The Times Higher reports on the backlash against the fragmented response to the funding cuts and the 'apocalyptic' language of some HE spokespeople in recent weeks. The response of the Russell Group in particular has come in for flak, with some vice-chancellors "privately expressing surprise about the strength of the comments, describing them as 'totally over the top' and 'hyperbolic'."
David Greenaway, V-C at Nottingham, in a separate article makes the case for universities to use the opportunity to forge a more diverse sector, by saying "we can and should make the case for continued public investment to minimise the extent of the cuts to come. But if that is the only response, it is a strategy for decline and, probably, failure. Individual universities will have to review what they do, how they do it and who they do it with. Successful diversification of income streams will be necessary for continued development".