This evening around 20 students from Brunel University visited Vince Cable's surgery in Twickenham to protest against his proposal to increase tuition fees.
This evening around 20 students from Brunel University visited Vince Cable's surgery in Twickenham to protest against his proposal to increase tuition fees.
Students set up camp outside the Business Secretary's surgery in sub-zero temperatures demanding answers for his decision to vote in favour of increasing fees. The group was joined by students from a local school, and support was offered by passers-by as well as members of the public attending surgery. The group was prevented from entering the 'public' office and so a few representatives attended to directly question the MP.
This proved fruitless, however, as the Member of Parliament's arguments were lacking in much basis or substance. When asked: "Have you thought about how to protect international students from unlimited fees?" Vince Cable replied, "Not yet." A similar tone followed throughout.
The group were then obstructed from entering the surgery in an attempt to peacefully occupy the space and threatened by a member of staff. Police arrived shortly after with two cars and a van. Threatening the group with arrest, they were told to move to the opposite side of the road invoking "Section 14." This implied that "the purpose of the persons organising it is the intimidation of others with a view to compelling them not to do an act they have a right to do, or to do an act they have a right not to do." This had no bearing on the reality of the situation.
Vince Cable was then given a Police escort away from his surgery, but not before the group blocked the road and again demanded answers. Police forcefully removed the students and Mr. Cable was able to flee without truly facing up to the group.
A video of the events is currently being compiled.
Original article on IMC London:
