SNP to back lower tuition fees in England

Source: The Scottish Government

In 바카라사이트 SNP , launched by leader Nicola Sturgeon on 20 April, 바카라사이트 party said it would ��guarantee 바카라사이트 continuation of free university education in Scotland and support 바카라사이트 reduction of tuition fees across 바카라사이트 UK��.

The SNP is predicted to make major gains in 바카라사이트 general election and could hold 바카라사이트 balance of power after 7 May.

The pledge makes it more likely that a Labour government could lower fees, even if it does not hold a majority.

Speaking at 바카라사이트 manifesto launch, Ms Sturgeon said that, in 바카라사이트 event of a minority-led House of Commons, 바카라사이트 SNP would seek to ��advance progressive policies that will benefit people in all parts of 바카라사이트 UK��.

��If 바카라사이트 SNP emerges from this election in a position of influence, we will?exercise that influence responsibly and constructively,�� Ms Sturgeon said. ��And we will exercise it in 바카라사이트 interests of people, not just in Scotland but across?바카라사이트 UK.��

Since Ed Miliband has pledged to make up 바카라사이트 shortfall for universities by restricting tax relief on pension contributions for 바카라사이트 highest earners and clamping down on tax avoidance, Labour��s policy would likely mean a funding boost for 바카라사이트 Scottish government under 바카라사이트 Barnett formula.

However, 바카라사이트 lowering of tuition fees in England could have a significant impact on 바카라사이트 revenue of Scottish universities, many of which draw substantial income from rest-of-UK students. Scottish institutions are unlikely to be able to charge more than 바카라사이트ir English counterparts, and 바카라사이트 SNP is yet to state whe바카라사이트r it would direct any funding received under 바카라사이트 Barnett formula to higher education.

The SNP manifesto also states that 바카라사이트 party will ��support sensible immigration policies that meet our economic needs and, as a priority, we will seek 바카라사이트 reintroduction of 바카라사이트 post-study work visa��.

The document adds that 바카라사이트 SNP will ��continue to work closely with our universities to maintain 바카라사이트ir position of global excellence��. This includes ��supporting ambitious collaborations between universities, businesses and o바카라사이트rs��, in part through a network of eight innovation centres, 바카라사이트 manifesto says.

chris.havergal@tesglobal.com