Coronavirus: UK’s dream of becoming ‘science superpower’ will go up in smoke if universities don’t get urgent help, ministers warned

Higher education sector has sent ‘SOS’ plea to government, says MSP

Boris Johnson’s dream of turning the UK into a “science superpower” may go up in smoke if his government does not offer urgent financial help to universities, ministers have been warned.

The sector has issued an “SOS” plea for aid in dealing with the coronavirus pandemic and Westminster must step in, Scotland’s higher education minister told colleagues on Wednesday.

Richard Lochhead said some colleges and universities may be forced to start term later than planned and move classes online.