Shropshire MPs to back tuition fee rise

Four out of six MPs representing Shropshire and Mid Wales today said that they would be voting in favour of an increase in university tuition fees, despite the student protests.

MPs vote tomorrow on a proposal which could see students paying up to £9,000 a year.

Out of Shropshire's five MPs three have agreed to back the proposal, but Telford Labour MP David Wright is against the move.

Conservative Wrekin MP Mark Pritchard was unavailable for comment.

Montgomeryshire Conservative MP Glyn Davies said he would back the Government's plans.

Shrewsbury and Atcham Tory MP Daniel Kawczynski said: "The UK at the moment is in the worst financial position possible. Difficult decisions have been made and this is one of them.

"But, if a student wishes to pay this off early they should be able to do so without any penalties."

North Shropshire Conservative MP Owen Paterson said he would also be voting in favour. He said: "I am strongly in favour of the proposal which will strengthen our universities and the repayment threshold is higher than it is at the moment."

Ludlow Tory MP Philip Dunne said it was important that those in society who benefit from going to university should be the ones who fund it.

Mr Davies said: "I agree with the cutback. It is being done with the best options being made available for the poorest people."

But Mr Wright said: "I think it is extremely unfair and is a disincentive for people to go on into higher education."