TUITION FEES AND TOP-UP FEES MUST GO - CAMPBELL AND ABBOTTS

1.12.00pm GMT Mon 12th Jun 2006

Ben Abbotts and Sir Menzies Campbell MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats at Bromley College of Further and Higher education

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Menzies Campbell MP is today joining local Liberal Democrat Campaigner Ben Abbotts on the campaign trail in Bromley and Chislehurst.

Sir Menzies will join Ben at Bromley College of Further and Higher Education for a Question and Answer session with local students who are facing the financial hardship of University Fees.

Leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Menzies Campbell MP said:

"University fees are an unfair tax on students. Tens of thousands of able students are being saddled with mountainous debts, or frightened altogether from going to university.

"At the General Election the Conservatives pledged to scrap University fees. Now they have U-turned and are supporting fees. The Liberal Democrats are the only party who will abolish all tuition fees - as we already have in Scotland. No one should be deterred from the chance of a university education because of the fear of debt.

"As Bromley's MP Ben Abbotts will join the fight against university fees in Parliament. He will make an excellent MP for the people of Bromley and Chislehurst. He will champion the needs of local people full-time. Ben is determined to get action on crime and anti-social behaviour, to make sure Bromley is clean and green and put pride back into Bromley."

Local Campaigner Liberal Democrat Campaigner Ben Abbotts said:

"I have spoken to a lot of students who are understandably concerned about facing debts of up to £30,000. No student should be put off going to University because of the fear of debt. University fees not only affect students but also parents who are forced to pay them. As Bromley's full-time MP I will help lead the Liberal Democrats fight against University fees in Parliament."