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There is another downstream effect to be considered if, as Browne seems to wish, future graduates from English universities are to find themselves burdened with post-graduation debts of ?30,000 or more: that of obtaining subsequent loan finance, specifically a mortgage for house purchase.

I have no doubt that mortgage lenders will view most unfavourably the fact that someone already has a debt of this magnitude. Of course, and 'twas ever thus, this will not be a problem for the privileged few able to rely on parental contributions, in cash or kind, or resting certain in the expectation of highly paid employment. For the remainder, though, it will simply add to the misery of trying to afford reasonable housing in the early stages of their working lives - difficult enough already, let alone in the future.

The fact that the Liberal Democrat members of the coalition government are seemingly happy to ignore their party's pre-election pledge to abolish tuition fees merely serves to confirm that they, too, having tasted power, have found it too sweet and beguiling to lose for the sake of their collective and individual consciences.

Perhaps it is time to emulate some of our European neighbours and take to the streets in protest.

Tim Feest, Godalming.