ALL three of Liverpool’s universities will still be around in 100 years –and “every city in the world needs a LJMU” Mr Weatherill believes.

He added: “One thing that really excites me is that while we are in a period of considerable uncertainty and turbulence, I passionately believe as an institution we will come out tremendously strong.”

“I believe every major city in the world needs a LJMU in the sense of what we offer the community and community members whether that be students or staff.

“It is why I say we are a modern civic university. Civic universities were set up by elders, leaders of the city at that time, bringing forward education establishments for the nation’s benefit, they had a social conscious and we have that.

“In 20 years I’d like to think LJMU will have a truly global reputation for being a modern civic university.”

He added: “ Liverpool is a global city and if we are giving something to the city of LJMU we are also contributing something to the world. What is good for the city of Liverpool is also good for LJMU and I hope what is good for LJMU is also good for the city of Liverpool.”