Student politics

Given that David Cameron describes himself as a compassionate Conservative, and his deputy, Nick Clegg, espouses social liberalism, it seems remiss of them that they have sanctioned the abolition of the EMA without putting an adequate alternative in place. The long-term good of the nation must come before short-term political considerations.

While a wider debate needs to be held about whether so many sixth-formers and college students should be entitled to up to 30 a week, this cutback means that one in 10 young people will be unable to continue their studies on cost grounds.

With youth unemployment rising relentlessly, does the Government really want such people on the dole queue where, perversely, their benefits will eclipse the amount that they claim via the EMA?

It is not exactly the most enlightened approach to skills training, and ensuring that those in genuine need of state help do, in fact, receive the necessary assistance to pursue their studies.