Mayor attacks university fees

"Education should be free," says Ken Livingstone

The London mayor, Ken Livingstone, has criticised Labour's tuition fee plans, saying the capital's students already have the biggest debts.

In an introduction to a report on universities and colleges in London, he says he is irrevocably opposed to charging students at all.

The report says London graduates have debts £2,000 higher than those from other English universities.

From 2006, universities will be able to charge up to £3,000 a year in fees.

The report was launched at a conference promoting London as a centre of knowledge.

The capital has 42 higher education institutions and more than a million students at universities or in colleges of further education.

It attracts more than 65,000 international students each year.

'Tremendous opportunity'

Mr Livingstone told delegates at the conference that a dynamic further and higher education sector was vital to London's continuing prosperity.

"London is a city of tremendous opportunity and diversity - and one of the world's foremost centres of learning.

"Its 42 higher education institutions range from large multi-faculty universities, such as Westminster University, to specialist colleges and music academies, such as the Royal Academy of Music.

"In addition, its 54 further education colleges are a leading force in upgrading the skills of the capital's residents and workers and play an important role in fostering social inclusion."

Mr Livingstone was re-elected as London's mayor this year, running for Labour rather than as an independent as he had previously.

His introduction says Labour's plans for increased tuition fees will price London students out of a university education.

"Education is a universal human right, vital not only to enable the full development of individuals but also to the existence of a civilised and prosperous community," he wrote.

"Higher education can be the biggest chance an individual has of escaping disadvantage and discrimination.

"These are the reasons for my irrevocable policy to reject completely any proposals for tuition fees paid by students or graduates.

"Higher education should be free at the point of demand."

Competitive

The conference, being held at City Hall, is part of a movement of co-operation between universities and colleges in London.

A group called London Higher - representing the capital's 42 higher education establishments - has been established.

Its chairman, Professor Adrian Smith, principal of Queen Mary, University of London, says international student recruitment is a key area in which universities can work well together.

The group has set up a website which is like a shop window to potential foreign students, offering information about universities, courses, accommodation and visa applications.

Professor Smith said: "While education is becoming ever more global and ever more competitive, London remains unique.

"No other world city provides such a diverse offering or such a wealth of opportunity. "