Bethan Jenkins AC/AM Blog

Here’s what I would have said had I been given the opportunity to speak this afternoon. I was the third Plaid speaker down to speak after Nerys Evans, Gareth Jones. There wasn’t enough time according to the Deputy Presiding Officer. I have to say I am a litte angry given that there is a difference of opinion in the Plaid Cymru group, and it would have made for a more varied debate to have heard opinions from across the spectrum.

…………………………………

Much of what I have to say this afternoon has already been expressed on previous occasions, but I would like to take this opportunity to reassert my unwavering belief in the principle of universal, free education for all.

As you all know this issue is very close to my heart – indeed one of the primary reasons why I stand here in this chamber as an elected representative is due to my involvement in the student movement, which included the campaign against the introduction of top-up fees.

Encouraging more people to attend university, particularly people from less well-off backgrounds has been a challenge for governments for decades, and it is my firm belief that straddling students with more debt will make it less likely that people will go to university. Indeed in a sample survey of sixth formers that I carried out recently, eighty per cent said that they didn’t feel they could afford university education with increased fees.

The link between the fear of debt and university attendance is well documented.

This week, we are celebrating ten years of devolution. A decade of Wales being able to do things differently, albeit within certain confines. Ten years where unique Welsh policies have been made in Wales, by the people of Wales, for the people of Wales.

And one of the single greatest achievements of devolution in its first ten years, in my opinion, has been our refusal to burden our students with top-up fees.

A magnificent achievement, and a reflection of our distinct political priorities here in Wales. Do we now really want to turn our back on that progress? Do we really just want to become a mini version of Westminster, falling in line with the marketisation agenda of Brown?

I would like to say to the Tories here today – David Cameron has reversed your policy on fees a long time ago. Before making his first major policy statement on education since becoming leader, he told sixth formers he supported tuition fees – reversing the party’s position at the last general election. During recent debates on this issue, it’s fair to say that Conservative AMs have been inconsistent in their current policy on fees. Are they hoping to make political capital from this at this stage?

I have always believed and continue to believe in the principle of universal public services, including a free education system where everyone can fulfil their potential regardless of their background. Wasn’t it only a few weeks ago when the First Minister was arguing with Nick Bourne about the retention of free prescriptions for all, and against means testing? Why does this argument fall on deaf ears in relation to students in Wales?

It frustrates me that our government here in Wales still relies upon a defunct system of funding, lacking in borrowing and tax-varying powers. I would like to think that if we were in a different funding context, our government would not be in this position, and would not have to take a decision to saddle more students with debt. It is a scandal that at this time, in this economic climate the Westminster Government is forcing upon us budget cuts that make this Assembly’s ability to deliver for the people extremely difficult.

I recognise that being in government means making difficult decisions. Although I can see where the Government is coming from in this decision to an extent, I can’t support the ending of the tuition fee grant. While I understand that the majority of my fellow Plaid members will accept the constraints, and the need to compromise that comes with being a party in government, I am grateful that the group understands my position and have accepted that two of us will be voting differently on this occasion. There are aspects of the policy that I do support such as the partial debt right off and the bursaries for students. I hope these are successfully delivered.

Colleagues, I hope that as this institution evolves, and as our nation and people grow in confidence, that one day we will inherit a different financial context, one that will allow us to implement the ideals of universalism to the full, and one that will provide an environment conducive to free, life-long education for all.