Taunton Deane MP, Rebecca Pow pressed the Prime Minister to consider a University for Somerset today during the debate on the Queens Speech. Commenting, she said: ‘Getting a world class university education is one of the best opportunities we can give our children to help them get on in life whatever their background. That’s why I am pleased to welcome the Higher Education and Research Bill announced in the Queens Speech. It will include measures to make it easier for new high quality universities to open and new requirements on all universities to publish detailed information about application, offer and progression rates to put a spotlight on social mobility. If we are to realise the full potential of the area and to skill up our young people a University in Somerset, possibly in Taunton Deane should be part of the educational mix. I was delighted that the Prime Minister said he would be pleased to consider the idea.’ John Osman, Leader at Somerset County Council commented, ‘I am pleased that Somerset County Council, Somerset Colleges and our MP for Taunton Deane are working together to deliver a new University in the County. A university that will give local people option to study in Somerset, a University that will cater for the needs of the County. I welcome the government’s announcement and look forward to turning this plan into a reality.’