The closure of Southend Campus risks putting higher education further out of reach for those who can least afford it

Last December, the University of Essex announced the planned closure of its Southend Campus, a decision that sent shockwaves through our city. I, David Burton-Sampson MP for Southend West and Leigh, and the Leader of Southend City Council, were informed just 24 hours before the public announcement. The decision has far-reaching consequences for students, staff, and the wider Southend community.

The Southend Campus is far more than an educational facility. For nearly two decades, it has been an anchor institution for our city: providing employment, fostering opportunities, and shaping Southend’s cultural identity. Many of the courses offered, especially those in the health and social care sector, have been consistently oversubscribed and largely attended by residents. For these students, the campus allowed them to study close to home, balancing education with work, family responsibilities, or financial limitations. The campus’ closure risks putting higher education further out of reach for those who can least afford it or who may not have otherwise considered university.

Universities across the UK are facing significant pressures. Years of national policy decisions have contributed to the challenges institutions now face. The previous administration reduced funding, increased reliance on tuition fees, and created a landscape where universities are under increasing financial strain. Cities like Southend, its residents, and university staff are now experiencing the consequences of these decisions. The closure of the Southend Campus also raises serious questions about regional inequality and access to education. Education should never become a privilege reserved for the few; it must remain open to all who wish to pursue it.

The University of Essex estimates that 800 of the 1,000 affected students will be able to relocate to Colchester. I believe this is unlikely to reflect the reality for many students, particularly those with caring responsibilities or financial constraints. Students should not be forced to make difficult financial or personal decisions simply to continue their education, more needs to be done to support them.

To bring these issues to national attention, I recently secured a Parliamentary Adjournment Debate on government support for higher education. This debate allowed me to highlight the very real human impact of the Southend Campus closure. I spoke about Lulu, a first-year student whose studies are now uncertain; Jane, a long-serving staff member who has supported generations of students; and a lecturer recruited from Brazil who faces a 60-day countdown to deportation if she is made redundant under the terms of her skilled worker visa. These stories lend a human face to the statistics and remind us that decisions about universities affect real people and communities.

This Government has introduced measures to ease the pressures facing higher education. Inflation-linked increases to tuition fees and maintenance loans, alongside plans to rejoin the Erasmus programme, are welcome steps and provide some long-overdue financial relief. While these initiatives are important, I believe that further action is necessary to ensure the sustainability and accessibility of higher education.

We should look to international examples where strong partnerships between universities and industry drive innovation and create income stability. Universities can generate revenue through the commercialisation of intellectual property, supported by both public and private investment. As reforms to the Intellectual Property Office progress, it is vital that universities are fully considered in the planning process. Beyond this, strengthening industry links for students through work placements, apprenticeships, and skills-based modules will equip graduates with the tools they need to succeed while supporting local economies. Additionally, we should seriously consider reintroducing university grants to reduce the over-reliance on international student fees. Grants would ensure that universities remain resilient while widening access for domestic students.

The closure of Southend Campus is a reminder of the importance of constructive dialogue between universities, government, and communities. Universities are not isolated institutions; they are integral to the life of the city, providing employment, skills development, and opportunity. I will continue to engage with the Government and the University of Essex to advocate for a solution that benefits students, staff, and the wider city. Higher education should be about opening doors, not closing them. It should empower students, support staff, and strengthen communities. I remain committed to working towards securing a sustainable and equitable future for higher education in our city.