Public Purview

The Student Debt Crisis: A National Albatross?


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In this episode, we confront the escalating student debt crisis, a silent crisis burdening an entire generation. With average loans now reaching £45,000–£50,000, they explore how a once-accessible path to opportunity has transformed into a financial trap, delaying homeownership, family formation, and economic growth.

From the 1998 introduction of tuition fees (£1,000/year) to the 2012 leap to £9,000 (now £9,250), Olivia and James unpack the historical shifts in higher education funding.

They question whether the system prioritizes individual ambition or national needs, highlighting concerns about misaligned career paths, the "brain drain" of talent seeking opportunities abroad, and the unintended consequences of framing education as a private commodity rather than a public good.

This isn’t just about personal struggles. I’s a systemic challenge to Britain’s stability and long-term prosperity.

Olivia and James argue for a pragmatic, patriotic re-evaluation of how education is funded, urging a shift from "what can individuals pay?" to "what does the nation need?" They emphasize the urgent need for responsible stewardship that empowers graduates to innovate, build, and contribute without the crushing weight of debt.

Join Olivia and James as they challenge us to rethink the role of education in shaping a resilient, forward-thinking Britain.

Don’t miss this critical conversation, and stay tuned for Part B, where they’ll dive into common-sense solutions for a brighter future.


Dissecting the pressing issues shaping Britain’s future.

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Public PurviewBy a Lez Production