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Former polytechnics granted university after legislation from John Major's government. These became known as post-1992 universities
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Tony Blair becomes Prime Minister proclaiming he will focuss on 'education, education, education'
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Education Secretary, David Blunkett announces means-tested tuition fees for university students. Meanwhile,student grants are replaced with loans.
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Tony Bliar pledges for 50% of 18-year-olds to go to university by 2010
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Manifesto pledges that Labour will not increase university fees
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White paper is published to increase tuition fees to £3000 although these will not be payable upfront and this later becomes policy
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UK enters recession that continues to hang over the economy.
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The Conservatives and Liberal Democrats share power after no party wins a majority in the General elections. The Lib Dems pledged to scrap tuition fees for first degrees in their manifesto.
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Parliament passes legislation to raise tuition fees to £6000-£9000 accompanied by large student protests outside parliament and a backlash by Liberal Democrat members and voters.
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UK enters double dip recession as economy shows little signs of recovery.