TORIES FAIL TO VOTE AGAINST VARIABLE TOP-UP FEES

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 26th Feb 2004

The critical standing committee vote on variability of university top-up fees went in the Government's favour this evening as the Conservative members refused to vote. All 6 Conservative MP's on the committee declined to vote, raising questions about where they now stand on top up fees.

There were 13 votes in favour of variable top up fees, all from Labour MP's and 4 against including Liberal Democrat MP David Rendel.

Commenting on the vote Mr Rendel said:

"This vote causes further confusion about where the Conservatives really stand on top-up fees."