Local Liberal Democrats back plans to scrap tuition fees

The Liberal Democrat Spring Conference today backed plans to reaffirm the party's opposition to university tuition fees, and voted to extend the policy of free tuition to part time students.

Amongst those backing the proposals was Michael Mullaney, Liberal Democrat parliamentary spokesman for Bosworth.

The proposals, which aim to make high quality education and training available to all, include:

Scrapping tuition fees for first Higher Education degree qualifications

Fully funding the off-the-job training costs of apprenticeships

Improving access to Higher Education for under-represented groups

Reforming the bursary scheme to make it available more fairly across universities

Commenting after voting for the proposals Michael Mullaney said; "Bright young people in Hinckley and Bosworth are potentially being put off going to university by the thought of being saddled with £10k in tuition fee debt.

"The Liberal Democrats believe that everyone deserves the chance to develop the skills and knowledge that will give them the best opportunities in life.

"That's why we are committed to scrapping tuition fees for full and part-time students, and improving access to apprenticeships so that everyone can get the best from their education."