Student fees - open debate needed

14 Oct 2009

Today's hint from the Conservatives that student tuition fees may have to rise to £7,000 a year is perhaps the first sign that we might get an open debate about a very important issue ahead of - instead of after - the general election.

The Tory universities' spokesman, David Willetts, hinted that there could be case for a fees rise if universities offered students something more in return. He is to be congratulated on opening - ever so slightly - the public debate.

Until now, all the signs are that the government and the Conservatives are happy to leave it all to the independent review and only give their own verdict after the voters have had their chance to speak at the ballot box.

These things need to be discussed now. 

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