Top-up protesters march to London

Cambridge University students set out on their 60-mile walk to London

Students from Cambridge University began a protest march to London on Saturday as opposition to Government plans for university top-up fees intensified.

A group of around 20 undergraduates began the 60-mile march which will end in Parliament Square on Tuesday.

The marchers will join a mass student demonstration outside the Houses of Parliament when MPs debate the Government's controversial Higher Education Bill.

On Friday night, Cambridge students met local Labour MP Anne Campbell to spell out their opposition to Prime Minister Tony Blair's proposals for variable top-up fees.

"We had about 100 students at the meeting," said Ben Brinded, president of the Cambridge University Students' Union.

I think the fact that students are prepared to walk to London is an indication of the level of feeling about these plans Ben Brinded

"I would say 96 were against and four were undecided.

"I would say that's an accurate representation of the feelings among the 11,000 undergraduates at Cambridge.

"Besides the march, we expect to take around 100 students to Parliament Square in coaches for the rally on Tuesday.

"And I think the fact that students are prepared to walk to London is an indication of the level of feeling about these plans."

Thousands are expected to join the rally in Parliament Square on Tuesday, which has been organised by the National Union of Students.