Lib Dems pitch for student vote
Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy has launched a concerted pitch for student votes in the next general election.
In a speech at the London School of Economics, he highlighted his party’s pledges to scrap tuition fees and take action on the environment, and reminded students of his opposition to the war in Iraq.
Mr Kennedy also told students their votes could lead to 27 seat gains for the Lib Dems at the next general election.
There are 14 Labour – and 13 Conservative – held seats where the number of students exceeds the gap between the current MP and the Liberal Democrat’s previous vote.
Mr Kennedy said: “Labour broke its manifesto promise to students about top-up fees – that will not be forgiven. The Liberal Democrats were also instrumental in scrapping tuition fees in Scotland – proving we mean what we say.
“Top-up fees put students off university, especially those from a poorer background. And is it really right that so many young people are starting out in life with mortgage-style debts hanging round their necks?”
Turning to Iraq, which Mr Kennedy said could be the “defining issue” at the next election, he said: “My party stood united in opposition to the war. It was a matter of principle. While the Prime Minister – as we now know – led us into battle on a false premise, with the Conservatives as his principal cheerleaders.
“Today, we continue to ask the critical questions. We want to know the exit strategy. We are urging the Government to set a date to bring our troops home. We are still representing what you care about.”
Key Labour MPs targeted include Valerie Davey in Bristol West, Gerald Kaufman in Manchester, Sports Minister Richard Caborn in Sheffield and Frank Dobson in Holburn and St. Pancras. The Liberal Democrats also stress that Charles Clarke, former Education Secretary, is “vulnerable”.
A number of Conservative Shadow Cabinet members are also being targeted, including Shadow Chancellor Oliver Letwin, Shadow Home Secretary David Davis and Shadow Education Secretary Tim Collins.
