Siân Gwenllian MS has called for immediate action to support Bangor University amid a higher education funding crisis.
The MS said: “Bangor University’s origins are in a grassroots movement by local communities who were determined to provide higher education opportunities in north Wales. Funded through public donations from local farmers, quarry workers, and businesses, those ancestors would be turning in their grave seeing the complete disregard shown towards our Higher Education sector today.”
Siân Gwenllian expressed frustration at the Welsh Government’s inaction despite repeated warnings about the dire financial state of Welsh higher education.
“Plaid Cymru want the Welsh Government to grasp how serious the situation really is. These are not companies—they are universities. Proper funding is essential to unlocking the full potential of future generations, driving innovation, and ensuring that every student, regardless of background, has a fair chance at success.”
The insecure working culture within higher education was another major concern highlighted by Siân Gwenllian.
“I recently met members of the University and College Union (UCU) at Bangor University and their personal testimonies were shocking.
“Staff members at universities often face constant restructuring, job cuts, and a lack of long-term stability. Some are often employed on a basis that is more or less zero-hours contracts. This instability affects everything from housing arrangements to the ability to secure a mortgage, ultimately leading to a decline in the quality of education.
“Morale within the sector is at an all-time low, and this directly impacts the student experience. Staff cannot thrive or plan for their futures in an environment of endless uncertainty and cuts.
“Furthermore, the UK Government’s immigration policies threaten to undermine its financial stability, and without urgent action, we risk undermining an essential part of Arfon’s future.”
Cefin Campbell MS, Plaid Cymru’s spokesperson on Education, echoed these concerns, labelling the Welsh Government’s refusal to provide additional support as “a dereliction of duty.”
“The Welsh Labour Government’s refusal to step in to assist our universities in crisis is a complete dereliction of duty. They’ve been warned of the financial crisis facing this vital sector in Wales for years and have done nothing about it. Labour is content simply to wave the white flag and watch key courses, such as nursing at Cardiff University, disappear while hundreds of staff face redundancy,” said Cefin Campbell.
“Plaid Cymru will keep pressing the Welsh Government for an urgent strategy to protect jobs and place the sector on a sustainable financial footing.”
Siân Gwenllian concluded by reaffirming her commitment to fighting for Bangor University’s future.
“Universities are an integral of our society and economy. I will continue to fight for greater support for Bangor University to ensure staff and students receive the stability they need.”
