Chuka has joined forces with the National Union of Students (NUS) to call for the abolition of up-front student fees and oppose the possibility of new higher ‘top-up’ fees in the future.

Both Chuka and the NUS are calling for an end to student fees charged up-front and are instead backing alternative plans for a progressive graduate tax linked to earnings, with graduates contributing according to the benefit they have gained from their time in higher education.

Crucially, this would mean students would not have to pay until they start working: the graduate tax would only be levied once an individual earns over a threshold of £15,000, and payments would be spread out and therefore be more affordable.

The graduate tax proposals would generate more funding than the current fees system and would allow for the creation of more university places as well as increased financial support for poorer students.

In Streatham, we should be proud that the number of people going to university has increased by more than 81% since 1997. Increased funding for more student places and support would allow this figure to rise even further.

The Lib Dems recently abandoned their commitment to scrapping student fees at their party conference while the Conservative Party under David Cameron has also dropped its pledge to end fees.

President of the NUS Wes Streeting commented: “NUS is delighted to receive Chuka’s backing on the number one issue facing students ahead of the next general election.”

“With a review of the current tuition fees system due to be announced within a matter of weeks, this intervention could not have come at a better time.”

Chuka said:

“Given the advantages that a university education gives graduates, it is right that students should contribute towards the cost of going to university. A graduate tax linked closely to earnings is the simplest and fairest way of achieving this.”

Follow these links to find out more about the NUS’ Funding our Future plans and get involved in the campaign against fees.