Politicians to back students in tuition fees row

by Jamie Jubon

Politicians should support students in their protests against the possible rise of tuition fees according to the new National Union of Students (NUS) president. 

Aaron Porter has promised to organise a national demonstration against the rise as well as threatening to publicly criticise MPs who support an increase.

So far more than 700 general election candidates have signed a pledge for the NUS opposing any hikes.

Students from England currently pay £3,225 a year in tuition fees and Mr Porter made it clear he will be against any possible rise: “Students, families and the wider public overwhelmingly oppose higher fees and I will fight to ensure that politicians listen to them."

Petition

Porter added: "This is a time to continue pressurising politicians not to increase the cap on fees and we will be publicly shaming those that refuse to sign our ‘Vote for Students’ pledge, which has already been signed by more than 700 candidates."

According to the union, there are nearly 200 Labour candidates, more than 300 Liberal Democrats and 10 Conservatives among those that have already signed the petition.

Labour and the Conservatives have so far declined to comment on whether tuition fees would rise, instead insisting on waiting on a report from Lord Browne into the subject.

Fees will remain the same at least until the report is concluded, regardless of the election result. 

Deterrent

The NUS have insisted that future rises would discourage young people from entering higher education, although recent figures suggest rumours of a possible hike has not deterred youngsters from applying, with more than 116,000 students likely to miss out on a university place after record applicants.

On his election as the new NUS president Porter added: "I am delighted to lead the union in what is a critical year for further and higher education. The challenges ahead were an added motivation to stand as president."

He succeeds Wes Streeting, who vacates the role in June, and follows in the footsteps of justice secretary Jack Straw, former home secretary Charles Clarke and former MP and Labour-Cooperative candidate Stephen Twigg, who have all previously held the role of NUS president.