'Not the last word' on future of student finance

PLANS for universities to set their own tuition fees are not the final word on the future of student finance, the deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats claimed yesterday as his party came to terms with reforms which are in direct conflict with their election manifesto.

Simon Hughes said all Lib Dem MPs were “very conscious” that they campaigned against fees in the last general election.

The Brown Review’s recommendation is politically explosive for the Lib Dems and the future of tuition fees could become a major faultline between the party and its coalition partners, the Conservatives.

A number of backbench Lib Dems, including Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland, have already warned they will vote against any proposed rise.

Lib Dem MPs also signed the National Union of Students’ pledge to vote against any increase in fees and to lobby the Government for a fairer alternative during this Parliament

Mr Hughes said: “All MPs should now engage constructively in questions, answers and debate in Parliament. We must also listen to the considered responses of our constituents and the wider public before we come to take our final personal and collective decisions on the best way forward.”

The current “unfair” fee system needs to be changed, Mr Hughes acknowledged, but he added: “Parliament should only support a progressive system which takes into account future earnings and makes sure that those who benefit most financially from a university education contribute the most.”

The Lib Dems’ previous favoured option of a graduate tax was ruled out by Ministers at the weekend and has been dismissed by the Browne review as “unworkable”.

Students leaders in Yorkshire have warned the Deputy Prime Minister and Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg that he must stick to the pledges his party made in opposition.

Sheffield University’s student union president Josh Forstenzer said: “Both morally and politically we believe Nick Clegg needs to oppose higher fees.

“He attracted a record number of student votes in his constituency of Sheffield Hallam, in large part because the Lib Dems went into the recent General Election with a manifesto promising they’d introduce free education.”