THE former minister who introduced university top-up fees is giving a talk about his vision for higher education.

David Willetts, who was the universities minister who introduced £9,000 student fees, will be in Durham this week to debate the future of education in the sector.

Durham University’s Institute of Advanced Study and University College will be attending a lecture and debate on Thursday and Friday.

Lord Willetts, who has has just published his vision of the future, A University Education, will be giving a lecture on the subject on Thursday, at 8pm in the Great Hall of Durham Castle.

This lecture is open to all and places do not need to be reserved.

On Friday, February 9 Lord Willets will debate his views with Professor Peter Coveney of University College London in the the Senate Suite in Durham Castle.

It takes place between 9.30am and 10.30am and capacity is limited.

Places must be registered in advance at: www.durham.ac.uk/ias/events/register/ or by calling 0191 334 2589.