Reform UK’s senior member advocates for a reduced number of young individuals pursuing higher education, despite his own background of attending a prestigious university. Zia Yusuf, a wealthy figure who previously chaired the party and now holds a policy leadership role, proposed the closure of certain universities.

Having attended an exclusive private school and later the renowned London School of Economics, Mr. Yusuf highlighted that three of the world’s top universities are situated on isolated islands. He expressed concerns about the significant student debt burden in the country and suggested a decrease in university attendance and the number of institutions, excluding Cambridge and Oxford Universities.

The business mogul, who transitioned into a banking career at Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs post-graduation, warned universities that a potential Reform UK government would restrict the enrollment of international students, despite their financial contributions. Mr. Yusuf criticized former Labour PM Tony Blair’s goal of sending half of young people to university and endorsed Sir Keir Starmer’s emphasis on promoting apprenticeships.

Speaking at the CBI’s annual conference in London, Mr. Yusuf questioned the sustainability of the current university system in light of advancements in AI and its implications for students and taxpayers. He advocated for a streamlined university sector focusing on quality institutions.

These remarks coincide with universities facing challenges such as declining student enrollment and financial constraints, leading to substantial job cuts. Mr. Yusuf, a prominent figure within Reform UK and an associate of Nigel Farage, shared his educational background and the party’s outreach to the corporate sector at the CBI event.

Meanwhile, Reform UK has been urged to investigate Nathan Gill, the former party leader in Wales, following his conviction for accepting bribes related to pro-Russia activities. Mr. Yusuf dismissed concerns about the party’s integrity, emphasizing that he had no association with Mr. Gill and condemning attempts to tarnish Reform UK’s reputation based on isolated incidents.