Why Support the Students?

For all the cynics who have criticised the student protests, who don’t understand why this restructuring of education is disastrous, who do swallow the simplistic argument that “students should pay for their education…” I won’t even get involved with debating the minutia of the policy being proposed.

The issue of education funding is a massive one; however, the issue at hand is even greater still. It was alluded to when John Denham called on the coalition to vote with their conscience later today. The issue at hand is fundamental to the foundation of democracy and our society as a whole.

This restructuring of education, putting all the funding onto the students, was not in any party manifesto prior to the general election in May. The Liberal Democrats made promises to oppose any rising of the fees, to oppose cuts to public spending as a whole, and to campaign for the introduction of proportional representation. They have now turned their back on each and every one of their promises. The Conservatives, who campaigned on the issue of “eliminating waste,” are cutting faster and deeper than advertised.

Those marching through the streets of London, clashing with police as I type, are not just marching against fees increases, they are marching to let the political class know that when you break your promises there will be consequences.

For too long politicians have just taken the electorate for granted. The disingenuousness and out-right lies are being told without even a hint of shame or fear. If general elections are to mean a thing then politicians need to follow through with the policies and principals laid out in their manifestos. They need to deliver the policy that the electorate voted for. By going back on their promises at the very first opportunity shows the contempt and lack of respect that these politicians have towards the people that put them in office.

When the Lib Dems agreed to vote FOR higher fees, to vote FOR vast public sector cuts, and to let the PR amendment fail without a single Lib Dem backing it, they thought no one would notice their complete u-turn on three of their key policies.

The shamelessness and careless abandon with which these actions have been carried out has begged the question; “so what are you going to do about it?” The demonstrations up and down the country are our answers to that most contemptible of questions.

This isn’t about fees. This is about sending a message: we are watching, we are taking notice, and turning your back on us is not acceptable.

The students are protecting the democratic system of the UK and it is for that reason they deserve our support.