In a joint letter to Business Secretary Vince Cable sent as students from across the UK prepare to protest against the increase at a demonstration in London, representatives of both parties and the NUS warn of the impact increased tuition fees could have in Wales and Scotland.
Plaid Cymru’s Education spokesperson Nerys Evans AM said:
“These proposals are a betrayal of the promises that each and every Lib Dem MP made during the election. Students will be facing a lifetime of debt all because the Lib Dems prioritised appeasing the Tories above their own principles.
“I am proud that Plaid Cymru in Westminster will be opposing these shocking plans and standing up for ordinary students who simply want to be able to access higher education.
“Anyone who is now facing a lifetime of debt to get a degree must ask themselves not only if they can afford £9000 a year for fees, but also if they can afford to ever have a Lib Dem or Tory representing them at any level.”
SNP MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Education Mike Russell said:
“Scotland has a proud tradition of free education based on the ability to learn, not the ability to pay; and the SNP restored this principle in Scotland by scrapping the graduate endowment.
“We’re also investing record amounts in the university sector and support for students.
“SNP MPs have always championed higher education at Westminster. When Scottish Labour MPs inflicted tuition fees on English students the SNP opposed that move and we will stand firmly against the Browne review.
“The SNP knows that the implications of lifting the cap on tuition fees in England could well be fewer resources for Scotland and a bigger challenge for Scottish students.”
Katie Dalton, President of NUS Wales said:
“NUS Wales welcomes Plaid Cymru’s firm commitment to vote against an increase in tuition fees. With National Assembly elections only six months away, it is clear that students and their families will not forget the actions of MPs and their associated political parties when it comes to casting their ballot papers in May.”
“Higher fees in England will have a direct impact on future Welsh students at English universities, will cost the Welsh Assembly Government millions of pounds in additional tuition fee loans, and will no doubt lead to pressure to increase tuition fees in Wales. We know that £9,000 tuition fees would be devastating for potential students, deterring many from entering higher education and landing those who do with massive debts of £40,000. Welsh MPs need to take a long, hard look at the constituencies they represent, do what is best for students and families in Wales and vote against these disgraceful proposals.”
Liam Burns, President of NUS Scotland said:
“It’s time MPs in the nations were honest about where they stand on the issue of tuition fees. Whether they signed our pledge to vote against an increase in fees or not, it’s clear that the trebling of tuition fees would have a real and direct impact on people in Scotland.
“If Scottish MPs vote ‘yes’ to the Browne Review, or even just higher fees, they will be plunging their constituents who study in England into crippling levels of debt, steal tens of millions of pounds from Scottish students loans and grants should the repayment threshold increase, and fuel calls to increase fees for English students studying in Scotland, many of whom will be their constituents.
“SNP MPs are absolutely right to take a firm stance against these moves. I hope other Scottish MPs follow suit. With the Scottish Parliament elections just months away, students in Scotland will not forget how their Westminster counterparts vote on this crucial issue. Make no mistake, we will be quick to point out what position parties take.”
