Scottish Government "deprioritising" economic contribution of unis and colleges

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP has today challenged the government's decision to cut £46m from university and college funding, after the Cabinet Secretary for Finance told MSPs it was important to "deprioritise programmes which make a less meaningful contribution" to the government's central mission.

Speaking in Parliament, Mr Cole-Hamilton said:  

“It’s clear that cuts are coming, but the Cabinet Secretary has refused to treat Parliament and the general public like adults by explaining where those cuts are coming from.  

“This is, in large part, caused by suboptimal growth in GDP and low productivity.  

“The Scottish Government has just cut £46m from our world-class universities and colleges. They are generators of growth.

“Can the minister understand the anger that is felt at their being deprioritised and now badged today as making “a less meaningful contribution” to the government’s central mission?”