8-01-04

Top-up fees Bill must be opposed – Barrett

Commenting on today's publication of the Government's Bill to introduce top-up fees for students at English and Welsh Universities, John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West said:

"There is no question that this Bill will be very damaging, not only to my younger constituents who hope to study in England or Wales but also to universities here in Scotland, which will be left at a distinct disadvantage. 

"The Labour Government are trying to make access to higher education dependent on the ability to pay, when it should be on the ability to learn.  These plans are likely to mean that many of the brightest students will no longer be able to afford a university education because of the costs involved.

"Rather than placing the burden on students who are just starting out in life - many of whom will be taking up important but relatively poorly paid jobs, such as teachers and junior NHS staff - we should be asking those earning super salaries to pay a little more through a 50p tax rate on their earnings over £100,000. Surely this would be a better and fairer way to pay for higher education?"

Commenting on the position of the Conservative party on top-up fees, Mr Barrett added:

"The Tories said they would vote against the Bill.  However, Michael Howard has admitted the Tories have no alternative policy for funding higher education and he refused to rule out anything in the future, even supporting top-up fees. Many Conservatives are now on the record as backing top-up fees.

"Until the Tories get their position straight, people will continue to be concerned about whether they can be relied upon to join me and other Liberal Democrats in the division lobbies in opposition to this Bill."

ENDS