Just like the old days...
As I write this, a busload of students from Cornwall is on its way to London to protest at planned increases in tuition fees. St Austell & Newquay MP Stephen Gilbert, who was one of three Cornish Lib Dem MPs to sign a pre-election pledge vowing not to raise the fees (but who now finds himself in one of the most spectacular post-election U-turns of modern times) has just Tweeted that he hopes to meet the students later today. It's sometimes said (possibly by Grumpy Old Men like me) that today's students are apathetic and not interested in politics, failing to burn down their campuses and riot in protest at far-away wars. I'm quite prepared to be wrong, and look forward to hearing from the new generation of recently-radicalised young people any day now.
I'm ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Devon’s Graham Smith, blogging on news, views and some fresh insights into West Country life, particularly the way government works locally and nationally.
Comment number 1.
At 10th Nov 2010, Peter Tregantle wrote:Is it true you have register to attend the protest?
"… Some 24,034 students have registered to take part in the march, and many have purchased seats on coaches booked to ferry students to central London.."
What a democracy we have. This will cost me as my son is 17 and I promised to fund him, but in Cornwall an education is none discretionary if you want to have any form of life you need a degree, good luck to those protesting given a million marched against the war, I suspect it will achieve nothing, it certainly made them think of how important education is to them and will ensure they attend when they return so in every negative there is a positive
Complain about this comment (Comment number 1)
Comment number 2.
At 10th Nov 2010, youngcornwall wrote:Peter Tregantle wrote:
good luck to those protesting given a million marched against the war, I suspect it will achieve nothing.
This time there seems to be more organisation, people are getting together more by way of the internet.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 2)
Comment number 3.
At 10th Nov 2010, Peter Tregantle wrote:Seems to me encouraged by the unions and teachers, a very unhealthy mix
Complain about this comment (Comment number 3)
Comment number 4.
At 10th Nov 2010, Graham Smith wrote:Just watching the live coverage of this protest now and accept that my earlier comment about apathetic students was wholly, totally and completely wrong.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 4)
Comment number 5.
At 10th Nov 2010, backofanenvelope wrote:This isn't about politics - its about money! They want someone else to pay for their education.
Complain about this comment (Comment number 5)
Comment number 6.
At 11th Nov 2010, backofanenvelope wrote:I see that a reward is now being offered to anyone identifying the idiots who threw a fire extinguisher off the roof of Milbank, narrowly missing both police and students. So much for your happy exciting day out in London Mr Smith!
Complain about this comment (Comment number 6)