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03/02/2005
Liberal Democrats campaign for student vote
The Liberal Democrats have begun targeting the student vote, which it believes can 'swing' the vote in over 20 constituencies around the country in the next General Election.
Speaking to a gathering of students at the London School of Economics, Mr Kennedy stressed the importance of the student vote. He said: "There are 14 Labour and 13 Conservative-held seats around the country, where the number of students exceeds the gap between the sitting MP and the Liberal Democrat candidate. My message today to the Liberal Democrat Youth and Students is that you can make your mark. You can certainly make a difference if you get out and tell people what we stand for."
Mr Kennedy emphasised the Liberal Democrats stance on a number of student-friendly issues, such as the controversial issue of university top-up fees and the environment.
However, the Liberal Democrat leader said that the defining issue for many people and most students was the war in Iraq. Mr Kennedy said: "My party stood united in opposition to the war. It was a matter of principle. While the Prime Minister – as we now know – led us into battle on a false premise with the Conservatives as his principal cheerleaders. Today we continue to ask the critical questions. We want to know the exit strategy. We are urging the government to set a date to bring our troops home. We are still representing what you care about."
Chris Lomax, Chair of Liberal Democrat Youth and Students, said: "Poll after poll is showing the Liberal Democrats ahead amongst students. By May we need to make sure that it is not just one in three, nor one in two, but a clear majority of students who vote for us. Most students voting in 2005 will be doing so for the first time. We need to tell them that Labour betrayed them in 1997 over tuition fees and again in 2001 over top-up fees."
The Conservatives have also included plans to abolish university fees in their education policy, "so that young people do not start their career burdened with debt", said leader Michael Howard.
However, Labour's education policy hails the new proposals as a success, saying that they have improved university access for students from all social backgrounds. They have also said that more people are attending university than ever before – 44% in 2004.
(KMcA/SP)
Speaking to a gathering of students at the London School of Economics, Mr Kennedy stressed the importance of the student vote. He said: "There are 14 Labour and 13 Conservative-held seats around the country, where the number of students exceeds the gap between the sitting MP and the Liberal Democrat candidate. My message today to the Liberal Democrat Youth and Students is that you can make your mark. You can certainly make a difference if you get out and tell people what we stand for."
Mr Kennedy emphasised the Liberal Democrats stance on a number of student-friendly issues, such as the controversial issue of university top-up fees and the environment.
However, the Liberal Democrat leader said that the defining issue for many people and most students was the war in Iraq. Mr Kennedy said: "My party stood united in opposition to the war. It was a matter of principle. While the Prime Minister – as we now know – led us into battle on a false premise with the Conservatives as his principal cheerleaders. Today we continue to ask the critical questions. We want to know the exit strategy. We are urging the government to set a date to bring our troops home. We are still representing what you care about."
Chris Lomax, Chair of Liberal Democrat Youth and Students, said: "Poll after poll is showing the Liberal Democrats ahead amongst students. By May we need to make sure that it is not just one in three, nor one in two, but a clear majority of students who vote for us. Most students voting in 2005 will be doing so for the first time. We need to tell them that Labour betrayed them in 1997 over tuition fees and again in 2001 over top-up fees."
The Conservatives have also included plans to abolish university fees in their education policy, "so that young people do not start their career burdened with debt", said leader Michael Howard.
However, Labour's education policy hails the new proposals as a success, saying that they have improved university access for students from all social backgrounds. They have also said that more people are attending university than ever before – 44% in 2004.
(KMcA/SP)
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Veteran labour MP defects to Lib Dems
Veteran Labour MP Brian Sedgemore has announced his defection to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Sedgemore, who was Labour’s MP for Luton West from 1974 – 1979 and for Hackney South & Shoreditch from 1983, described New Labour as “dead” and urged voters to give Prime Minister Tony Blair “a bloody nose” at the election by voting for the Liberal Democrats.
Veteran labour MP defects to Lib Dems
Veteran Labour MP Brian Sedgemore has announced his defection to the Liberal Democrats. Mr Sedgemore, who was Labour’s MP for Luton West from 1974 – 1979 and for Hackney South & Shoreditch from 1983, described New Labour as “dead” and urged voters to give Prime Minister Tony Blair “a bloody nose” at the election by voting for the Liberal Democrats.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
