MPs Question Closure of University Department

A GROUP of MPs is to investigate plans to close a university’s chemistry department amid mounting anger from staff, students and a Nobel Prize winning scientist.

The University of Sussex last week revealed plans to axe its chemistry department, blaming financial pressures.

The Commons science and technology committee will hold an emergency session to question the university’s vice-chancellor and higher education funding chiefs over the decision. Sussex’s move follows similar closures from universities including Exeter and Hertfordshire.

The committee’s chairman, Lib-Dem Phil Willis, said: “It is a worrying trend.”