Sophie Bertrand (@LiberalBertie) has received a reply from Charles Kennedy regarding the open letter and it just had to be shared.
Dear Ms Bertrand,
Thank you for your communication regarding the Browne Report and the issue of university tuition fees.
There are long-established reasons as to why I find it impossible to join in both with the direction and thrust of the Coalition’s approach to tuition fees. As well as the NUS pledge which I signed at the last general election, personally I find it impossible to reconcile what would be a change of stance on my own part and a departure from the approach which I set out as UK party leader in the previous elections of 2001 and 2005.
Accordingly, I shall be voting against the Coalition’s proposals on university tuition fees.
In doing so I cast no aspersions whatsoever on the conclusions arrived at by any others. These are testing decisions being taken against an extremely difficult economic backdrop; it is incumbent upon us all to recognise the sincerity of the motives among those who arrive at a different outcome.
Obviously, this policy relates to England – but I am concerned greatly by the potential impact upon the Scottish tertiary sector as well. (I am mindful here of my role as Rector of the University of Glasgow). I will continue to urge Westminster government ministers to cooperate closely with their Scottish counterparts to help ensure that across the UK as a whole we maintain a level playing field in terms of educational opportunity and research capacity.
There remains much more to be discussed, debated and decided as these matters proceed. Rest assured that I shall continue to work constructively in the best interests of university students – present and future – as events continue to unfold.
Thank you for taking the time and trouble to make contact.
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Charles Kennedy has explained his position on student fees but the Lib Dems have to understand that being in government requires some very difficult decisions to be taken. I deplore the thrust of criticism directed at Nick Clegg,mostly instigated from Labour spin that is aimed at division rather than principles. Lib Dem members should look closely at how a minority government has to work with PR and ask themselves do they really want to support Labour invective for short termism or look at the broader perspective.
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Oh believe me, I am taking no lectures from Labour on Tuition Fees. They lied twice and brought them in, then introduced top up fees. I would rather there were less university students, so that fees didn’t have to rise. I think the value of a degree has gone down. 10 years ago a graduate could get a decent job. Now they get a job that a school leaver would have got then, if they are lucky. Is that right? IMO no it isn’t. The 50% of school leavers target into university is unrealistic and should be lowered. In its place more workplace based apprenticeships and vocational based training should be offered. I would also remind Labourites that 90 of their MPs signed the same pledge that the Lib Dems did, and had Labour won the election, those 90 MPs would be whipped into breaking their pledge and they know it!
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