Variable fees clause survives vote

A cross-party committee set up to scrutinise the Higher Education Bill has voted in favour of retaining variable tuition fees for different university courses.

Tony Blair last month risked his reputation and his job in refusing to back down on the controversial policy. Although the government survived the backbench rebellion it emerged bruised and battered by the encounter.

Labour backbenchers were vociferous in criticising the policy as divisive, elitist and another step toward "two-tier" higher education.

Seventy-two Labour MPs voted against the government on January 27th, but the Bill passed its second reading in the Commons by just five votes.

Yesterday, the committee voted by 13 to four to keep the principle of variable tuition fees in the Bill.

The Commons will have another chance to review the legislation when its returns from the committee.

    Tags:

Political news to your inbox

Fill in your details to receive Politics.co.uk's brand of informed, in-depth and independent coverage of Westminster to your inbox

Hot topics

Britain's great energy debate

How the power gets to Britain's homes in the next century remains a matter of deep controversy

As the next general election begins to loom over the horizon, the debate over Britain's future energy policy mix is starting to hot up - and nothing seems guaranteed.

The Heathrow third runway debate

Heathrow's third runway is just one of many options

There won't be a final decision on Britain's long-term aviation strategy until after the 2015 general election - but an aggressive national debate is already underway.

Opinion Former Events

MRSA Action UK Annual Memorial Event

Families will pay tribute and remember those lost to MRSA and healthcare associated infections at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 13th June 2013

BSIA: Information Destruction Exhibition & Conference 2013

Following the great success of the BSIA's Information Destruction Conference and Exhibition in May 2012, we are pleased to annouce that the event is returning again in June 2013. This one-day conference and exhibition is aimed at key decision makers in organisations that carry out the secure destruction of confidential material.