Medway Labour Group calls on local MP's to vote against

Student Fees Increases

Today sees Parliament vote on the issue of Student Fees.

The Medway Labour Group has consistently spoken out against the proposals, supporting Universities of Medway Student Union (UMSA) in participating in the recent national demonstration, raising questions and a moving a motion on the issue at full council. In contiuing this position, Medway Labour Group are urging the three Medway MP's to vote against the proposed increases in tuition fees.

Cllr Vince Maple, Labour Spokesperson for Children and Young People's Services, said

"The Tories and Lib Dems seem hell bent on attacking young people, whether it is the scrapping of Child Trust Funds, the abolishing of Educational Maintenance Allowance, the axe coming to school sports partnerships funding, the negative impacts on youth employment by stopping the Future Jobs Fund or the trebling of tuition fees whilst seeing an 80% cut in funding.

The Medway Labour Group are calling on the local MP's to listen to the views of the community and vote against fees increases to allow the talent we have here in Medway to florish and not be halted because of financial pressures."

Steve Topazio, UMSA Representation co-ordinator, added

"The UMSA Student executive recently delivered a petition of 500 Students to Mark Reckless MP calling on him to support students and vote against a rise in tuition fees. Students also call on the other local Medway MP's to consider the impact a trebling of fees will have on their constituents and students alike and urge them to vote against the proposals in the Commons vote"

Press Notes

For Interview or Further Comment please contact Vince Maple on 07981 661 451