MORE than 140,000 applicants missed out on university places this year, the Tories claimed.
The party’s universities spokesman, David Willetts, said 141,000 applicants missed out – an increase of nearly 30% on the year before.
He accused the Government of “blocking people’s aspirations and betraying a generation” because of the shortfall.
He said: “If more people are achieving the required standard, then it is a good thing if more of them go to university.
“Our economy is different from the one of 50 or 60 years ago and our youngsters will not be able to compete unless we ensure they are as highly qualified as those from the countries that are our global competitors.
“The Government says it is expanding access to university, but they are actually blocking people’s aspirations and betraying a generation.”
Mr Willetts has raised the question of delays to student loans – demanding the Government give a date for when the problem will be resolved.
