Higher Education Reform Debate

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Department: Department for Education

Higher Education Reform

Stephen Timms Excerpts
Thursday 24th February 2022

(2 years, 9 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Nadhim Zahawi Portrait Nadhim Zahawi
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That is absolutely right. I could not have put it any better.

Stephen Timms Portrait Stephen Timms (East Ham) (Lab)
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It is estimated that 4,000 Muslim young people every year choose with a heavy heart not to enter higher education because of the Islamic ban on interest. Nine years ago, David Cameron promised a system of alternative student finance to overcome that problem. We were told there would be a decision on that in this statement today. Does the Secretary of State plan to honour the promise made by the leader of his party to Muslim young people?

Nadhim Zahawi Portrait Nadhim Zahawi
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I am grateful for that important question. It is only sensible that we align the future delivery of alternative student finance with these major reforms to ensure fair treatment for all students.