London saw hundreds of students descend upon the Houses of Parliament on November 11th after news that tuition fees could increase to up to £10,000.
The protest attracted national attention among students after Lord Mandelson’s controversial announcement that they should be treated like consumers and given more information about courses. However although extra information may sound helpful, the comments have caused outrage from both students and other political parties.
Liberal Democrat Shadow Universities Secretary Stephen Williams said: “While giving students more information and more choice is good, it is clear that what Mandelson is really doing is laying the groundwork for a hike in tuition fees after the election.” He added: “This is cynical and dishonest and will plunge students into even more debt without any public debate.”
Students take matters into their own hands in the Houses Of Parliament
Though many students are satisfied with the existing annual fee of £3225, some are calling for the cost of education to be removed completely. Why? With the 2009 ‘Backing Young Britain campaign’ started by Mandleson and Secretary of State Yvonne Cooper deemed ineffective in some aspects and an unemployment rate of approximately 947,000 in the United Kingdom, the options are becoming sparse. If the cap is raised then people will struggle to afford an education so what are the options?
Though the results of the November 11th protest are still in unknown, another campaign is taking place on November 28th in central London in a bid for real jobs and for free education. Youth Fight For Jobs, a company trying to aid the crisis, are calling for a scrapping of fees altogether. Spokesman Matt Dobson said: “The approaching parliamentary review on higher education funding reflects the consensus between the main political parties and big business. The CBI is demanding an increase in university fees so the politicians are talking about lifting the present cap of £3225.” He boldly adds: “If the cap is lifted debts could double. Attacking young people’s right to a decent future is a disgrace.”
With graduate unemployment increasing by 44% this year alone, it’s clear that the issue still needs resolving. Sean Figg who is also a representative for Youth Fight for Jobs, is confident the protest will be successful, saying: “Only by young people getting organised and forcing the government to listen is there any hope of salvaging a chance for a decent future. Young people did not create the banking crisis and they did not create the huge budget deficits. But we are expected to pay for them. This is not acceptable to young people and it will not be acceptable to the vast majority of people.” And if parliament refuses to hear these voices, Figg has other ideas. “Brown and Mandelson seem intent on creating a mass revolt of the youth – Youth Fight for Jobs accepts the invitation! No more broken promises and empty rhetoric! Jobs and training for all – no more excuses!”
The protest takes place in at Malet Street at 12 noon. Students will start the campaign at London Universities before marching to parliament. For more information visit youthfightforjobs.com.
Jennifer Laura Rosewarne
Photos: Wing Yin Chan and the NUS
Tags: fees, london, university
