Rebels to fight on
Top up fee rebels have vowed to fight on against the government following their narrow defeat yesterday.
The government last night won the vote on the Higher Education Bill by just five votes, despite a natural majority of 161. However, those opposed to higher education fees are unwilling to accept defeat.
The Bill will now go to committee where politicians will be able to scrutinise every clause, and some MPs will use this as a chance to be scathing of variable fees.
Rebels include a number of prominent ex ministers, and other backbenchers that argue the plans would deter youngsters from poorer backgrounds attending university. Many have stated that they would continue to oppose the policy despite the vote.
NUS leaders suggested last night that MPs were probably not won over by the arguments and concessions. This would mean many had their hands forced by powerful allies.
Commentators have also noted that a last ditch switch by some of Gordon Brown’s supporters saved the Government from defeat.
This may have denied the Chancellor a new shot at the top job, as it was suggested the PM would be forced out if defeated. However, Gordon Brown’s allies, who include Nick Brown are unlikely to have changed sides without his influence.
Ministers have welcomed the victory, but some have acknowledged that the issue has not been well handled.
While protestors and rebel MPs continue to oppose the Bill, they have probably now lost their best chance to defeat it, instead succeeding only in giving Tony Blair a black eye.
Opposition MPs have jumped on the closeness of the vote to deride the government and the Bill. Conservative education spokesman Tim Yeo declared the vote an ‘utter humiliation’ for the Government. Lib Dems labelled the Bill a ‘Shabby Compromise’.
