SNP CHAMPION SCOTLAND’S STUDENTS

HAMILTON CANDIDATES SIGN NUS PLEDGE

SNP Education Secretary Michael Russell today (Tuesday) joined the SNP’s
candidates for Lanark & Hamilton East Clare Adamson, Rutherglen &
Hamilton West Graeme Horne and student leaders to sign the NUS Pledge at
the University of the West of Scotland.

Commenting, Mr Russell said:

“Scotland has a proud tradition of free education based on the ability to
learn, not the ability to pay. The SNP have restored this principle in
Scotland by scrapping the graduate endowment.

“We’re also investing record amounts in the university sector and support
for students.

“And it’s working - this year, 60% of students came from deprived areas
to take up degree courses at Scottish universities or colleges after the
endowment was scrapped.

"SNP MPs have always championed higher education at Westminster. When
Scottish Labour MPs inflicted tuition fees on English students the SNP
opposed that move. The SNP knows that the implications of lifting the cap
on tuition fees in England could well be fewer resources for Scotland and
a bigger challenge for Scottish students.

“The SNP will continue to champion first class higher education in both
Scotland and at Westminster. On May 6th, don’t just elect a politician,
elect a local champion who will stand up for free education in Scotland.”

Welcoming the SNP’s support, NUS President Liam Burns said:

"Any increase in fees elsewhere in the UK will lead to a really damaging
funding gap for students in Scotland, with an increase in fees likely to
mean cuts to the Scottish budget and a brain drain in academics from
Scotland's universities. Scottish candidates cannot body swerve this as an
"English issue" and I'm glad the SNP are once again, on this issue,
supporting Scottish students against increased top-fees elsewhere in the
UK.

"It was Scottish MPs that rail-roaded top-up fees through Parliament in
the first place. Given how close the election looks at the moment,
Scottish students will be looking for assurances that they won't do the
same again.

"There are a number of Scottish constituencies where the student vote will
be decisive. We have worked to get as many students as possible registered
to vote for this election and we will be working right up until election
day to get more candidates from across the parties signed up to pledge to
protect Scottish students from increased top-up fees elsewhere in the UK.

"If candidates say no to the pledge, students will say no at the ballot box.”