10/11/2006, The Demon Newspaper: “S-TOP UP FEES MARCH”
The streets of London witnessed the biggest student demonstration in years, on Sunday October 29. Nearly 8,000 students from all parts of the UK turned up to demonstrate against higher tuition fees; calling for a reversal of the new policy that commenced this academic year, resulting in some students paying up to £3,000 a year for their university education.
Demonstrators marched past Parliament and 10 Downing Street before converging at Trafalgar Square. The demonstration was organised after figures from the higher education admissions service UCAS revealed a fall of applications this year, compared to the evident rise last year.
Gemma Tumelty, President of the NUS, also voiced her concerns over the top up fees: “Weighing up the prospect of graduating with huge levels of debt and starting on an average salary of just £19,000 is difficult. It is clear that admission for some students is proving impossible.”
During a press conference held before the demonstration she added: “We’re the institutions producing doctors, nurses, engineers, and that is a huge benefit to society and therefore society should pay.”
The enthusiasm and passion displayed by students and families alike throughout the demonstration was very powerful. One student from the University of Aberystwyth expressed her delight to be taking part in this massive event: “It was a six hour journey from Wales, but it is definitely worth it. It is ridiculous that some students can end up with a £10,000 debt from tuition fees alone.”
Mike Roberts, a second year Welfare and Campaigns representative from the University of Chester, talked of his deep concern about the situation, and his belief that students from all classes and backgrounds are greatly affected by this and not just a certain group. “We, as a body for students with a voice for students, are only getting bigger and better; it’s about time we took a stand and made our voices heard, we are all voters and surely that gives us the power.”
A group of students from the University of Leicester, who go by the name of Students for Justice and sported superhero outfits, spoke of how they were inspired by Fathers for Justice to form a unit within their university which would campaign and defend the rights of students. Organisers saw the day as a success; allowing students to make their voices heard at a national event. The march ended at Trafalgar Square where guest speakers including Tony Benn, a prominent member of the Labour Party, addressed the crowds and showed their support for the march. In addition, many local MPs joined their constituents on the march in order to show their support for the cause.
The event certainly proved that young people could be actively involved in matters that directly affect them, diminishing the popular stereotype that students and young people in general are not interested in real, political issues that surround their everyday lives.
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