Luciana Berger, Labour parliamentary candidate for Wavertree, today signed a pledge to voters in the presence of students from the University of Liverpool, Liverpool John Moores University and Liverpool Hope University, ahead of the forthcoming general election that she will vote against any increase in fees in the next parliament.
Luciana said:
“Access to university should be about a student’s ability, not their ability to pay.”
The NUS pledge which Luciana signed reads:
“I pledge to vote against any increase in fees in the next parliament, and to put pressure on the Government to introduce a fairer alternative to variable top-up fees.”
Luciana continued:
“As a known campaigner against the introduction of top-up fees in 2004, I want to see a funding mechanism for higher education which ensures that students aren’t put off applying to university because of expensive up front course costs.
“I wasn’t surprised to learn that a resounding 88% of the public believe the current review of university fees should not even consider raising the cost. I would support a funding system that enables university graduates to give back after they complete their courses, according to how much they earn.
“This is an issue that affects not only students thinking about applying to university, but their parents and grandparents too. I want the people of Wavertree to know that I am determined to ensure that every young person has a fair chance to go to university.”
Luciana Berger and Communities Secretary John Denham MP visited Kensington-based housing association Venture, meeting a number of local tenants.
Luciana said “I’ve heard about some of the fabulous work that they (Venture) do around empowering tenants to work together.” Housing is especially close to Luciana, as it is one of her top priorities for the area.
Mr Denham accompanied Ms Berger on the visit because he was keen to see first hand how Venture involved their tenants in decision making and learn from the experience of local residents.
Luciana Berger has been selected by Liverpool Wavertree Labour Party to be their Prospective Parliamentary Candidate
Luciana said:
“Having moved to Liverpool last year, I’m proud to have been selected as Labour’s candidate. The campaign starts here to keep Liverpool Wavertree Labour. Jane Kennedy has served as this constituency’s MP with great pride and passion and I know she has found it a tremendous privilege to represent Liverpool Wavertree for more than 18 years. Jane will be a hard act to follow but I’m determined to make Labour’s campaign a success. I will be fighting on the issues that matter to all the people of Wavertree and I look forward to serving the local community.”
“Labour is determined to secure growth not choke off recovery and protect the great investment that’s been made in our schools, the NHS and the Police. In this year’s election there’s a big choice between Labour or a Tory Government who threaten all the good work that’s been done in this city during the last 12 years. Sadly the Lib Dem Council has been branded the ‘worst council in the country’ and opportunities have already been missed. I’m determined that Liverpool Wavertree has the Labour voice it needs standing up and fighting for a fair deal for all.”
James Noakes, vice chairman of Liverpool Wavertree Labour Party, said:
“We’re delighted the members have selected Luciana and I’m confident that whenever the election comes Labour now has the best candidate for Liverpool Wavertree, who will give us fresh leadership and great enthusiasm. Labour has taken the right choices to support the economy, helping businesses and families in Liverpool Wavertree through the downturn. At the General Election people have a choice: Luciana will stand up and fight for a fair deal for all in Liverpool Wavertree.”
