The group, which includes many top universities, says changes to the funding system in England have meant students who wanted to go to a good university and had the right grades have not been able to.

BBC: Russell Group universities have student places

Tony Blair should look and see the number of students who go to university and then do not get a good job afterwards.

BBC: IS THIS THE BEST THAT IT GETS?

Most private-school pupils get good exam results and go on to university and a well-paid career.

ECONOMIST: Private education

"The real issue here is who can go to Washington and do good for us like Joe McDade did for us, " says Professor Leonard Champney, a University of Scranton political scientist.

CNN: By Brooks Jackson/