Statement on tuition fees from Bermondsey and Old Southwark Liberal Democrats (London Liberal Democrats)

London Liberal Democrats <info@libdems4london.org.uk>

Statement on tuition fees from Bermondsey and Old Southwark Liberal Democrats

December 13, 2010 11:02 AM
Originally published by Simon Hughes MP

Bermondsey and Old Southwark Liberal Democrats have issued a statement after a meeting on Sunday 12th December between local party officers, Liberal Democrat council group leader and local MP Simon Hughes.

Statement

Following a very difficult few days for Liberal Democrats locally, Bermondsey and Old Southwark party officers have today had a constructive meeting where we decided to continue in our roles at present. Simon Hughes has assured us that the leadership of the party has heard our message that we cannot move in the opposite direction from party policy like this again. Lessons must be learned about the decision making process and communication with the party, our supporters and the rest of the public.

Prior to the vote, local party officers and councillors were very clear of their preference that Simon should vote against the proposals. There is disappointment about Thursday's votes, but we understand that Simon was in a very difficult position. We appreciate his reasons for abstaining in line with the coalition agreement and are pleased that he did not vote for the government's policy on this issue. We will continue to work with Simon in the best possible interests of Southwark residents.

Gary Glover (Chair), Lorraine Zuleta (Vice Chair), Jon Phillips (Secretary), Laurie Eggleston (Treasurer), Ben Johnson (Policy Officer), Graham Neale (Membership Secretary), Jane Salmon (Social Officer)

Responding to the statement, Southwark Council Group Leader, Cllr Anood Al-Samerai, said

"The work which our local party does is hugely valuable and appreciated and their views must be listened to by all elected representatives."

After the meeting Simon Hughes MP said

"My local party and local Liberal Democrat councillors are fully entitled to express their views as strongly as they feel them. I am very grateful for their continuing personal and political support. Although this government's policy will be fairer than the one left by Labour, there is still a big risk that £6000 a year for tuition fees, or more, could put off people from communities like ours from university education.

"I will work with local Liberal Democrats and my colleagues nationally to make sure that coalition policy always delivers better opportunities, greater freedoms and a more equal country. Progressives are needed in the Liberal Democrats more now than ever in the history of the party."