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Simon Hughes MPRepresenting Southwark and Bermondsey since 1983 |
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Today is not the final word, says Hughes
October 12, 2010 1:22 PM
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Simon Hughes said MPs were 'very
conscious' of the party's General Election policies.
He was commenting on the publication of Lord Browne's review into higher
education funding.
He said, " All Liberal Democrat MPs are very conscious of the positions
we have taken on higher education and the policies we campaigned
for at the last election.
" We now all have a duty to read and consider fully Lord Browne's
proposals and the Government's response.
" Today will not be the last word on policy for funding higher
education in England.
" All MPs should now engage constructively in questions, answers
and debate in parliament. We must also listen to the considered
responses of our constituents and the wider public before we come
to take our final personal and collective decisions on the best way
forward.
" The test of any new scheme for organising and funding education
and training for those over 16 must be whether we improve quality,
increase opportunity for young people of all backgrounds and
ensure a fair and progressive way of meeting the costs.
" It is important that government policy on higher education funding
moves this country on from the present unfair tuition fee system.
" Parliament should only support a progressive system which takes
into account future earnings and makes sure that those who benefit
most financially from a university education contribute the most.
" And we must never forget that high-quality apprenticeships, education and
training for all those who choose not to go to university are equally
important objectives for a successful 21st century Britain."
ends