Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson Lynne Featherstone has laid down a challenge to Labour MP Barbara Roche over the controversial issue of student top-up fees.
Labour’s 2001 election manifesto promised not to introduce top-up fees. Now, however, many in the government are supporting plans to let universities charge higher fees – with the result that access to the top universities will be determined by wealth rather than ability.
Ms Featherstone says this suggested U-turn is a betrayal of Labour promises over the issue, and the local MP should be supporting hard-up local students on the issue, particularly with the area having many students and the Middlesex University campus in Bounds Green.
Lynne Featherstone comments:
“I welcome the fact that some Labour MPs have already spoken out against top-up fees – recognising that if the government breaks its promises on this issue students will suffer as access to university courses is determined by wealth rather than ability.
“I urge Barbara Roche to join her colleagues like Frank Dobson and speak up clearly and publicly against top-up fees.”
Lynne Featherstone 
Hey Lynne,
“Lynne Featherstone comments:
“I welcome the fact that some Labour MPs have already spoken out against top-up fees – recognising that if the government breaks its promises on this issue students will suffer as access to university courses is determined by wealth rather than ability.”
What happened?
POWER GOT TO YOUR HEADS????
Either you’ve got principles, or your a lying turncoat collaborator.
It ain’t both.
The ‘Liberals’ are bankrupt, redundant, now Tories.
Vote no and then resign.
On principle.
Here’s to equality.
Lynne
We are a family of 5 here and we all voted Lib Dem in the last two elections. We voted Lib Dem because of their policies on the environment and education. I was already extremely disappointed with your letter to me outlining why you couldn’t suspport the Sustainable Livestock bill, because “given my position as a government minister it would be inappropriate for me to act upon a private members bill.” Your letter tried to fob me off with a lot of waffle which did not hide the fact that we are not getting what we voted for. It seems that being a minister is the only thing that matters, not people or principles. Frankly I do not understand: I would have thought that a coalition government was one in which MP’s could vote according to their principles, their manifesto and to express the will of their consituents. I can assure you that if you support the vote to raise tuition fees and slash the funding of higher education on Thursday, “because you are a minister”, not one of us 5 will ever vote for you again.
Must be feeling a bit stupid, eh Lynne?