The submission of a formal proposal for the establishment of the University of Manchester in July 1877 marked the start of a second phase in the debate leading to the establishment of the Victoria University. Following the publication of the Senate pamphlet with outline proposals, much of the debate had been predominantly academic and technical in nature. The main issues raised included the nature of a university and the form of a degree, the maintenance of standards, the relationship between teaching and teachers with examining and examiners, and responsibility for curriculum. Another line of debate was more political in nature. This concerned the number of universities and, more specifically, whether Owens College was a suitable location for a university. Within this strand of discussion, the growing demand for higher education across the North of England and the prospective claims of other large cities as well as Manchester had been raised. The second phase of discussion was marked, therefore, by a further focus on the needs of the North. The main opposition to the proposed University of Manchester shifted away from the University of London towards the other large cities in the North.