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1500 candidates across 97% of constituencies sign pledge to oppose higher tuition fees

On the eve of the general election, NUS has published a definitive list of those parliamentary candidates who have signed its Vote for Students pledge, making public their commitment to vote against any rise in tuition fees in the next parliament.
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Almost 1500 candidates across 97% of constituencies in England, Wales and Scotland have signed the pledge – over 500 Liberal Democrat candidates and 260 Labour candidates have signed up. Just 16 Conservative candidates have signed up.

There is strong support from the nationalist parties with many SNP and Plaid Cymru candidates giving their support, along with those from UKIP, the Green Party and Respect.

Recent polling with Endsleigh showed that 75% of students intended to vote on polling day and that many were still undecided. Two-thirds said that their candidates’ positions on tuition fees will be an important factor in deciding how to vote.

Aaron Porter, NUS President-elect, said:

“This election campaign has shown that students are not willing to settle for the status quo or put up with evasive answers from politicians on the future of university funding and fees."

"A great many of those candidates who have come clean on fees and pledged to vote for students will be returned to Parliament. Together we will work together to voice the public's overwheleming opposition to higher fees and to campaign for a fairer alternative."

To see the full list of pledge signees, click here.