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Top up fees condemned by Liberal Democrats

April 25, 2004 1:03 PM

Liberal Democrats have condemned the recent vote to introduce top up fees for students.

The bill to introduce fees was passed by just five votes.

Experts predict that students will soon be leaving university with debts of over £30,000 because of these new fees.

Labour MPs voted for the new fees even though their 2001 election manifesto said they would not. The passage of the bill was also helped by one Tory who voted for the fees. Councillor Peter Rothery said: "Tony Blair has again let down those who have supported him. He promised at the last election not to introduce Top-Up fees. Now he has pushed Labour MPs to join him in betraying his election promises."

"It is just common sense that young people will be deterred from going to University when they have debts of £30,000 to look forward to before they begin working. It is a shame that when we are in need of doctors and teachers Labour makes it less attractive to study for those careers," added Councillor Lynne Williams.

She concluded: "I hope students will make their voice heard in the local elections in June. Student votes could make the difference in a numbers of seats in Manchester."

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