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MSPs back post-16 education reforms | |
(about 17 hours later) | |
Controversial legislation aimed at widening access to higher education has been passed by the Scottish Parliament. | |
Opposition parties voted against the Post 16 Education bill after they accused the government of trying to interfere in how universities are run. | |
Labour said calling the bill a dog's breakfast was unfair to the pet food industry. | |
But ministers said the new law would help students from poorer backgrounds get a degree. | |
The proposals, which were back by 65 votes to 51, are wide-ranging and include reforms to the way colleges and universities are run. | |
The bill will place arrangements to try to bring in more students from a wider range of backgrounds onto a statutory footing. | The bill will place arrangements to try to bring in more students from a wider range of backgrounds onto a statutory footing. |
Some universities were concerned the details of how to do this could have interfered with their historic autonomy - but proposed amendments appear to have eased their worries. | Some universities were concerned the details of how to do this could have interfered with their historic autonomy - but proposed amendments appear to have eased their worries. |
In March, the Post-16 Education Bill was backed in principle by parliament at its first stage by 64 votes to 54. | In March, the Post-16 Education Bill was backed in principle by parliament at its first stage by 64 votes to 54. |
Speaking then, Education Secretary Mike Russell said: "The clear message I am hearing from learners, staff and institutions is that the principles and policy objectives identified are the right ones." | Speaking then, Education Secretary Mike Russell said: "The clear message I am hearing from learners, staff and institutions is that the principles and policy objectives identified are the right ones." |