There is no right of appeal against the decision, but this has not deterred Sir Geoffrey from setting out, in the strongest terms possible, the degree of feeling throughout the county over the reasons for turning the project down, which are, he says, factually incorrect. The Vice-Chancellor also points out that in terms of revenue, the University project is far more secure at this stage than many of the commercial, entertainment and exhibition projects which the Commission has supported. It is neither ephemeral, nor for the elite few, nor for the benefit of tourists.
Support remains widespread.
The battle is far from lost. Half of the necessary finance for the academic aspects of the project is assured and the project looks likely to be aired in the Commons. St. Ives MP, Andrew George, who met Sir Geoffrey on Saturday, is anticipating that the Dearing Report which was expected to go before the House of Commons yesterday, would lift the cap on student places, thus providing a real and tangible boost to the Cornwall initiative, and give encouragement to universities to expand opportunities. The prime intention is to encourage people from less well-off areas to take higher education places, and on this basis the initiative should receive support. If the Government accepts the Dearing report, then this will be excellent news for us, the MP told The Cornishman.