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Lifelong Learning: “University of the Air” White Paper — [Sir Desmond Swayne in the Chair]
16 June 2026
Lead MP
Patrick Hurley
Responding Minister
Josh MacAlister
Tags
EducationEmployment
Word Count: 9186
Other Contributors: 9
At a Glance
Patrick Hurley raised concerns about lifelong learning: “university of the air” white paper — [sir desmond swayne in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Patrick Hurley asks the Government to reflect on how institutions like the Open University can play a greater role in regions where talent tends to leave for other areas. He also calls for proper funding and support for part-time provision and increased awareness of lifelong learning opportunities among adults.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Patrick Hurley is concerned about the decline in adult participation in higher education over the past decade, despite the success of institutions like the Open University. He notes that too often, the system feels designed around traditional undergraduate students rather than mature learners and those facing life changes such as retraining after redundancy or managing long-term health issues. He highlights that more than a third of undergraduate entrants are mature learners, yet these opportunities remain underutilised.
He recognises the Open University's pioneering role in lifelong learning modules and credits, highlighting how funding changes in 2010 negatively affected part-time and mature learners, and calls for better funding policies based on the White Paper's promise.
She celebrates Labour's achievement through the Open University, praising its importance for people with family responsibilities who can pursue education at home. She commends the university for offering flexible learning options and cutting-edge modules.
Gregory Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
He congratulates the hon. Gentleman on securing the debate and emphasises that lifelong learning is essential for young people from working-class communities, who do not typically participate in traditional higher education.
Ian Sollom
LD
North Down
The Liberal Democrat MP for North Down praised the Open University's role in providing education to those who need it most, highlighting that 240 students are currently enrolled in his constituency. He noted a significant decline in public funding for adult skills and community learning since its peak in the early 2000s, with classroom-based adult education spending falling by two-thirds over that period. Sollom expressed concern about the OU's financial deficit of £27 million due to cost-cutting measures.
Jack Rankin
Con
Bolton North East
Pays tribute to the Open University's impact, highlighting its flexibility and accessibility for adult learners. Acknowledges the Conservative government's initiatives such as apprenticeship levy and free courses for jobs. Raises concerns about cuts in adult skills budget and level 7 apprenticeships, urging the Minister on engagement with institutions affected by these changes.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon highlighted the Open University's evolution and its role in providing education to those who might otherwise be excluded, including women returning to education after raising families. He mentioned specific examples of initiatives such as prison outreach programmes and work with community centres like Shankill Women's Centre. Shannon also called for the inclusion of the Open University in the UCAS system to ensure it is a visible post-A-level choice. We all, including the Minister, recognise that the Open University reaches out to those who are perhaps isolated and lonely. It gives them an opportunity to focus their attention on a degree, thereby giving them hope for the future.
Richard Baker
Con
Dover
In Scotland, Jennie Lee, the architect of the Open University, came from Lochgelly in my constituency. The hon. Member rightly highlighted the importance of devolved Administrations working closely with the Open University to provide higher education opportunities for those who would not normally have them.
Robin Swann
DUP
Fermanagh and South Tyrone
I am a graduate of the Open University, which instilled personal management skills in students by requiring them to meet deadlines while maintaining work-life balance. The university has also contributed to environmental education through co-productions with the BBC. In Northern Ireland, one in five students is registered as having a disability, highlighting the importance of the Open University's role.
He highlights that young people from affluent backgrounds are significantly more likely to enter higher education than their less-advantaged peers, emphasizing the importance of socioeconomic background in predicting university attendance. He stresses the continued relevance of the White Paper's mission to expand access to higher education.
Government Response
Josh MacAlister
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir Desmond. The hon. Member for Southport highlighted the importance of lifelong learning and provided examples of individuals who have successfully pursued higher education through the Open University. The Minister acknowledged the significance of prisoner education and the role that educational institutions like the Open University play in providing opportunities for incarcerated individuals. He also addressed concerns about UCAS, explaining that the Open University manages applications directly due to its need for flexibility beyond the normal academic cycle. Furthermore, he defended the Government's decision regarding level 7 apprenticeships, emphasizing the focus on funding entry-level routes for those who have not taken a university path. The Minister praised the Open University's mission and achievements over six decades, noting that it has taught more than 2.5 million students worldwide and continues to provide high-quality education with flexible learning options. He also highlighted government initiatives such as the lifelong learning entitlement, which aims to break down barriers to higher education and improve access for all backgrounds. The minister emphasized the importance of following Jennie Lee's vision by ensuring that opportunities in education remain open and accessible.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.