MPs decline to condemn degree funding cuts

Wednesday, 9 January 2008 12:00 AM

The Conservatives have accused Labour backbenchers of "hypocrisy" for failing to vote against government cuts for second degrees.

Less than a quarter of the Labour MPs that signed up to an early day motion expressing concern at the government's plans to reduce funding for equivalent or lower qualification (ELQ) degrees voted against the government in a Conservative-led motion last night.

Of the 86 Labour MPs that backed the original early day motion criticising the £100 million cuts 63 voted against the Tory motion, brought during an opposition day debate.

The Conservatives claim the funding cuts, targeted at what they term "second-chance education", will adversely affected part-time students and mothers returning to work.

Some 211 MPs from across all parties signed up to the original early day motion opposing the cuts and the Conservatives last night deliberately introduced an identical motion.

Shadow university and skills secretary David Willletts said the "hypocrisy" displayed by Labour MPs had been "breathtaking".

Mr Willetts said: "These 63 Labour MPs were right to register their concerns at the £100 million cuts in second-chance education.

"But in order to save the government embarrassment they chose to vote against themselves.

"Their constituents will be very disappointed that they caved in to the Labour whips instead of sticking to their guns."

Challenged during prime minister's questions today, Gordon Brown insisted there had been no overall cut in education budgets and that money was being "transferred" to benefit those with no qualifications.

Mr Brown said his government was still committed to lifelong learning, but said it was right to help people with no qualifications achieve them first.

He reminded his critics that the Leitch review of education and skills predicted 40 per cent of the country will need a first degree by 2020.

Tags:
• education
,
• higher education
,
• open university