Blair's university challenge

Blair's University Challenge was broadcast on BBC One on Sunday, 19 October, 2003 at 22:15 BST.

Your starter for 10.

Why are hundreds of Labour backbenchers threatening to rebel over the Government's tuition fees proposals?

Will poorer students be discouraged from applying to universities?

Will all universities benefit from the higher fees?

Should the Government be expanding higher education at all costs?

Click here to download or view a transcript of the programme

With a nod to one of Britain's favourite TV quiz shows, Panorama examines the government's proposals to allow universities in England and Wales to charge up to £3000 a year for a course - to be paid back after graduation.

Education Secretary Charles Clarke is challenged to defend the government's policy.

Two teams of prominent supporters and opponents of top-up fees pit their wits against each other. They are quizzed in front of an audience of students, parents, teachers and employers on a campus location.

The teams are led by Chris Woodhead - former Chief inspector of Schools for Ofsted and Mandy Telford - President of the National Union of Students.

Damian Green and Phil Willis - education spokesmen for the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats respectively are also on hand to offer their views.

In a debate that asks who should be going to university, and who should pay, Panorama examines Blair's University Challenge ahead of the threatened rebellion that might cause his first defeat in Parliament since Labour came to power.

Production team:
Producer: Diana Martin
Deputy Editors: Andy Bell, Sam Collyns
Editor: Mike Robinson