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Wednesday, 5 May 2010

“Canterbury United” against higher tuitions fees



Student Unions of Canterbury join a unitary campaign to warn about consequences of an eventual rise in tuition fees

The proposed rise in higher education fees is becoming more significant for students from all over the country, particularly in big university centres such as Canterbury. After the MPs have heard students’ voice at a protest which took place at the Houses of Parliament in November last year, not much progress has been made.

Therefore, the big student population in Canterbury has decided to unify under a single campaign that aims to defend their rights and promote the views on matters which generally affect them. The Students’ Union of Christ Church University, University of Kent, Canterbury College and University for the Creative Arts have bonded for the “battle” against higher fees under the banner of “Canterbury United”.




Currently, students pay a minimum of £3,000 and maximum of £3,400 per year. There is the fear that fees could rise to £5,000 or even £6,000 per year.
Steve Godwin, Vice President of Christ Church and one of the founders of “Canterbury United” underlines the importance of this series of events for students in general and for Canterbury in particular.
Mr. Godwin makes an appeal to every student in the city. He thinks that all the students must vote at the upcoming parliamentary elections. “This issue affects us all in Canterbury. From how education is funded at a University level to how that funding affects the way we pursue education. Everyone above the age of 16 can register to vote and students can register twice – at a Canterbury address as well as a non term time address...no excuses, this issue is here, it’s now, and it’s happening. I’m sure no one would like to pay more in tuition fees,” said Steve Godwin.

The pro vote campaign is part of the NUS strategy to warn candidates at this year’s General Election, that if they do not take students’ issues seriously, they will not benefit from the young population’s support. The local MPs of university cities are advised by the NUS to support its campaign against higher tuition fees. The Union’s president Wes Streeting said: “Through this campaign we hope to remind students of the power they hold and remind candidates of the danger of not taking our votes seriously. Our message to candidates is simple: vote for us or pay the price."
For more information regarding the “Canterbury United” campaign and how you can help and be helped as a student in this city go to www.canterburyunited.co.uk.

We will follow up the story and keep you informed with fresh news about this hot student topic.


Canterbury United members demonstrating against the higher tuition fees

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