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HERALD EXPRESS - 02 May 2007
Two South Devon MPs have been accused of 'political opportunism' in the row over the future of Dartington Arts College ahead of this week's local elections.
Principal Professor Andrew Brewerton launched his outspoken criticism of Tory MP for Totnes Anthony Steen and Torbay Lib Dem MP Adrian Sanders in the wake of their recent 'attacks' on the college management.It comes after governors gave the green-light to a merger with University College of Falmouth which would see the site relocated to Cornwall.
Prof Brewerton believes both MPs are attempting to make political capital out of the controversy in the run-up to tomorrow's polls, with 'scant regard' for the facts.
However, the charge has been rejected by Mr Steen and Mr Sanders who insist they are acting in the best interests of their constituents and the local economy.
But Prof Brewerton's scathing public rebuke of the MPs is a sign of how bitter the dispute has become.
He has made public a copy of a letter from Mr Steen written to him in November of last year in which the MP said: "As far as I am concerned whatever is decided short or long term is entirely an internal arrangement for you and the trust.
It added: "It has nothing to do with me in Parliament, other than I would like to see what is best for the College."
Prof Brewerton said: "I find it quite astonishing that Mr Steen should move in a matter of months from a position - by his own admission - of an impartial observer who recognised the constraints of our current site to one in which he is calling for my resignation.
"His November 2006 letter was in response to one from me offering to brief him personally on the issues and he clearly felt that wasn't necessary.
"He has since been briefed by the Higher Education Funding Council England (HEFCE), so one would expect him to have a grasp of the issues.
"It's a sad reflection on Mr Steen that at a time when you look to politicians for leadership and understanding all you get is political opportunism."
Prof Brewerton also criticised Mr Sanders who raised the issue of Dartington with the Prime Minister in the Commons last week, calling on Tony Blair to stop up to £20 million of taxpayers' cash being 'wasted' to relocate the college.
The move would have a devastating impact on the South Devon economy Mr Blair was told.
But Prof Brewerton said: "The logic of Mr Sanders' position appears to be if South Devon cannot keep Dartington College of Arts then nobody can have it. I believe that betrays a fundamental lack of understanding of the issues and flies in the face of all the evidence that we have presented about why the relocation of Dartington is the only option.
"I note that Mr Sanders has also tabled an Early Day Motion in the Commons highlighting what he calls the 'failure' of the College and the trust to secure the college's future at Dartington, despite what he says are the 'best efforts' of South Hams District Council, Devon County Council and Torbay Unitary Authority.
"It's not surprising that with the local elections only days away Mr Sanders should seek, in my view, to politicise this issue to best serve the interests of his party."
But this was rejected by Mr Sanders who said: "I am merely protecting taxpayers' money across the South West and jobs in my constituency. If that's wrong then I am glad to be doing it wrong."
Mr Steen has also defended his stance, although he stressed he held Prof Brewerton 'in the highest regard' and was 'not after his blood'.
"At the time I was approached by him I did take the view this was an internal matter for the college and nothing to do with me in Parliament.
"However, it subsequently became clear this was not an internal matter but one which would have wide implications affecting the economy of the locality.
"My job is to ensure all interests are considered and those interests are not just the governors but the students and the community.
"He's been running a college that's been heading for an iceberg. He didn't see it and the governors didn't. They should have seen it years ago."
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