The survey, carried out by Opinionpanel, shows that support from students has surged to 50% (26/27 April) from 26% at the beginning of the election campaign (31 March/1 April). Research released this week by Endsleigh Insurance shows 75% of students intend to vote on 6 May 2010.
More than 1300 candidates from all political parties have signed the Vote for Students pledge to oppose higher top-up fees in the next Parliament and to press for a further alternative. More than two-thirds of Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidates (457) and a more than a third of Labour candidates (212) have signed up to the NUS pledge, while just 3% (15) of Conservative candidates have proposed to oppose a hike in fees.
NUS National President-elect, Aaron Porter, said:
“Students are listening carefully to what candidates have to say and are looking closely at their positions on university fees. Any candidate who refuses to commit to voting against a rise in tuition fees should expect to be treated with great suspicion by students, their families and the general public, all of whom are overwhelmingly opposed to higher fees."
“Liberal Democrat candidates are clearly benefiting from their commitments to oppose higher fees, as are many from the Labour Party. NUS urges all candidates who want to win the respect and crucially, the votes of students to demonstrate their commitment to oppose higher student fees before polling day.”
"As we approach the closest general election for decades and a record 75% of students prepare to vote, their final decisions on polling day will have a decisive impact in many constituencies across the country. Candidates who do not support students should not expect to receive a single vote from students at the ballot box."
"This new polling confirms that candidates will not get support from students unless those candidates pledge to vote for students.”