Marking the 60th anniversary of the University of the Air White Paper
Tabled 6 January 2026 by Richard Baker
That this House marks the 60 years since the publication of the White Paper, “University of the Air”, which paved the way for the creation of The Open University; celebrates the legacy of Jennie Lee, Baroness Lee of Asheridge, who was the driving force behind the paper; recognises the impact the paper has had on lifelong learning opportunities and making education accessible to all; commends how The Open University has provided educational opportunities to over 2 million students worldwide, and to students in every Westminster parliamentary constituency, via its world-class expertise in flexible distance learning and open entry model; and takes note of the role The Open University will play over the next 60 years in helping more people to achieve their ambitions and fulfil their potential regardless of where they start in life.
Signatories (39)
- Richard Baker Sponsor
- Jim Shannon
- Robin Swann
- Markus Campbell-Savours
- Sir Julian Lewis
- Rachael Maskell
- Richard Burgon
- Josh Newbury
- Peter Swallow
- Ian Byrne
- Neil Duncan-Jordan
- Manuela Perteghella
- Mary Kelly Foy
- Will Stone
- Lee Pitcher
- Sorcha Eastwood
- Dr Scott Arthur
- Maureen Burke
- Mr Clive Betts
- Munira Wilson
- Luke Myer
- Valerie Vaz
- Bell Ribeiro-Addy
- Cat Smith
- Julia Buckley
- Kim Johnson
- Margaret Mullane
- Kate Osborne
- Douglas McAllister
- Jamie Stone
- Martin Rhodes
- Elaine Stewart
- Dave Doogan
- Cameron Thomas
- Lisa Smart
- Kenneth Stevenson
- Peter Lamb
- Daisy Cooper
- Wendy Chamberlain