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1970s: UK running out money, received a bailout from IMF. UK economic growth rates: -2.4% Student loans: Free 2020s: UK economy 6th largest in the world. UK economic growth rates: 1.1% Student loans: £30,000. Don't tell me we can't afford it.

Yes, in the 1970s only around 14% of young people went to university, now it is closer to 50%. However, the economic benefit these professions bring is far outweighed from our 70s, 80s and 90s counterparts.

We are 20% more likely to be employed, earn ~35% more, 70% are in high skilled roles, pay £100,000 more in our lifetime. Even graduates who go into jobs not related to their degree earn more, are more likely to be promoted and their career ceilings are higher.

On that, if you had one nurse, trained in the UK on a Plan 2 loan, top of band 6, they will pay around £150 a month for their student loan. Another nurse, who did not train in the UK, top of band 6, will take home £150 more every month. Only because they didn't study in the UK.