Over the last year, the government repeatedly failed to plan for completely predictable situations, creating chaos affecting millions of children, students and teachers. It seems Education ministers have learnt little from the last confused year, with no apparent plan for universities to reopen.

“Students, lecturers and university staff desperately need more information. I am writing to the University Minister today on behalf of everyone at UWE and the University of Bristol – if they cannot say when universities should reopen, can they at least indicate what the criteria for reopening?

“Returning to in-person learning will be a huge logistical operation. Universities need more guidance to help them plan for this important change.”