Glasgow SNP MSP Sandra White today (Thursday) condemned the actions of Labour MSPs for joining with the Tories in abandoning Glasgow's students as they both voted to continue the £2,289 Graduate Endowment fee.

Labour MSPs Karen Whitefield, Richard Baker and Mary Mulligan, joined with Tory MSP Liz Smith voted against the SNP Government bill that would abolish backend tuition fees for all students including 2007 graduates.

Sandra White said: "Labour have joined with the Tories to abandon Glasgow's students and have shown they are unwilling to take even this small step towards reducing student debt.

"At a time when students are expecting all politicians to work together to tackle student debt this is just a cheap political move that will do Labour and the Tories no favours.
 

"Students have spent the last 10 years under Labour being pushed further and further into debt.  Despite losing the election they are refusing to change their ways and learn lessons.

"Most astonishing was Labour MSP Richard Baker voting against the bill.  As a former President of the NUS who called for free education himself he should have supported the current NUS President in welcoming the bill.

"But yet again Glasgow students see Labour politicians who benefited from free education trying to inflict debt on the next generation

"Labour had the opportunity to bring some redress to students after plunging them into debt. They have failed by joining with the Tories.

"At the end of the day I am confident there will be a parliamentary majority for abolishing the graduate endowment. The SNP is not about to abandon Scotland's students."

Notes:

Letter from Richard Baker and other student leaders to the Herald, 19th May 1999

YES Quickly End Tuition Fees There appears to be some confusion on whether or not student representatives are in favour of tuition fees. We would like to attempt to clarify this matter.

No-one disagrees that the abolition of tuition fees is not the only matter of concern in Scottish higher education - many of us would like to see a wide range of developments in the ways which both universities and students are funded.

We may disagree about what those reforms should be. However, in answer to the simple question, "Are you in favour of the early abolition of tuition fees?" we can speak with one, resounding voice. The answer is "Yes".

We hope this has put things in terms clear enough for all. We are asking the politicians to re-establish an important principle; thereafter we can start the examination of additional means of addressing student debt and poverty.

Richard Baker, President of NUS + 13 other student presidents.

James Alexander, President NUS Scotland – Education Committee, 14th November (OR col 306)

"We welcome the bill as being the start of a host of measures. It will make education completely free for students in Scotland—we believe that education is a right. People should not be barred access to education because of financial burdens and debt. The bill is a positive step towards making education accessible for people from all backgrounds and all walks of life, but it is only a small part of what is required."