At best it takes a huge risk with higher education institutions in the UK. ![]() "This removal of funding is unprecedented, as is the lack of significant public debate. The latest draft sent by management would certainly act as another thorn in the government's side if the students can agree a finalised statement before the fees debate begins in earnest in a few hours. ![]() Last night this seemed to be up in the air as students wanted to press for both anti-fees and anti arts cuts statements, whereas management were naturally reluctant to condemn fee increases. So if the students behave badly, then the two named defendants, Sarah Crane-Brewer and Frank Harris both aged 19, could be billed for up to £40,000.Īt the moment, the only sticking issue is the wording of a joint statement condemning university cuts. That's the deadline for the university to return to the court. Quite cleverly Judge Faber, sitting at London County Court decided to defer the issue of costs until the 23 December. It is possible that occupation could relocate to another part of the campus and the whole process of eviction would have to start again but this is unlikely as students are worried about the issue of costs. However, the students successfully defended a claim for possession over the entirety of UCL's Gower Street campus. The students who began their occupation two weeks ago could face eviction at any moment from the 200 capacity Jeremy Bentham Room and the Slade art college. Occupying students at UCL are still in last minute negotiations with their chancellor's office after a court awarded management a possession order today. Shiv Malik emails with news of the long-running action at University College London: Still wrap up warm, mind.ġ1.08am: On that very subject, the Guardian's Esther Addley – also heading out in London – tweets:ġ1.33am: It's worth recalling that a number of campus occupations are still ongoing. Both London and Edinburgh are forecast to swelter in temperatures peaking around 4C, with a good amount of sunshine. It seems likely the tuition fees bill will pass but I'd still argue that – whatever your view on the merits of the new fees system – the protests have been a success at least in calling politicians to account for broken pledges, something you see rarely theses days.ġ1.05am: And now to one of the more relevant questions if you're facing the possibility of being kettled for some hours – what's the weather going to be like? Well, after the freezing recent days it's going to feel positively tropical. It would be a shame if, once again, the actions of a very small minority was allowed to obscure the reason for the marches, and what they've achieved. The Metropolitan police have made some bullish noises about the possibility of trouble today, a slightly alarmist message reflected in parts of the media. The first vote will take place five hours later, or by 5.30pm at the latest.ġ0.53am:The intrepid Adam Gabbatt is out and about and tweets that there are already "scores" of police around Westminster. ![]() This could be any time from 12.10pm to 12.30pm. The debate will start after business questions ends. MPs are not voting on the entire package of tuition fee reforms. Ministers want to get this through now because universities will send their brochures out for 2012 next year. Under the Higher Education Act, this can be done with a simple vote. MPs are going to be asked to approve a motion tabled by Vince Cable, the business secretary, allowing universities to increase tuition fees to up to £9,000 from September 2012. ![]() Photograph: Linda Nylind for the Guardian So what of timings inside parliament itself? It's maybe easiest if I quote Andrew's blog directly:Īndrew Sparrow. In Edinburgh the rally takes place at 4.30pm. Keep in touch.ġ0.39am: So what's happening when today? In London, the ULU/National Campaign Against Fees and Cuts march will leave the ULU building in Bloomsbury around midday, setting off through Holborn and Trafalgar Square and past Parliament Square, to then join the NUS rally on Victoria Embankment, which is itself scheduled for 1pm to 3pm. We'll have reporters at the rallies but still want to hear from you what's happening – news and photos. The politics side of things is being handled by our Westminster live blogger supreme, Andrew Sparrow. Another big crowd is expected at the Scottish parliament in Edinburgh for a rally and "candlelit vigil". Today is the crunch day, when tens of thousands of students and pupils (and some lecturers) find out whether the weeks of mass protest have paid off, whether enough opinion in parliament has been swayed.Īn estimated 40,000 people are expected to rally in central London on two separate marches, one organised by the NUS and another by the University of London Union.
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