MPs plan meeting in bid to put student protesters straight over U-turn

As delegates prepare for a hostile reception at their spring conference in South Yorkshire, with thousands of angry protesters planning demonstrations, there were moves to try to resolve some of the ill feeling.

It is understood that Cheltenham MP Martin Horwood, who abstained from the Commons vote on whether to increase tuition fees, and Tessa Munt, MP for Wells, who also abstained, have indicated that they would meet National Union of Students (NUS) members.

The NUS said it believes that a small group of MPs, potentially including those who voted for and against the proposal as well those who abstained, are trying to organise a private meeting in a city centre hotel to debate with them.

A Lib Dem spokesman said the conference is “an opportunity for engagement” and announced a number of official visits from ministers. Leader Nick Clegg will visit a sixth-form college; Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander tour visit a Sheffield business; and party president Tim Farron will meet a family who have benefited from a housing insulation scheme.