MP Opposes Top-Up Fees

Neil Gerrard, Labour MP for Walthamstow, is one of over 130 Labour backbenchers who have now signed up to a Commons motion opposed to the idea of allowing universities to charge variable top-up fees of up to £3000 a year.

"This is a very powerful message to the Government showing the levels of concern about top-up fees" said Mr Gerrard. "Everyone who has signed the motion is concerned about the impact of such fees, especially on access to higher education for students from poorer families."

"We do need to get more money into higher education, and to encourage more people to go to universities, but this is definitely not the way to do it. Students should be able to apply to the universities of their choice, depending on the course they want to do, and be selected on the basis of merit. How much they can afford should not be a factor in determining where they feel they can apply."

"I hope that the Government is going to think again on this issue. It would not be a sign of weakness to respond to the concerns which have been expressed. I know from the many letters I have had on this subject that among local people there is very little support for the idea of top-up fees, and it would be a positive move for the Government to listen to what people are saying. I will not vote for the introduction of top up fees"

December 2003

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