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University tuition rise is alienating UK youth

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London, England
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Keir Starmer’s government increases university tuition fees for the first time in almost a decade, from £9,250 to around £9,500.

Young people across the nation are frustrated over the new rise in university tuition fees, from £9,250 to £9,535.

This is the first-time tuition fees have risen since being frozen under the Tory’s in 2017.

Labour has announced an increase in fees, aligning with the current Retail Price Index inflation rate of 2.7%.

Fortunately for some, this decision will not impact young people who are already enrolled in their higher education programs – I’m glad I did not take a gap year now!

However, it will still pull on the pockets of students starting in the next academic year.

Bridget Phillipson, the Education Secretary, informed MPs in parliament that maintenance loans will also increase to help university students manage the harsh cost of living.

Phillipson announced that the Labour government will make further ‘major reforms’ for long-term investments in universities.

The Labour party seems to be contradicting themselves, and dissatisfying the young people who once supported them.

Is history going to be repeated? Will the Labour party suffer the same fate as the Liberal Democrats during the Cameron coalition?

During the leadership race, Prime Minister, Keir Stammer, said he wanted to abolish tuition fees altogether – oh, how the tables turn.

Many young people are expressing feelings of being targeted and overlooked amid the ongoing economic downturn, criticising Starmer on social media platforms.

As students face mounting challenges to financially survive, the increase in tuition fees raises significant concerns for future generations of students.

UCAS, which manages UK university and higher education applications, shows that the average amount a student spends is £219 per week excluding rent.  This highlights the already high cost of university life.

Increases like this usually disadvantage the poorest of students and add onto the elitist structure of academic institutions, making it less accessible for young people from working class backgrounds.

Independent MP Zarah Sultana, who recently lost the labour whip after revolting the two-child benefit cap, called the latest development ‘wrong.’

Criticising Labour’s decision on X, stating that ‘It’s time to abolish tuition fees and cancel student debt because education is a public good, not a commodity.’

The increase in tuition fees marks a turning point for Labour’s relationship with young people.

Once a party that championed affordable education, this decision risks alienating its core youth base. As financial pressures mount for students, many feel disillusioned with a government that previously pledged to abolish fees entirely.

The question now is whether Labour will weather the storm of public criticism or face long-term political repercussions akin to the Liberal Democrats’ fallout.

Remote Writer London, England

I’m Tanisha (She/Her). A British Bangladeshi from Dagenham, London.  I am a political activist who hopes to arouse greater social equity, reduce class barriers and better the standards of public education. I also have a big sweet tooth!

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