Crunch Time For Lib Dem MPs On Fees

12:21am UK, Tuesday December 07, 2010

Ruth Barnett, Sky News Online

Nick Clegg has insisted hiking up fees is the "fairest way" to reform universities, as he holds a crunch meeting with Liberal Democrat MPs.

Nick Clegg insists the new proposals are a better deal for students

The Deputy Prime Minister is likely to offer to abstain when the House of Commons votes on Thursday over whether to almost triple fees to as much as £9,000 - but only if Lib Dems who want to vote "no" also agree to hold back.

He is trying to see off a three-way split among his MPs and also stop a bid by backbencher Greg Mulholland to postpone the vote so a public debate about funding for higher education can take place.

Writing in the Financial Times, Mr Clegg said the argument has "generated more heat than light", as students and young people are so angry.

"The Government's proposals are controversial," he wrote.

"But I am convinced that they are the fairest way to keep Britain's higher education sector strong, even as we cut the deficit that endangers our economy."

David Davis told me 'I suspect I am a rebellion of one.' So far, that appears to be correct. At least as far as Conservative MPs are concerned.

Read Jon Craig's Boulton and Co blog

He continued: "The uncomfortable truth is that the growth in the university population in recent years has done little or nothing to boost social mobility.

"The student population has become more middle-lass dominated. The coalition is intent on making our universities more effective engines of social mobility."

Mr Clegg and Business Secretary Vince Cable have indicated their instinct is to support the policy, despite a pre-election pledge to vote against the proposals.

Under the terms of the Coalition agreement with the Conservatives, Lib Dem MPs are allowed to abstain on the vote and many of the 57 members have suggested they will.

But prominent MPs including ex-party leader Charles Kennedy and Lib Dem president Tim Farron have suggested they intend to vote against increasing fees.

Lib Dem president Tim Farron is understood to be against the proposals

Transport minister Norman Baker has said quitting remains an "option", but sources suggest it is unlikely he will resign.

If the Lib Dems all abstain, the Government's proposals will almost certainly pass, as they have more MPs than Labour, the opposition.

However, if enough Lib Dems vote against it, the outcome is much less certain.

Former shadow home secretary David Davis has said he intends to hold a Conservative "rebellion of one" by voting against the Government.

Further protests are expected nationwide on Wednesday, as students attempt to keep their opposition to the policy in the public eye.

The National Union of Students also plans a day of lobbying on Thursday and is calling for supporters to contact their MP before the crucial vote.