| Paedophile 'guided by girlfriend' A paedophile tells a court he was told what to do by his then girlfriend as the pair sexually assaulted and took photographs of a five-month-old baby. bbc.co.uk |
Lib Dems must challenge Browne review proposals | Greg Mulholland We cannot compromise on raising the cap on tuition fees – but a wider debate is needed on the options for school leaversThe publication of the Browne review has brought no surprises, as the majority of its contents had already been leaked. Some of the proposals I welcome because of their progressive nature, such as graduates paying in accordance with how much they earn and not having to pay back anything until they earn over £21,000. However, the idea of increasing tuition fees by such a large amount is something I refuse to support.Undoubtedly, the crisis in higher education funding needs addressing with cuts of £518m in 2010/11 alone being reported in the press. My main concern is how much it is going to cost future students and their families.This situation is difficult and I can't and will not pretend that an easy solution that suits all is available. Choices need to be made on how further education is funded and – equally important – what kind of further education is being offered.It looks likely that the coalition government will implement the majority of the proposals in the Browne review, but I – along with a number of backbenchers and MPs within the wider party – am not prepared to accept these proposals.As Liberal Democrats we have already compromised on a number of issues, notably funding tuition through general taxation, in order to be an active member of the coalition government and participate in this much healthier style of co-operative politics. But we cannot compromise on the issue of raising the cap on tuition fees.As government backbenchers, it is our responsibility to challenge the government on all the proposals it brings forward. This provides the kind of scrutiny that will result in an undoubtedly stronger government. Pressure from within, rather than from the opposition, led to changes in the levels of capital gains tax. This type of healthy internal debate allows for more rounded and sensible policies, in contrast to the steamrolling through of policies without consensus that was the practice of the New Labour government. This is a challenge centred on a particular issue and does not threaten the existence of the coalition government.Solutions to issues faced in the higher education system are greatly needed, but what is also needed is a major review of post-school education in which, currently, university is the one and only choice. This has led to an ever-increasing skills gap with many graduates but few people with the relevant skills for the career they're pursuing. The problem of a skills gap is as important as that of a funding gap, yet it is not receiving the attention it deserves.It must therefore be asked: are too many people who go to university coming out with huge amounts of debt when they may have been better off pursuing other avenues of education or training which would better prepare them for a successful career in a shorter time? We currently have a system that encourages people to see university as an end in itself, rather than as a pathway to a successful career. We need to move towards a system where those who want to, and are suitable, go to university or instead are given the option of entering further training to enhance their skills and future career prospects.Higher education funding can no longer be looked at in isolation and it should be seen as one of many good quality options for furthering skills and knowledge. I will only support a system that not only does not discourage people from going to university because of the fear of the huge amounts of debt they might incur, but one that equips all school leavers with the options required to succeed in life. This wider debate must happen now.Liberal-Conservative coalitionLiberal DemocratsEducation policyHigher educationTuition feesStudentsStudent financeGreg Mulhollandguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2010 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds guardian.co.uk |
Cameron quizzed by Harrier pilot An RAF Harrier pilot made his views plain when given the chance to quiz David Cameron during a visit to the Northwood airbase. Lt Cdr Kris Ward told the prime minister he was an Afghanistan veteran facing the prospect of unemployment. bbc.co.uk |
Parents of disabled girl pay £15,000 for stem cell treatment at German clinic The parents of a severely disabled girl have told of their desperate bid for treatment at a controversial stem cell clinic in Germany. telegraph.co.uk |
R.I.P. Walkman Farewell, hissing, clunking, un-spooling friend. bbc.co.uk |