University leader warns arts cuts harm UK creativity

The incoming chair of the Russell Group has said sweeping cuts to arts and humanities are damaging the sector, citing her daughter's music career as proof of long-term value.

• Prof Evelyn Welch, Bristol University vice-chancellor, said arts and humanities cuts are undermining the UK's creative strength.
• Welch pointed to her daughter Florence Welch's success as an example of how an art foundation course can lead to significant earnings.
• She called on incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reform university funding and end what she described as a "dog-eat-dog" market-based system.
• The government has confirmed two years of inflationary tuition fee increases and proposed an international student levy of £925 per student from 2028.