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In proposing to introduce tuition fees, university bosses are passing on Government cuts to those least able to afford them - students.

Students are already suffering, under-achieving and dropping out of their courses because of the financial hardship brought about by over a decade of Government cuts. Millions more people are kept out of continuing education altogether by the prospect of hardship and debt.

That is why students have consistently voted at NUS conference to demand decent grants for all and to reject graduate tax, tuition fees and loans. We believe that education should be a right for all, not a privilege for the few who can afford it.

Instead of passing on cuts to students, and shutting the door of higher education to future generations, vice chancellors should back their students and demand greater funding and decent student grants.

Clive Lewis, Vice president education Alison Brown, Women's officer Richard Gordon, Mick Duncan, Rosie Woods National executive National Union of Students Graham Hellawell Secretary Campaign for Free Education