There are riots on the streets of the capital tonight as the Conservatives rushed through the tuition fee vote despite protestations from the opposition parties that rushing the proposal would lead to trouble.
The proposals have sparked outrage amongst young people who now see the true malign face of the Conservatives. Cuts to the Education Maintenance Allowance will hurt the poorest pupils, rises in tuition fees will penalise thousands of middle class families. The cuts to University funding which will harm the quality of education.
The actions of a minority of rioters tonight should be utterly deplored but there are reasons why we are observing this type of street protest. When governments mis-manage a legislative programme it hs a tendency to create significant public tension. This is a case of government mismanagement.
When government mis-manage a government programme, MPs who ordinarily vote with the government do not rebel.
The policy was approved by a scant 21 votes, with the coalition's majority cut by almost three-quarters following an impassioned five-hour Commons debate.
Three ministerial aides quit the government in order to vote against it.
The coalition motion, backed by 323 votes to 302, would raise fees to a maximum of £9,000 a year.
The debate took place while thousands of students staged protests at Westminster and after the outcome became clear, violence intensified and windows in Treasury buildings were smashed.
Ministers said that the fees increase was necessary and fair, but Labour argued it would deter the poor from going to university.
Some 21 Lib Dems rebelled, while 27 - including the party's ministers - backed the change, and eight abstained.
Medway Labour have waged a significant campaign both on the doorstep and in the Council chamber to ensure our MPs vote against tuition fee increases. We have publicly called for our MPs to oppose the fee rises and successfully tabled a motion to full council which drew support from across all benches.
Today, Mark Reckless MP, did put residents first and did vote against the fee increases. This blog will no doubt receive a letter in due course as to his motivations. He has, like Bob Marshall-Andrews before him, taken an independent stance.
Tracey Crouch MP faced tough barracking from Conservative whips today and decided to abstain on the issue. She has shown bravery, and has gained some respect from this member of the opposition. Many will perceive an abstention as a tacit approval, but in this case, I believe it was as much as could be delivered, given the pressures she was under.
Rehman Chisthi MP has shown no concern for local residents or young people on this issue and fully supported the government. His careerist ambitions are now all but confirmed and it is expected he will become a bag-holder for a minor minister at some point. Alas, he will likely not survive any local re-selection as a result of boundary changes. His standing tonight stands in tatters locally as he has ignored not only the public but also his own Councillors.
Make no mistake however. It is a Conservative and Liberal Democrat Government which has introduced this regressive policy.
They can not hide from this fact in 2015; the public do not make such distinctions.
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