BURNLEY MP Gordon Birtwistle has revealed he will tomorrow be voting in favour of plans to increase tuition fees for students to up to £9,000 a year.
His decision comes despite Thomas Whitham Sixth Form pupils sending the Liberal Democrat MP a 127-signature petition and students holding demonstrations in Preston and Blackburn today.
Students and staff from Thomas Whitham decided to lobby the town’s MP directly with a petition and a letter.
Campaign organiser Matt Paiton, 18, from Burnley, said: ‘It’s really inspiring to see so many students standing up for what they believe in. Many feel betrayed by Gordon Birtwistle and the Liberal Democrats as they made a pledge not to do this.
“We thought it would be better to send a message to him. It’s better to be peaceful then give angry opinions.
“I just really hope Mr Birtwistle sticks to his pre-election promise and votes against effectively tripling tuition fees, I’m sure he doesn’t want a legacy of broken promises.”
Mr Birtwistle, who yesterday told the Lancashire Telegraph he may abstain in the vote, says he decided to vote in favour additional measures to offer a better deal for poorer students have been accepted.
The Liberal Democrat MP said: "They have accepted our proposals, and now there are a number of restrictions that are more acceptable for students in Burnley and everybody on low wage incomes.
"We have a £150million grant to support students; the £21,000 minimum salary to pay back fees will increase with inflation; apprenticeships are protected; and part time students won’t have to pay up front. We have a lot of part time students in Burnley.
“I have done the best I can do for the people of Burnley.”
East Lancashire Labour MPs Jack Straw and Graham Jones have said they will vote against the proposals; Conservatives Jake Berry and Andrew Stephenson will vote in favour; while deputy speaker Nigel Evans will not be voting but will be announcing the decision.
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