THE new legislation to increase tuition fees has caused deep distress and grave concern among our young people and their families who want the very best for their children as written by 14 year old Emily Baker whose ambition was to become a doctor. They all feel let down.

The voting in the House of Commons did not reach a unanimous verdict. Several MPs had the courage to resign over this highly controversial issue.

Given such a demoralizing government decision what kind of reaction across the country did anyone expect from our young students who were feeling angry and totally rejected over a life changing issue that completely destroys their ambitions?

Thousands of highly intelligent and gifted children will be discouraged by parents and teachers from aiming for a university education. A ‘them and us’ environment created by the ‘haves and have nots’ will further divide our people in an already broken society.

In our Homeland we have long been led to believe that a good education is the right of every child. Indeed their rite of passage.

Even young people who manage to reach university will be affected by many aspects relating to the tuition fees, mortgages, credit cards, debts, commitments etc. Young people will be paying back for life.

Our young people have the right to challenge the unacceptable. They are future leaders across the spectrum of our society. They need our support and they deserve to be rich in happiness, good health and personal fulfilment. With or without a degree.

MARY RATCLIFFE Old Town