FREE EDUCATION

Early day motion 875, tabled 24 February 2009 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 25 members.

That this House welcomes the national demonstration organised by students in favour of free education on 25 February 2009; regrets that this academic year could see the lifting of the £3,000 cap on tuition fees in higher education; expresses grave concern that student debt and poverty is increasing and that the introduction of marketisation and privatisation within the education system from school to college to university has undermined the fundamental principles that education is a right for all people and is beneficial for society as a whole; and therefore urges the Government to halt all further privatisation and marketisation of the education system, abolish top-up fees for higher education and instead tackle student poverty by increasing the national minimum wage to a living wage for all workers above the age of 16 years and providing living grants for students.

Signatures by party: Labour 18, Independent 3, Liberal Democrat 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.