Labour's fees threaten future study for A-Level successes

3.12.05pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 16th Aug 2006

Peter Black at a top up fees demonstration outside the Assembly

Welsh Liberal Democrat Education spokesperson Peter Black AM congratulated thousands of Welsh students for their hard work and A-Level success, as results came out today.

However, Mr Black, who also chairs the Assembly's Education Committee, warned that many of them would turn down the opportunity to continue studying when faced with crippling debts under Labour.

""Rising levels of student debt mean that future scientists and managers are being denied the education which will benefit the whole country. Labour's policy is failing students as debts of over £30,000 become the norm.

"Today's A-Level success stories will be put off higher education and are less likely to become tomorrow's doctors, dentists and engineers.

"Unless the government acts to counter spiralling student debt, the future looks bleak.

Welsh students studying in Wales have been protected from the burden of top-up fees by the Welsh Liberal Democrats.

Today's twenty-somethings face serious financial problems because of student debt that their parents never encountered. This generation faces an unprecedented burden of debt which is going to affect their ability to buy homes, start families and save for old age."