The higher education sector, as we know, plays a critical and vital role in the social, cultural and economic life of Wales, and maintaining and developing a vibrant and successful higher education sector is therefore at the very heart of the Welsh Government's vision in developing a world-class education system. It is unfortunately the case that higher education in Wales, much like the rest of the UK, is facing significant financial pressures. A drop in the number of 18-year-olds as well as international uncertainties around Brexit have also exacerbated these pressures. These are real pressures. With regard to the Tory UK Government's cuts imposed on Wales, this is also significant. The Welsh Government's budget is down £800 million in real terms, compared to 2010-11. And despite these huge challenges caused by Tory austerity, funding to Wales's higher education has actually increased by over £250 million since 2012.