Gilmore attacks 'ridiculous' vote on fees

EDINBURGH East Labour MP Sheila Gilmore has criticised the UK Government for the increase in tuition fees south of the Border while key questions about the future of higher education are still unanswered.

She said: "It was ridiculous that the Government pushed the vote before publishing their Higher Education White Paper in March. The public should know how the system will work before expecting their MPs to vote on fees. These unanswered questions are important for Scotland. Even though the proposals do not directly affect our country, they are likely to have an enormous knock-on effect.

"For example, I'm concerned young people in England, attracted by lower fees, will increasingly want to study in Scotland. This could squeeze out otherwise bright and able Scottish students. I'm also worried that the sky-high costs will put off Scottish students from studying in England."