Lib Dems: Conference axed amid protest fears

Demonstrators had pledged to target the event to voice anger over the party's failure to meet a general election pledge to oppose tuition fee rises.

It had been scheduled to take place at a north London school but party bosses were forced to seek an alternative venue when the headmaster raised concerns over security.

When the same fears were raised by a second venue, it was decided to postpone the entire event until February. "It has been postponed because of the venues' fears for security," a spokesman said.

Previous student protests in London have ended in violence in recent weeks.

Fiona Edwards, spokeswoman for the Free Education Campaign which had organised the protest, said the Lib Dems were "running scared".

"This reflects the fact that they are feeling the pressure from these student protests. They are running scared but we will keep chasing them down."

MPs will vote on the fees hike next Thursday as Liberal Democrats continue to agonise over whether to support the measure in the division lobbies.

The party is deeply divided, with some Lib Dem MPs determined to vote against the measure in line with election promises.