.Meanwhile on the Occupy story, Lizzy Davies has updated her story and is now going to do a bit of work on the bailiff firm to find out more about who they are and who they were employed by.
11.47am: The Ucas figures for university entry for 2012 have just come out.11.47am: The Ucas figures for university entry for 2012 have just come out.
These figures are the crucial test of the government's decision to raise the cap on fees to £9,000 because they include, for the first time, data on social class. Without wishing to be too dramatic about it, after all the rows over the coalition's plans and the Liberal Democrats' spectacular u-turn, this will form the verdict. Our education editor, Jeevan Vasagar, tweeted the stats as they were published here, and the news release is here.These figures are the crucial test of the government's decision to raise the cap on fees to £9,000 because they include, for the first time, data on social class. Without wishing to be too dramatic about it, after all the rows over the coalition's plans and the Liberal Democrats' spectacular u-turn, this will form the verdict. Our education editor, Jeevan Vasagar, tweeted the stats as they were published here, and the news release is here.
The top lines seem to be:The top lines seem to be:
• Applications are down by 8.7%, but are apparently not down disproportionately for the 18-year-old cohort because of a demographic dip.• Applications are down by 8.7%, but are apparently not down disproportionately for the 18-year-old cohort because of a demographic dip.
• Mature student applications are down significantly.• Mature student applications are down significantly.
• Ucas says the dip in applications is very slightly higher for students from advantaged rather than disadvantaged backgrounds, which, if proved correct, would be be vindication for the Liberal Democrats and coalition.• Ucas says the dip in applications is very slightly higher for students from advantaged rather than disadvantaged backgrounds, which, if proved correct, would be be vindication for the Liberal Democrats and coalition.
Our team on the datablog are digging into the figures and it appears that that last claim – the most crucial test for the coalition – rests on data comparing the poorest 10% with the wealthiest 10%. It's not clear what the pattern in between those two deciles are. Jeevan and Simon Rogers, from the datablog, are both trying to bottom out these figures in full.Our team on the datablog are digging into the figures and it appears that that last claim – the most crucial test for the coalition – rests on data comparing the poorest 10% with the wealthiest 10%. It's not clear what the pattern in between those two deciles are. Jeevan and Simon Rogers, from the datablog, are both trying to bottom out these figures in full.
Either way, by the end of the day we should have a judgment on the Liberal Democrats' most controversial decision in government. Our lobby correspondents should have the political reaction once we have the full figures.Either way, by the end of the day we should have a judgment on the Liberal Democrats' most controversial decision in government. Our lobby correspondents should have the political reaction once we have the full figures.
In the meantime, this is what the Ucas chief executive, Mary Curnock Cook, is saying:In the meantime, this is what the Ucas chief executive, Mary Curnock Cook, is saying:
There has been a headline drop of 7.4% in applicants with a slightly larger fall in England. The more detailed analysis of application rates for young people takes account of population changes. This shows a fall of just one percentage point in the application rate in England, with little change across the rest of the UK.There has been a headline drop of 7.4% in applicants with a slightly larger fall in England. The more detailed analysis of application rates for young people takes account of population changes. This shows a fall of just one percentage point in the application rate in England, with little change across the rest of the UK.
Our analysis shows that decreases in demand are slightly larger in more advantaged groups than in the disadvantaged groups. Widely expressed concerns about recent changes in HE funding arrangements having a disproportionate effect on more disadvantaged groups are not borne out by these data.Our analysis shows that decreases in demand are slightly larger in more advantaged groups than in the disadvantaged groups. Widely expressed concerns about recent changes in HE funding arrangements having a disproportionate effect on more disadvantaged groups are not borne out by these data.
However, I remain concerned about the wide and increasing gap between the application rate of men compared to women.However, I remain concerned about the wide and increasing gap between the application rate of men compared to women.
Although applications are down for mature applicants, this is in the context of some very substantial increases in recent cycles. Applications from mature groups are also set against a backdrop of increasingly higher HE participation rates at their school leaving age.Although applications are down for mature applicants, this is in the context of some very substantial increases in recent cycles. Applications from mature groups are also set against a backdrop of increasingly higher HE participation rates at their school leaving age.
We're really interested in hearing from students who are applying this year, or teachers or academics working on admissions about their experiences this year. You can email me if you don't want to post below the line or on twitter polly.curtis@guardian.co.ukWe're really interested in hearing from students who are applying this year, or teachers or academics working on admissions about their experiences this year. You can email me if you don't want to post below the line or on twitter polly.curtis@guardian.co.uk
This is the first dip in university applications after years of consecutive increases.This is the first dip in university applications after years of consecutive increases.
The last recession prompted more people to go to university to sit out the poor employment, but with the current economic climate – and particularly the jobs market – looking poor, are there factors other than the fee hike behind this year's figures?The last recession prompted more people to go to university to sit out the poor employment, but with the current economic climate – and particularly the jobs market – looking poor, are there factors other than the fee hike behind this year's figures?
10.59am: Lizzy Davies has filed this story on last night's Occupy eviction.10.59am: Lizzy Davies has filed this story on last night's Occupy eviction.
It's understood the man who was arrested was a bailiff hired by UBS to help with the eviction. She writes:It's understood the man who was arrested was a bailiff hired by UBS to help with the eviction. She writes:
Around 50 protesters were evicted peacefully from the UBS-owned building they had turned into an educational hub called the Bank of Ideas shortly after midnight.Around 50 protesters were evicted peacefully from the UBS-owned building they had turned into an educational hub called the Bank of Ideas shortly after midnight.
Police and bailiffs then moved to evict squatters from another building in the complex, also owned by the Swiss banking giant, during which protesters claim a photographer was punched in the face by a bailiff who then drove his car at speed towards more protesters.Police and bailiffs then moved to evict squatters from another building in the complex, also owned by the Swiss banking giant, during which protesters claim a photographer was punched in the face by a bailiff who then drove his car at speed towards more protesters.
A spokesman for the Metropolitan police said a man, understood to be a bailiff, had been arrested after an allegation of assault and criminal damage. Another man, believed to be a protester, was briefly arrested "to prevent a breach of the peace", but was quickly released.A spokesman for the Metropolitan police said a man, understood to be a bailiff, had been arrested after an allegation of assault and criminal damage. Another man, believed to be a protester, was briefly arrested "to prevent a breach of the peace", but was quickly released.
We're looking for more eyewitness accounts of the eviction – let us know if you were there. We're looking for more eyewitness accounts of the eviction – let us know if you were there.
9.57am: This is a video from the scene of last night's Occupy evictions.9.57am: This is a video from the scene of last night's Occupy evictions.
Lizzy Davies has been speaking with the photographer Jules Mattsson, who we mentioned below, who says the footage shows him jumping out of the way of the car at 17 seconds and, at 1.40, the car drives away with a protestor on the bonnet.Lizzy Davies has been speaking with the photographer Jules Mattsson, who we mentioned below, who says the footage shows him jumping out of the way of the car at 17 seconds and, at 1.40, the car drives away with a protestor on the bonnet.
A second video of Mattsson allegedly being punched has not yet been released. I've not had any of the events verified yet, so I won't speculate about what exactly the video shows. We'll have a full report soon.A second video of Mattsson allegedly being punched has not yet been released. I've not had any of the events verified yet, so I won't speculate about what exactly the video shows. We'll have a full report soon.
9.48am: A couple of points about the shape of the Guardian's editing day, which will probably form the spine of this blog.9.48am: A couple of points about the shape of the Guardian's editing day, which will probably form the spine of this blog.
We have a web meeting at 9.15am, where editors share their plans for the day so far. At 10am we have conference, which anyone in the organisation can attend. Each section editor gives a rundown of their plans, and this is also the forum for Guardian staff to thrash out ideas.We have a web meeting at 9.15am, where editors share their plans for the day so far. At 10am we have conference, which anyone in the organisation can attend. Each section editor gives a rundown of their plans, and this is also the forum for Guardian staff to thrash out ideas.
Once a week, we have a guest from the world of politics, business or the arts, who we get a chance to grill. There's a limit to how much I'll be reporting from those guest appearances as they are given on an off the record basis, but you'll often see that guest pop up in our coverage at a later point.Once a week, we have a guest from the world of politics, business or the arts, who we get a chance to grill. There's a limit to how much I'll be reporting from those guest appearances as they are given on an off the record basis, but you'll often see that guest pop up in our coverage at a later point.
A third meeting, at 12 o'clock, sets the agenda for the afternoon and the plans for the next day's paper. As a reporter, the smart thing to do is to pitch ideas just in time for these meetings so they are fresh in the desk editors' minds and, if it's a slow day, they would be desperate for something to say. Readers who want to submit ideas, evidence and angles for our coverage might think of doing the same.A third meeting, at 12 o'clock, sets the agenda for the afternoon and the plans for the next day's paper. As a reporter, the smart thing to do is to pitch ideas just in time for these meetings so they are fresh in the desk editors' minds and, if it's a slow day, they would be desperate for something to say. Readers who want to submit ideas, evidence and angles for our coverage might think of doing the same.
Reactions to the RBS bonus story are pouring in. Rupert Neate, from the city desk, has just filed this reaction to the RBS bonus story. It includes this priceless tweet from the Liberal Democrat peer Lord Oakeshott last night:Reactions to the RBS bonus story are pouring in. Rupert Neate, from the city desk, has just filed this reaction to the RBS bonus story. It includes this priceless tweet from the Liberal Democrat peer Lord Oakeshott last night:
Now we must crack down on bonuses for 323 rbs fat cats who collected 1.1 mn each on avge last year- biggest supporting cast since Ben Hur!Now we must crack down on bonuses for 323 rbs fat cats who collected 1.1 mn each on avge last year- biggest supporting cast since Ben Hur!
The question with this story is about where it goes next, and Oakeshott clearly has his ideas. Our political editor, Patrick Wintour, has just filed this story about how Labour will campaign on this next to capitalise on what has largely been seen as a success for Ed Miliband.The question with this story is about where it goes next, and Oakeshott clearly has his ideas. Our political editor, Patrick Wintour, has just filed this story about how Labour will campaign on this next to capitalise on what has largely been seen as a success for Ed Miliband.
I've just been given some operational details on the euro summit. It doesn't actually start until 3pm and the PM will hold a press conference at about 7pm, but it could be later.I've just been given some operational details on the euro summit. It doesn't actually start until 3pm and the PM will hold a press conference at about 7pm, but it could be later.
8.47am: Stephen Hester's all but inevitable decision to waive his bonus last night dominates last night's late editions of the papers and the bulletins this morning.8.47am: Stephen Hester's all but inevitable decision to waive his bonus last night dominates last night's late editions of the papers and the bulletins this morning.
It's being widely interpreted as a win for Ed Miliband, whose plan to hold a Commons vote on the issue forced his hand. Nick Watt's account of the politics behind the move is well worth reading.It's being widely interpreted as a win for Ed Miliband, whose plan to hold a Commons vote on the issue forced his hand. Nick Watt's account of the politics behind the move is well worth reading.
He describes how Miliband hatched the plan with his shadow business secretary, Chuka Umunna, and Labour's chief whip, Rosie Winterton, via email from Davos while Hester was still on a skiing holiday. Nick also points out that the timing of the RBS bonus was bad for David Cameron in the week after his speech on "responsible capitalism".He describes how Miliband hatched the plan with his shadow business secretary, Chuka Umunna, and Labour's chief whip, Rosie Winterton, via email from Davos while Hester was still on a skiing holiday. Nick also points out that the timing of the RBS bonus was bad for David Cameron in the week after his speech on "responsible capitalism".
It's hard to know where this story will go next today beyond the obvious fleshing out of the damage done to the government, whether it's enough to revive Miiliband's fortunes, what it means for the future remuneration of executives from publicly owned banks and what will happen to Bob Diamond's bonus. Our collegues on the City desk will be dealing with some of these questions, working with our political team in the parliamentary lobby.It's hard to know where this story will go next today beyond the obvious fleshing out of the damage done to the government, whether it's enough to revive Miiliband's fortunes, what it means for the future remuneration of executives from publicly owned banks and what will happen to Bob Diamond's bonus. Our collegues on the City desk will be dealing with some of these questions, working with our political team in the parliamentary lobby.
John Harris writes this morning advocating a grassroots revolt against the big banks in the form of a campaign, launching this week, called Move your money, arguing that people should take their money out of the big banks and put it into smaller outfits based on a US scheme.John Harris writes this morning advocating a grassroots revolt against the big banks in the form of a campaign, launching this week, called Move your money, arguing that people should take their money out of the big banks and put it into smaller outfits based on a US scheme.
Listening to Umunna (audio) on the radio this morning I wondered whether this might be the kind of thing Labour would support?Listening to Umunna (audio) on the radio this morning I wondered whether this might be the kind of thing Labour would support?
We've got reporters Lizzy Davies and Shiv Malik trying to work out what happened at Occupy's Banks of Ideas site at Liverpool Street last night, where there were evictions.We've got reporters Lizzy Davies and Shiv Malik trying to work out what happened at Occupy's Banks of Ideas site at Liverpool Street last night, where there were evictions.
Lizzie has spoken to the Met, and they say they cleared around 50 protestors from the site at around midnight. Two people were arrested – one was released very rapidly and the second is still in custody. Jules Mattsson, a photojournalist, has been tweeting pictures and his account of what happened, including an alleged assault by a bailiff employed by UBS, the owners of the building. He tweeted:Lizzie has spoken to the Met, and they say they cleared around 50 protestors from the site at around midnight. Two people were arrested – one was released very rapidly and the second is still in custody. Jules Mattsson, a photojournalist, has been tweeting pictures and his account of what happened, including an alleged assault by a bailiff employed by UBS, the owners of the building. He tweeted:
All gone mental, bailiff punched me in the face and tried to run me over with car, then tries to run over 12 people #bankofideasAll gone mental, bailiff punched me in the face and tried to run me over with car, then tries to run over 12 people #bankofideas
His account is unverified at the moment. Occupy has just emailed out this – also unverified – account of events:His account is unverified at the moment. Occupy has just emailed out this – also unverified – account of events:
Just after midnight, the Bank of Ideas on Sun Street, the multimillion pound abandoned building owned by Swiss investment bank UBS which Occupy London liberated in an act of public repossession and has been running as a free community and arts space for the public, was evicted.Just after midnight, the Bank of Ideas on Sun Street, the multimillion pound abandoned building owned by Swiss investment bank UBS which Occupy London liberated in an act of public repossession and has been running as a free community and arts space for the public, was evicted.
Since the high court possession order came into place at 2pm Wednesday 24 January, the Bank of Ideas has been closed to the public and a team of volunteers have been cleaning. 
 
The bailiffs – Rossendales (high court enforcement) - aided by police (City of London and Metropolitan) gained entry to the Bank of Ideas by breaking down the front door using an angle grinder. Around 50 protesters resisted peacefully and left the building shortly after. There were reports that further protesters were inside the building but, as of 5am, there is no update on this. The blinds to the ground floor of the building were closed shortly after eviction. The TSG entered the building around the same time.		Since the high court possession order came into place at 2pm Wednesday 24 January, the Bank of Ideas has been closed to the public and a team of volunteers have been cleaning. 
 
The bailiffs – Rossendales (high court enforcement) - aided by police (City of London and Metropolitan) gained entry to the Bank of Ideas by breaking down the front door using an angle grinder. Around 50 protesters resisted peacefully and left the building shortly after. There were reports that further protesters were inside the building but, as of 5am, there is no update on this. The blinds to the ground floor of the building were closed shortly after eviction. The TSG entered the building around the same time.
More on that as Lizzy and Shiv get it. Were you there? Do get in touch below the line if you were, or email lizzie.davies@guardian.co.uk.More on that as Lizzy and Shiv get it. Were you there? Do get in touch below the line if you were, or email lizzie.davies@guardian.co.uk.
You can see all the stories we're covering today in our newslist at the top of this blog or here.You can see all the stories we're covering today in our newslist at the top of this blog or here.
We on the newsdesk are also interested in David Cameron's trip to in Brussels, which has significant domestic ramifications. He's under pressure from all sides. In a letter to the Guardian this morning, Charles Kennedy and several other Europhile MPs and Lords call on him to strengthen the union. He is simultaneously under pressure from his backbenchers – and some frontbenchers – to veto the eurozone's use of the European court of justice. The Times reports (paywall) that the Tory right, including Iain Duncan Smith and Boris Johnson, are gearing up for a revolt on this.We on the newsdesk are also interested in David Cameron's trip to in Brussels, which has significant domestic ramifications. He's under pressure from all sides. In a letter to the Guardian this morning, Charles Kennedy and several other Europhile MPs and Lords call on him to strengthen the union. He is simultaneously under pressure from his backbenchers – and some frontbenchers – to veto the eurozone's use of the European court of justice. The Times reports (paywall) that the Tory right, including Iain Duncan Smith and Boris Johnson, are gearing up for a revolt on this.
Last night, the Tory backbencher Nadine Dorries, tweeted:Last night, the Tory backbencher Nadine Dorries, tweeted:
Cameron is sleepwalking into the mother of all backbench rows if he thinks he can let FU [fiscal union] nations use the ECJ without recourse to parliament.Cameron is sleepwalking into the mother of all backbench rows if he thinks he can let FU [fiscal union] nations use the ECJ without recourse to parliament.
Nick Watt is in Brussels today, and he'll be following developments there, as will Andrew Sparrow on his liveblog.Nick Watt is in Brussels today, and he'll be following developments there, as will Andrew Sparrow on his liveblog.
Figures on university applications that will be published this morning and will be the litmus test of the Liberal Democrats' u-turn on fees. We know they will show the steepest fall in application in 30 years, but today we'll find out whether this means university applications are becoming more white and middle class as a result.Figures on university applications that will be published this morning and will be the litmus test of the Liberal Democrats' u-turn on fees. We know they will show the steepest fall in application in 30 years, but today we'll find out whether this means university applications are becoming more white and middle class as a result.
Has your decision to apply to university changed as a result of the changes to the fees regime?Has your decision to apply to university changed as a result of the changes to the fees regime?
Do get in touch below the line or on Twitter if you're affected by this or any of the stories we're covering today, or if you have ideas for new angles on them. You can also email me polly.curtis@guardian.co.uk.Do get in touch below the line or on Twitter if you're affected by this or any of the stories we're covering today, or if you have ideas for new angles on them. You can also email me polly.curtis@guardian.co.uk.