LONDON?– David Cameron has accused Labour of “rank hypocrisy” in opposing plans to raise tuition fees in England, accusing the party of lacking an alternative.
But leader Ed Miliband urged ministers to reconsider, saying they were “pulling the ladder” from the poor.
The coalition is expected to get its plans through, despite opposition from Labour and some Lib Dem and Tory MPs.
But Energy Secretary Chris Huhne will miss the vote as he will remain at the climate summit in Mexico. Lib Dem officials confirmed he would remain at the climate change conference in Cancun – it had been thought he had been called back for today’s vote.
Liberal Democrat deputy leader Simon Hughes told BBC he would at least abstain on the vote – but said he had been asked by his local party to consider voting against the plans and he would “reflect” on that request overnight.
More than a dozen Lib Dems are expected to rebel, by voting against the plans to raise the tuition fees ceiling from £3 290 to £9 000 a year. They say they have no choice as they signed a National Union of Students (NUS) pledge to oppose any increase. (BBC)
