HUNDREDS of students at Colchester Sixth Form packed the college’s drama suite for one of the town’s final hustings in the lead up to polling day.

Five of the six candidates vying to become Colchester’s next MP took the stand to answer questions from 200 students, many of whom are preparing to cast their vote for the first time.

Sir Bob Russell (Lib Dem), Will Quince (Con), Jordan Newell (Lab), John Pitts (Ukip) and Mark Goacher (Green) attended. Ken Scrimshaw (Christian Peoples Alliance) declined to take part.

The first question from the crowd was from Alice Herbst, who asked how young people could trust any parties, especially after the Liberal Democrats abandoned plans to cut tuition fees during the last parliament.

Sir Bob, who did not support his party’s line on tuition fees, said: “Such was the dire financial situation in the country, something had to be done.

“And what was done was tuition fees.”

He said although there has been a significant increase in fees, to £9,000, no payment is taken up front, with students paying it back when they earn £21,000 a year.

Mr Newell said: “I am in favour of tuition fees, but not £9,000 a year.”

Tory Will Quince, who backed the tuition fee rise, added: “We want the best universities in the world, but we need to fund them.”

Ukip’s John Pitts’ response drew boos from the crowd.

The businessman pledged free tuition for students studying Stem subjects, but added: “What we wouldn’t do is give free tuition for people who studying media studies and soap operas.”

Mark Goacher, who teaches at the college, said no student should have to pay fees, adding he left university “with a profit of £600”.

He said: “Cancelling Trident (the UK’s missile defence system) would pay for all tuition fees.”

The candidates were also quizzed on free student travel and youth unemployment.

Mr Quince said: “The answer to youth unemployment is a strong economy.

“This Government has created 1,000 jobs a day.”

Sir Bob pointed to a 54 per cent drop in overall unemployment in Colchester since 2010.

Mr Newell said although there has been a form of economic recovery it has “reached the City of London, but not Colchester”.

Mr Pitts said: “Business creates work, but I want to see the jobs which are available going to our young people first.

“That’s not to say we should shut other people out.”

Mr Goacher pointed to the Greens Party’s plans to guarantee an apprenticeship to every 16 to 19-year-old who wants one, adding: “It is not just about volume of jobs, but it’s also about the quality of jobs.”

Sixth form pupils muse over casting their first votes 

 

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