Message of Support from Chi Onwurah MP for Newcastle Central

Message of Support from Chi Onwurah MP for Newcastle Central

I went into politics to make a difference. I have always believed
that if you don't want to change the world for the better when
you're young, you are unlikely to do so when you're old. We are
fortunate to live in a country where we have the right to peaceful
protest and I applaud those who are exercising that right in the
interests of access to education. Education is the one of the most
important foundations of a fulfilling and rewarding life.

I strongly support your commitment to protest without disrupting
lectures so that education should continue as normal in the
University.

My father attended Newcastle University in the fifties, on a
scholarship from the British Council. I hope Newcastle University
will always be accessible by those from diverse backgrounds, and
particularly those without privilege. But the Government's 80% cuts
to the public funding for university teaching threaten that.

As John Denham said in yesterday's debate on Tuition Fees: "The
Deputy Prime Minister has written today blaming the National Union
of Students for putting students off university. This is the man
who, in his own contribution to widening participation, said in
April that fees of £7,000 a year would be a "disaster". He has no
shame."

Best regards

Chi

Chi Onwurah MP
Newcastle Central