fees

Mr McGregor was also asked if he had paid Mr Lawrence's legal fees.

Almost three quarters of universities in England will face financial problems next year - despite tuition fees increasing, the BBC has been told.

He suggests universities should think about “a transformation of their offer”, looking closely at the length and range of courses, and how to increase degree apprenticeships where tuition fees are covered mainly through the levy on larger employers.

Tuition fees in England will rise for current and existing students by £285 to £9,535 a year for those on full-time degrees, in autumn 2025.

The forecasts published on Friday will also form part of the public debate, and private negotiations between universities and ministers considering whether tuition fees should rise further in the future.