UEL congratulates newly elected Labour government

A statement from Vice Chancellor and President Professor Amanda Broderick.

"I extend my warm congratulations to the newly elected Labour government, led by Prime Minister-elect and UEL honorary alum Sir Keir Starmer.

A civic anchor institution in east London for over 125 years with a commitment to social justice, UEL stands ready to support this mission-driven government through our education and training, research initiatives, and business and civic partnerships, lending our expertise and insights to help deliver manifesto pledges including driving economic growth, building an NHS fit for the future, transforming early years education, and improving access to degree apprenticeships and higher education.

UEL is at the forefront of efforts to tackle skills shortages, training much-needed nurses and teachers. We are proud to be educating 1 in 10 students enrolled in social work courses, 1 in 12 adult nursing trainees, and 1 in 20 trainee teachers in London, preparing them for a career in the public sector. The recent launch of our dedicated Health Campus further demonstrates our commitment to fostering the health and social care workforce of the future, and our institutional purpose of tackling health and economic inequalities wherever they are found.

Universities are a major contributor to the UK economy, supporting more than 750,000 jobs and contributing £116 billion. UEL itself contributes over £800 million annually, with every £1 of university income returning £4.24 to the economy.

It’s time to think again about how higher education can be a force for social and economic good. We will be delighted to work with the new government to ensure that universities can be supported in their mission to address skills gaps, drive social mobility, undertake world-class research, and encourage investment, for the betterment of not only students and the economy, but for the whole of society."