NUS protests against tuition fees

Prior to the elections, the Liberal democrats promised to stop tuition fees rising, the conservatives muttered something about unpopular cuts that needed to be made and Labour were too busy trying to keep up. Fast forward six months and the Lib Dem formed a new government with the Tories leaving Labour out in the cold. Since then a lot of spending cuts have been made, making the new government not very popular. As well as cuts, a rise university tuition fees has been proposed by the Tories and backed by the Lib Dems – the very same party that vowed to oppose the rise in higher education fees. So it is understandable that the people that voted for them feel cheated and betrayed.

Students unions across England have been protesting since the fee increases were announced with the first official NUS demo taking place back on November 10th. The news channels went all out with the coverage and what started out as a valid protest, unfortunately turned violent towards the end which was not the intention of the students union. The chaos was directed at the headquarters for the Tory party (Millbank Tower) and MI6. Students were subjected to being hit by batons and kettling techniques (I learnt a new term, although kettles do eventually boil so maybe not such a good use of word). Thinking about it if kettling is used to contain protesters whilst baton’s are used to disperse crowds... erm, well is anyone else seeing a problem here? Surely using both techniques on the same crowd at the same is a pointless exercise as neither method is working successfully.

Although the few people that initiated the rioting were not thought to be genuine students, it still didn’t stop some of the media from describing ALL students at the protest, as an unruly, violent, uncontrollable mob. One of those news people happened to be Sky News presenter Kay Burley, who is excellent at scary people unnecessarily and I think my favourite exchange has to be between her and an office worker from Millbank Tower.

Kay Burley: *an an overly dramatic voice* YOU must be terrified with the all that chaos going on outside? What are you going to do?!?!

Worker: *in a completely normal voice* Err, no I’m fine. I’m going to finish work soon and then go home as usual.

After a lot of fighting within the political parties and numerous student protests, this Thursday the government officially approved the rise in tuition fees, which in resulted in further protests. Unfortunately some members of the Royal family also got caught up in this, which was very unfortunate and totally uncalled for. I think the new government just weren’t prepared for just how many people would be willing to protest against the unexpected increase in fees. Also it makes me feel kind of proud that people are still willing to stand for what they believe in and not just take it lying down. Hopefully it will all get sorted out for the better soon enough but it shows that the British are still very much alive and willing to fight for what they believe in! Yay for Britain!!! :)