

Welsh students to protest before crucial debate on top-up fees

2009 Mai 13 10:36 AM

A group of students wil lead a protest outside the Senedd in Cardiff Bay today, hoping to persuade Plaid Cymru Assembly Members to reverse their decision to force Welsh students into long term debt, by re-introducing top-up fees.

The Welsh Liberal Democrats have tabled a motion to reverse the decision made by Plaid Cymru and Labour AMs to scrap the exemption on fees for Welsh students.

Corey Sheffman, Chair of Ieuenctid Rhyddfrydol Cymru said:*** "Plaid Cymru supporters agreed a policy of scrapping the huge fees but the people they elected have turned their back on investing in skills and learning for young Welsh people. We'll be reminding all Assembly Members how much debt they would be in, if they had paid fees when they were studying. If allowed to stand, this policy would mean that Welsh students will have an extra £20,000-£30,000 of debt by the time they graduate! Now that many graduates will enter into a tough job market, these debts are exactly the wrong start to a young person's working life."

Welsh Liberal Democrat Leader, Kirsty Williams said*** "The crucial vote today will determine whether Welsh students face years of high personal debt because they chose to study. The motion we have tabled offers Plaid Cymru Members one last chance to uphold the policy their own supporters voted for - they can choose redemption, or keep coalition cosy and tow the Labour line. It will be a sad day for representative democracy and for Welsh students if Plaid cannot find their voice inside the Siambr today"