Tuition fees u-turn proves Tories can't be trusted - Davey

12.00.00am GMT Mon 9th Jan 2006

Ed Davey MP and Baroness Jenny Tonge with young students

Responding to David Cameron's statements on new Tory education plans, Liberal Democrat Shadow Education Secretary Edward Davey MP said "David Cameron himself wrote the Tory manifesto that contained pupil passports and a pledge to scrap tuition fees. In less than 12 months he has completely changed his mind. The only thing pupils and parents can be sure of is that the Tories can't be trusted."

Mr. Davey further said "Extending selection by ability and backing fees proves the Tories are still more concerned with the prospects of the few at the expense of he many. Liberal Democrats will continue to campaign for the abolition of tuition fees, smaller class sizes, radical reform of the curriculum and better qualified teachers - policies that will improve the quality of education for all."

Mr. Cameron told a group of sixth formers he supported tuition fees - reversing the party's position at the last general election. He said "On the issue of student fees, I'll say something that's probably a bit unpopular in the room, I'm afraid I think we're going to have to keep student fees, and I'll tell you why. You want to go to universities that are well-funded, [with] good tutors, good facilities and I want as many people who think they're going to benefit from university to be able to go. If you want those things - and as you also know we've also got to keep taxes down in this country - the money's got to come from somewhere.Yes, I'm afraid students are going to have to make a contribution."