Geraint Davies MP pledges to oppose Lib Dem Tory student Fee increases

Swansea West Labour MP Geraint Davies has met up with Swansea Student Union to sign up to their campaign to freeze student fees. This follows him calling for a debate in Parliament on the threat of higher student fees deterring students from poorer background from going to University.

On 17 June in Parliament he said “There is growing concern that further increasing student fees will deter students from poorer backgrounds. I am meeting Luke Young, the president of the Swansea students' union, next week. When will the right hon. Gentleman timetable a debate on student fees, particularly when we should be tooling-up all our young people, but particularly those from poorer backgrounds, for the recovery that we all hope is ahead?

Now Geraint has met up with Swansea University Student Union President Luke Young and other Student Union Officers to sign the pledge to oppose increases in fees.

Said Luke Young Swansea Student Union President

 “We are pleased that Geraint is sticking to his pledge to protect students and fight higher fees. We support NUS’ challenge to those who signed the pledge before the election, including the Lib Dems, to keep their promise to students and the electorate.”

Geraint Davies MP said

“The University is a vital part of Swansea’s economy and is essential to build the skills for tomorrows jobs and to attract new companies providing new employment. I intend to meet up with the Vice Chancellor Richard Davies soon to discuss his vision of how the second campus on Fabian Way can help to stimulate our local economy.

“It’s vital that these growing opportunities are open to all students whatever their backgrounds and it’s clear that increases in student fees in England would put pressure on the Assembly Government in Wales to follow suit.

“I oppose the Liberal Democrat and Tory plans to reduce the number of university places by 10,000 as part of their cuts programme. The best way to reduce the deficit is through economic growth and this will be undermined by Liberal Democrat & Tory Government plans to cut skills and sack people.”