Labour in last-ditch attempt to halt Tory plans to scrap student maintenance grants

Later this week (Tuesday 19 January) Labour will launch a last-ditch attempt to halt Tory plans to scrap student maintenance grants for students from poorer backgrounds.

The changes would affect around 500,000 students and would, according to the government’s own Equality Impact Assessment, especially affect students from BME, disabled, older learners, women and Muslim backgrounds.

The Tories attempted to force through the sweeping changes – which were not in their election manifesto - in committee rather than on the floor of the House of Commons, hidden away from public scrutiny.

Labour has now tabled an Opposition Day Debate and an annulment motion, which if successful would torpedo the Tories’ plans.

Angela Eagle MP, Labour’s Shadow First Secretary of State and Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, said:

“Instead of investing in future generations the Tories are betraying students and making life harder for people from the poorest backgrounds.

“Targeting those who are working hard and doing the right thing to better their lot in life leaves the Tories’ claim to back those who want to get on in tatters.

“The Tories have shown yet again that they’re governing from the shadows, trying to force through the sweeping changes in committee hoping that no one would notice.”