4:14am UK, Saturday December 04, 2010
Business Secretary Vince Cable has performed an apparent u-turn, or two, over the proposed rise in university tuition fees.
Cable To Vote For Tuition Fees Hike - Or Not?
4:14am UK, Saturday December 04, 2010
Business Secretary Vince Cable has performed an apparent u-turn, or two, over the proposed rise in university tuition fees.
Mr Cable, who is responsible for steering the fees package through Parliament, had indicated he might abstain in next Thursday's vote.
But in an interview with his local newspaper, the Richmond and Twickenham Times, he said he had had second thoughts.
After reviewing his position he said he had "no doubt" he should vote in favour of the increase.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Twickenham said: "Obviously I have a duty as a minister to vote for my own policy - and that is what will happen."
The planned rise has sparked angry protests in London and elsewhere
But in another interview - this time with student radio station SMUC - he appeared to perform another about-face.
He denied saying he planned to vote for the increase, claiming there had been "some slight misunderstanding".
The Lib Dems have faced intense criticism over the fees policy, which could see annual charges in some universities almost treble to £9,000.
They promised in their election manifesto to abolish tuition fees, with senior figures including leader Nick Clegg signing a pledge to vote against any rises.
The party was forced to call off its London conference this weekend after students threatened to protest outside.
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