Farron makes pledge on student fees

Local MP Tim Farron has signed a pledge to vote against any increase in fees in the next parliament.

Mr Farron signed the pledge at a National Union of Students (NUS) event in Westminster. Tim also spoke at the packed meeting where hundreds of students from across the country, including representatives from the University of Cumbria, descended on Parliament to argue for a fair alternative to fees which will not price out poorer students.

On Monday, the Government announced the start of the long-awaited review of university funding, which will look at the impact of 2004's introduction of £3,000 'top-up fees' and will report after the next general election.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"I am fully committed to fair access to university for all young people, no matter their background.

"The high tuition fees proposed by the government is pricing poorer students out of the market which is hugely unjust.

"University education benefits society, producing well-rounded and skilled young people. We should not be putting young people in £25,000 of debt at the start of their adult lives"