PROPOSED CLOSURE OF USHAW COLLEGE

That this House expresses concern about the proposed closure of Ushaw College in North West Durham; notes that Ushaw College is a Roman Catholic college, home to St Cuthbert's Seminary which has been forming young men for the priesthood since its foundation more than 400 years ago and which holds a library that is priceless to the heritage of Catholicism in England and the North East and consists of grade 1 and grade 2 listed buildings; further notes the importance of Ushaw College in the local community and the concerns that local people have at the closure announcement; and supports calls for this decision to be reconsidered.