Liberal Democrats launch campaign for student vote

9.08.37pm GMT Sun 6th Feb 2005

Charles Kennedy, the Leader of the Liberal Democrats, has launched his Party's campaign to win the votes of students at the General Election. In a speech to students at the London School of Economics, Mr Kennedy stressed the importance of the student vote at the next election.

Mr Kennedy said:

"Labour broke its manifesto promise to students about top-up fees - that will not be forgiven. The Liberal Democrats were also instrumental in scrapping tuition fees in Scotland - proving we mean what we say.

"Top-up fees put students off university, especially those from a poorer background. And is it really right that so many young people are starting out in life with mortgage style debts hanging round their necks?

"Others want us to act on the environment. Again and again we have pressed Tony Blair to engage with this issue, and to use his alleged influence with George Bush to get him to sign up to the Kyoto treaty and talk sense on climate change. We're still waiting.

"But for many people in this country - and certainly for many students - the defining issue at this election will be the Iraq war.

"My party stood united in opposition to the war. It was a matter of principle. While the Prime Minister - as we now know - led us into battle on a false premise: with the Conservatives as his principal cheerleaders.

"Today, we continue to ask the critical questions. We want to know the exit strategy. We are urging the Government to set a date to bring our troops home. We are still representing what you care about.

"My message today to the young people and students is that you can make your mark. You can certainly make a difference in the forthcoming election."

Chris Coleman, Prospective Member of Parliament for the Forest of Dean said:

"Only the Liberal Democrats are committed to a fair deal for students. Only the Liberal Democrats can be trusted to deliver. Poll after poll is showing the Liberal Democrats ahead amongst students.

"Most students voting in the Forest of Dean at the next election will be doing so for the first time. We will tell them that Labour betrayed them in 1997 over tuition fees, and again in 2001 over top-up fees. We offer a real chance for a real change."