RLB: the govt was reckless to allow students to return to campuses in September. Mental Health support needs to be ringfenced by government #EaseTheFees

Next question is from Thomas, a Masters student with significant practical element in his course who believes there has been a lack of value for money. Q: Whose responsibility is it to compensate students? The govt or Universities? #EaseTheFees

RLB: It is the government's responsibility- this is the result of marketisation of universities, who already do not receive enough funding. Not in favour of the current fees system at all. Selling off student loans by govt is scandalous #EaseTheFees

Next question is from Siddhant, an international Masters student who is paying double the tuition fees of UK students and believes compensation is needed Q: what is the proposal to government to support international students? #EaseTheFees

RLB: I want you to stay on your course and stay in Salford - the government needs to sort this out. Temi - agreeing with RLB, the fee levels seem totally unfair #EaseTheFees

Next question is from Natasha, a student midwife who needed to shield and has had placements severely disrupted but can't complete hours needed to finish her course #EaseTheFees

RLB: understands there is some inflexibility around placements and ensuring nurses/ midwives can complete on time. Financial support is vital when there's a delay like this. #EaseTheFees

RLB: the pandemic has highlighted the issues with nursing funding and staffing levels. Nursing salaries are also very low, there are stories of nurses having to use food banks. This is no way to encourage trainees

RLB: three things needed: funding, flexibility on placement requirements, and making sure we keep nurses and pay them properly #EaseTheFees

Q from Temi: Are there plans to reintroduce the nursing bursary? RLB: would need to check but the talk was of a bursary at a lower rate than previous years #EaseTheFees

Next question is from Richard, a mature student studying a Masters who has been shielding with an elderly family member - feels like he has missed out on so much in access to library, workshops. Q: Do you think I'm getting value for money for the fees I am paying? #EaseTheFees

RLB: Great to hear that tutors have been working hard, but if comms from govt had been clearer earlier, the Univ. would have been able to move online quicker and sooner. Students, the Univ. and your tutors have done their very best, govt need to take responsibility #EaseTheFees

Next Q is from Nicole an international Masters students. Has had 9 face to face sessions, experience not at all as expected and paying much higher fees. Only know 3 other students and no support for industry placement #EaseTheFees

Nicole: borders are shut and I am supposed to leave my accommodation soon, I have nowhere else to go #EaseTheFees

RLB: Pandemic must be having a profound effect on international students, knowing you can't get home. There is a real case for reinbursement of fees and accommodation costs; I hope I can help pressure the Govt to do this. #EaseTheFees

RLB: Universities rely on international student fees to sustain the funding situation; if we can't welcome them then I fear for the future #EaseTheFees

If you're just joining in, our live Q&A with local MP Rebecca Long-Bailey is well under way, we have nearly 200 in attendance and great discussions #EaseTheFees

Next Q is from Brendan, a third year mature student - comms from govt consistently ignores students. Loss of fieldtrips this year has surely meant savings for the University, and means graduates this year won't be as well equipped as previous years #EaseTheFees

RLB: Is going to approach the Univ. directly about Brendan's situation. Addressing the lack of skills needs a central plan, graduates will need all the help they can get in the current economic climate #EaseTheFees

Temi: there's a danger that employers will see graduates of this year as less skilled and less equipped for the employment market. #EaseTheFees