STUDENTS at Bournemouth University have said they “completely support” calls for compulsory Covid jabs on return to campus in September.

An education minister has repeatedly refused to rule out that students could be required to be double-vaccinated in order to attend university lectures in person and live in halls of residence.

The Times reported that Boris Johnson had suggested the move in order to help drive up the rates of young people taking up the vaccine, subject to medical exemptions.

Conservative MP and minister Vicky Ford (Chelmsford) was repeatedly asked about the potential policy on Monday morning.

Although she initially answered “no” when asked about the plans on Sky News, before stressing the need to prioritise education, she did not take the opportunity to rule the policy out later on.

However, student Cat Clarke,20, said she completely supported compulsory vaccinations for students "especially while moving into halls".

She added: "When it comes to living quarters it’s selfish not to take something that will protect your fellow flatmates.

“I feel a lot of us are desperate for our lives back so any steps in order to squeeze any enjoyment out of our experience will be welcomed with open arms.

Hussein Malek said: “I understand making vaccinations compulsory can stir a lot of conflicting conversations, especially given that students expect to physically be able to attend the university they paid and signed up for.

“However, I would prefer students to be vaccinated to ensure a safer environment for everyone involved.”

Multimedia journalism student Emily Keogh disagreed and said: “I don’t think it’s the best idea honestly. The majority of young people want to get vaccinated and have been vaccinated and I don’t think making it compulsory in order to access education is fair or would be beneficial.

“I think everyone should get vaccinated but using vaccines as a bargaining chip when our education has already suffered isn’t fair.”

A spokesperson for Bournemouth University said: "Bournemouth University has promoted the Covid-19 vaccination to our all students, especially since they have been eligible to get vaccinated. We will continue to strongly encourage them to take up this opportunity as we head towards the new academic year to help keep themselves, the university and the local community safe."

An AUB spokesperson said: “Arts University Bournemouth has maintained a COVID safe and secure campus environment since reopening for face-to-face teaching on 8 March, in line with Government guidance. We have worked to maintain this safe working environment, including implementing measures that are currently still in place, such as the use of face coverings in all indoor areas and physical distancing across our campus site.

"AUB has worked with partners including AECC University College and Bournemouth University to ensure a consistent approach to all campus measures and student communications, and we have provided staffing and resource towards a shared COVID-19 testing facility, and latterly vaccination centre on Talbot Campus. The university observes and reviews Government guidance around COVID-19 and Higher Education Institution settings, and we continue to request that our community carry out weekly testing in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19."