Henry Vann supports NUS campaign against rising University costs - Please give us your views

9.07.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 7th Sep 2008

Students are already suffering from debt as they complete their studies.

Henry Vann has endorsed a report by the National Union of Students (NUS) launched on 3rd September criticising the rising costs of University for students.

The report was also supported by the University and College Union which echoed the concerns raised at the increases in costs of living and the disparity between different institutions.

The University of Bedfordshire was runner up for University of the Year in the Times Higher Education Supplement Awards 2007.

The NUS have also pointed out that statistics showing increases in students taking up places can be welcomed, but with caution, as for the first time this year, the statistics included a whole new sector of midwifery and nursing students.

Henry Vann said:

"I myself have already had to leave University saddled with over £9,000 of debt as a student loan which lays an additional tax on students, and I welcome this whistle-blowing by the NUS which shows that this government and the current system will leave students broke.

"Labour has let down students, aspiring students, and the parents of students who have chosen to share some of the debt their children face.

"Only the Liberal Democrats have consistently opposed these unfair fees which the NUS and UCU are right to highlight as detrimental to higher education in the UK."

"Our university - runner up for University of the year and an excellent employer of its staff can be congratulated at the fantastic work it carries out across the community.

"The University is clearly becoming a central an positive part of our community here in Bedford with local businesses offering bursary support for students studying at our university - perhaps the government can take a lesson or two from Bedford."

What do you think about the rising costs of going to University? Are you a student, or a parent with daughter or son heading off to University?

If so, we want to hear your views. You can contact us at views@bedfordlibdems.org.