SARWAR CHALLENGED TO OPPOSE STARMER’S TUITION FEE HIKE

The SNP has challenged Anas Sarwar to oppose the Labour government’s planned increase in tuition fees, saying it would be first on the chopping block if Labour was elected to power in 2026.

This comes as tuition fees across England are set to rise to £9,535 – up 3.1% for the first time in seven years. The now Prime Minister called for them to be abolished in 2020, which the SNP did in Scotland in 2007.

Figures released earlier this year show that a staggering 1.8 million people in England and Wales are in at least £50,000 of student debt. Student Loans Company data shows students in Scotland leave university with the lowest levels of debt in the UK.   Scottish Labour’s finance spokesperson said this year that the party would examine "models that would reintroduce some form of charges" following in the footsteps of their Westminster bosses.

Commenting, SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West, Natalie Don-Innes, said:

“The SNP is incredibly proud to be the party that abolished tuition fees, seeing record numbers of students from deprived areas now attending university.

“But be in no doubt, free tuition would be first on the chopping block if Labour gets anywhere near power in Scotland.

“We’ve seen the derision with which they treat Scotland’s young people in their backing of Brexit, and the decision to increase tuition fees that were already astronomical reflects their willingness to sacrifice young people’s future – something that even Boris Johnson didn’t do.

“SNP policies like free tuition have changed lives, including my own, and are sadly on the line in 2026. We are clear that a vote for the SNP is a vote to keep university tuition free for all and build on the phenomenal progress we’ve made.

“While Scottish Labour may be willing to sacrifice the future of Scotland’s young people, the SNP will always ensure education is based on the ability to learn - not the ability to pay. It’s time Scottish Labour finally stood up to Keir Starmer and make clear tuition fees won’t be replicated in Scotland.”