Student liffe (From Barry And District News)

Student liffe

I WAS surprised to see the name of John Smith, the MP for the Vale, amongst those opposing Tony Blair on the important issue of top-up fees for students. I hope John is doing this on an issue of principle and not like some of the usual suspects on the list, just wanting to give the Prime Minister a bloody nose.

When I saw the names of Robin Cook, Clair Short, Michael Meacher and Frank Dobson standing out like sore thumbs, I could visualise the whinging quartet, who were not up to the jobs, and were therefore dispensed by a tough Premier, laughing at the discomfort of the best Prime Minister to lead the Labour Party.

You and I both know, John, if you are reading this letter, that nothing is free anymore. We both went to college and university as working class students, and successfully achieved high honours; but at a price. I ended up in tremendous debt. But I always thought the hard work and sacrifice was well worth it.

It seems now that students are not prepared to compromise at all.

Why should the hard working taxpayer foot the bill for young people to get drunk most nights? I don't blame them enjoying their freedom, because make no mistake the workload is heavy.

Studying is intense, and the best way to relieve the stress is to go and have a good drink and relax with one's girlfriend.

The experience is one I'll never forget, because you will meet the most positive people in the world, and of all ages. But the students must expect to pay something towards their education for it will pay dividends for the rest of your lives. When I hear the Tories opposing the top-up fees I have to laugh.

For those same caring Conservatives are the same people who introduced students to students loans in 1990, as a way of replacing the maintenance grant. Perhaps they're hoping that people have forgotten.

So John, I would hate to think you have a similar agenda to people like the hypocritical Diane Abbott, who has decided to send her son to private education instead of using the comprehensive school of her constituency of Hackney. Or the moaning narrow minded politics of the Labour left whose mindset is stuck in the 40s and 50s.

Gerald Edwards Philippa Freeth Court Dock View Road Barry