Over 100 Lib Dem PPCs call for Clegg to keep promise

By Mark Ferguson / @markfergusonuk

Over 100 Lib Dem PPCs have taken the extraordinary step of writing an open letter calling on Lib Dem MPs to keep their promise and vote against higher tuition fees. The letter, hosted at the website of candidate Derek Deeman says that they made an unconditional promise that they expect to be kept:

“During the general election campaign many of our MPs (and now government ministers) signed a pledge with the National Union of Students that they would vote against any tuition fee rises during the course of the next Parliament.”

“The wording of this pledge clearly indicated that this would be unconditional; regardless of whether the party was in government or in opposition.”

Interestingly, they go out of their way to argue that this is not a rebellion, and that this should not lead to the party splitting. However, this very clearly in a Lib Dem rebellion, and the fact that the party splitting is even mentioned shows the severity of the situation that Clegg and his party find themselves in. After Tory David Willetts confirmed that Vince Cable is “personally committed” to changes in the fees system, this letter will only ramp up the pressure on Clegg and his MPs to keep their promise to the electorate.