SNP MP DEMANDS CORRECTION OF TORY STUDENT CLAIMS

For Immediate Release – Thursday 16 December 2010



Attn: NEWS DESKS


POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTS


Speaking at Business Question in the Commons today SNP MP Pete Wishart has demanded a correction from Tory Higher Education Minister David Willetts who asserted in the House of Commons last week that:

“…more Scottish students study at English universities than English students study at Scottish universities. We know how to invest in high quality universities for the future, in the best interests of English students and the nation.”


Raising the remarks with the Leader of the House of Commons Sir George Young today (Thursday), Mr Wishart pointed out that the reverse is true with 11,895 Scottish domiciled students studying in English institutions versus 22,510 English students studying in Scotland during the 2008-09 academic year.


Mr Wishart urged the Minister to put the record straight, apologise for misleading the House and apologise to Scottish students for the disgraceful actions of his Government who tripled tuition fees in England.

Commenting, Mr Wishart said:


“The Tories, backed by the LibDems, have already short changed students with this fee hike. Tripling fees will have serious consequences for higher education north and south of the border. Scottish students studying in England will be saddled with mammoth debts and there will be a knock on effect on Scottish higher education funding.

“To add insult to injury, the Universities Minister has let it slip he knows nothing about the flow of students between Scotland and England.


“Mr Willets’ ill informed comments confirm how little importance the places on Scotland’s higher education sector. This is an absolute disgrace. He should set the record straight and apologise immediately.


“Labour brought in fees and the Lib Dems have now helped the Tories increase them. Only the SNP is left as the party for students in Scotland offering them the opportunity to be part of something better.”


ENDS


Notes:


A transcript of Mr Wishart’s question at Business Questions today:


Pete Wishart: Mr Speaker, last week during the tuition fees debate the Higher Education Minister - I’m sure inadvertently - misled house when he said more Scottish university students studying in England then there were English university students studying in Scotland. Now, according to the latest figures 11,895 Scottish students are studying in English universities while for the same academic year some 22,510 English students were studying in Scottish universities. Now, I know the Rt Hon Gentleman takes these issues very seriously. Can we now expect a statement from the Higher Education Minister putting that right?

Leader of the House: Well, it is certainly the case that if a Minister has inadvertently given inaccurate information to the House, the appropriate action should be taken and the record be set straight. If indeed one of my Hon friends did give the wrong information that will happen and I will draw the Hon Member’s attention to the appropriate Minister.


A transcript of the previous exchange between Mr Wishart and Mr Willets during the tuition fees debate is below:


Pete Wishart: I am very grateful to the Minister for giving way, but there are more than three parties in the House. Does he recognise that one party has consistently opposed tuition fees, is in government in Scotland and will have nothing whatsoever to do with tuition fees?


Mr Willetts: Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will explain how, under the English system, more Scottish students study at English universities than English students study at Scottish universities. We know how to invest in high quality universities for the future, in the best interests of English students and the nation. We have increased the repayment threshold and the value of the maintenance grant and, of course, we have offered a far better deal for part-time students than is currently available to them.