Students vote for tax plan
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.BY KEVIN ASHTON
The National Union of Students last night voted to review its commitment to student grants and consider supporting a graduate tax instead.
Holding its annual conference in Blackpool, the union voted overwhelmingly to reconsider its policy after one of the most heated and polarised debates for years.
Many delegates opposed the move, believing it would mean the end of free higher and further education. One prominent opponent was Kevin Sexton, NUS London area convenor. In his opinion, "a lot of delegates were led to believe that this was just a research document with no proposals. However, I know that the NUS finished typing its proposals three weeks before conference. A graduate tax is a poll tax on education".
But Jim Murphy, NUS president, welcomed the move. "This amendment at last provides the student movement with the opportunity to lead the debate. For the first time ever it will be students in a student-led review who will decide upon the future of their education."
The vote requires further ratification at conference today, but that is widely regarded as being a formality.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments