Lib Dem calls for Scots MPs to vote against tuition fee rise

A LEADING Liberal Democrat has broken ranks with his party over the latest plans for university finance and called on Scotland's 11 Lib Dem MPs to vote against an increase in tuition fees.

Alex Cole-Hamilton, Lib Dem candidate in the target seat of Edinburgh Central in next year's Holyrood elections, said all the party's MPs had pledged before the general election that they would vote down any tuition fee increase.

The UK Conservative-Lib Dem coalition is now backing the recommendations in the Browne report which would mean lifting the cap on tuition fees in England and see graduates emerging from university with debts of up to 40,000.

Mr Cole-Hamilton said: "I joined the party because of our commitment to free education. This is about people keeping their word."

Meanwhile, the Browne proposals were expected to come under fire at the SNP conference. Edinburgh delegate Jim Eadie accused the Lib Dems of "selling out" students.