New study shows student debt a UK wide problem - Davey

8.44.35pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 2nd Aug 2005

Commenting on figures released by the Royal Bank of Scotland that reveal the extent of debt faced by students and show that many of the worse off students are based outside of London, Edward Davey MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary said:

"This study shows that student debt is a continuing problem that is effecting young people across the UK. The study confirms that for most students part-time work while studying is no longer an option but a necessity.

"It is clear from these figures that where a young person chooses to study can effect their level of debt. In towns such as Bristol and Newcastle lower wages for part time work mean greater debts while students in London and Liverpool are working long hours to make ends meet.

"Many young people will leave university with massive levels of debt that will take decades to clear. This problem is likely to be intensified when the Governments unpopular top-up fees come into effect next year.

"The Liberal Democrats propose scrapping tuition fees entirely so students at all our universities can focus on their education and access is based on ability to learn not ability to pay."