TUITION FEES: Lib Dems' bid to topple fees by targeting Labour seats in Yorkshire & the Humber

12.00.00am GMT Wed 28th Jan 2004

Liberal Democrats could overturn the controversial tuition fees passed last night by a whisker, if enough students and their families switch their votes from Labour at the next election, a local Euro MP has claimed.

A drop in the number of Labour MPs after the next election would completely change the voting dynamics in the Commons, said local Lib Dem Euro MP Diana Wallis.

Diana Wallis MEP said: "Tony Blair has bullied his MPs into breaking a key manifesto pledge. Voters are not likely to forgive Labour for its broken promises."

"Leeds North West, York and Hull North have a high student population. We know that the Liberal Democrats attract the highest number of votes amongst students. If students, their parents, family and friends decide to switch their votes to us over this issue, we will be able to overturn the legislation after the next election."

"Every student planning to go to university in future, their parents, families and friends could stop this legislation if they vote for Liberal Democrat at the next Election."

A recent MORI poll found that the Lib Dems were the most popular party amongst students, and could secure 37 per cent of their vote. If there was a general election tomorrow only 28 per cent would vote Labour and 20 per cent Tories.