Students take action

For months now there have been claims that university fees are set to rise to almost double the amount after the General Elections. Now, with the election drawing near the biggest issue seems to be whether this rise in fees will prevent people from going to university.

The result of this has led to numerous protests by students all over the country. Now Canterbury Student Unions are getting involved. On 11 November 2009 38 students from Canterbury travelled to London to join the protest on tuition fees, these students were led by Canterbury Christ Church University’s Student Union Vice-President Steve Godwin.

It has recently come to light that there is to be another demonstration of this nature which is to take place in Canterbury. This again is being led by Steve Godwin who, with regards to this matter has said ‘this is the biggest Student Union campaign in the last 10 years’. The demonstration which is set to happen 27 February 2010 will consist of a march through Canterbury high street towards the new Christ Church library, Augustine House. They also plan to question the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats on the possibility that fees will rise.

What they want is for local members of Parliament to vote against this. However, the MP’s have very carefully kept quiet until now; the students are no longer giving them the choice. The force of the multiple demonstrations has made it clear that the students have an ever growing voice in Britain and they plan to vote for the candidates who prove sympathetic to their cause.

Dear Student, Important information regarding tuition fees in Canterbury. Please spread the word. 1) Our tuition fees are under review - the next Government will announce if they will rise or not in the next six months. 2) We don't want others to pay more to come to University. We currently pay up to £3,225. This could rise to £5,000 or £6,000 per year! 3) We are demonstrating here in Canterbury the last week of February. Check www.canterburyunited.co.uk for more info. On Saturday 27th there will be a mass of people meeting at Westgate Hall (near Westgate towers) at 12.00. We will be marching down Canterbury high street, into the Dane John Park, and then into Augustine House. We will question the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats on the potential rise in fees! Please be there, join the Facebook groups and keep this movement strong. In Unity, Steven Godwin - Vice President Welfare and Education Silvia Rasca - Education Officer

The demonstration in Canterbury is being advertised everywhere, with emails being sent to every student at Christ Church University, Kent University and Canterbury College. The unions want to get everyone involved; Steve Godwin says ‘it affects all of us, why should we have to pay almost double the amount we are paying now to be educated?’ He goes on to say that it is unfair and the product will be a lesser educated nation as people will no longer be able to afford to go to university.

So the question remains, will university fees rise to £6000 per year, unfortunately we will not receive an answer until after the election. However, one thing is for sure, the students are not willing to just bow down and admit defeat.