Crockart good as his word and quits over fees

Mr Crockart went into the "Noe" lobby against the government and quit as parliamentary private secretary to Scottish Secretary Michael Moore, saying he had no option but to oppose the higher fees because he believed they would be a barrier to poorer students.

All Lib Dem MPs had pledged during the general election they would vote against a rise in tuition fees.

The government had a majority of 21 for allowing universities south of the border to charge fees of up to 9000.

Students held a candle-lit vigil outside the Scottish Parliament as the vote was under way at Westminster. Liz Rawlings, president of Edinburgh University Students Association, said: "We're devastated at how the vote went, but we're proud of our campaign and we will continue the fight - we won't accept tuition fees in Scotland.

"We're absolutely delighted that Mike Crockart kept his pledge. At last we have a Lib Dem MP with honour and principles."

Demonstrators clashed with police close to the Houses of Parliament as MPs debated the fee increase.

The vote, which the government won by 323 votes to 302, was much closer than expected. The coalition's parliamentary majority is 84. In his resignation statement, Mr Crockart said: "This has been an incredibly hard, personal decision, and one that I have not made lightly.

"After the publication of the Brown Review I made no secret of my concerns about his proposals. I was keen to see the outcome of ministerial negotiations before making any final decision. I had hoped that the government would be able to come up with a package of proposals which I would feel able to support.

"Many of my colleagues have agonised over the issue but have come to a different conclusion, believing that it is the best solution possible given the state of public finances, and I respect their decision.

"However, I have always believed that access to higher education is the key to narrowing the gap between the richest and poorest in society and I cannot therefore vote for a system which I believe puts barriers in the path of able students."

He said he remained committed to the coalition and looked forward to playing his part.

Stewart Geddes, Mr Crockart's Conservative opponent at the general election earlier this year, said: "I wonder if he would have resigned if it wasn't for the pressure from the letters pages of the Evening News."

The Scottish Government is due to unveil options for higher education funding next Thursday.