Amongst the dreaming spires

Over at Oxford, they're debating a motion of no confidence in David Willetts, the Universities Minister. I'm trying to organise the same thing here, as are concerned academics across the country.

But occasionally, our colleagues in the kind of élite institutions which prefer not to admit working-class, poor or ethnic minority students get it horrendously wrong. Here's an extract from a speech by Donald Fraser of Oxford University:

He calls for a return to higher education before 1992, and the creation of the new universities, and refers sceptically to a new university in the Midlands that offers courses in "cake decoration, wines and spirits appreciation" - adding, to laughter from the dons, that he knows students who already do this in their spare time. He says there are too many universities and calls for a cull.

I have a sneaking suspicion that there isn't a single degree-awarding institution offering degrees in these subjects, here in the Midlands or anywhere else: this is a fantasy straight out of the Daily Mail.

If I'm wrong, do let me know. Did you graduate with a First in Cake Decorating?

Caps off to the Oxford Dons though: no confidence in Willetts by 283-5.