The government takes the fight to students

The government’s response to the protest over tuition fee hikes has stiffened. Nick Clegg has written to Aaron Porter and David Cameron has penned an op-ed piece in the Standard today. They are united. The NUS should protest; debate is important. But that debate is moribund if the NUS deliberately misrepresent the government and mislead students. Cameron writes:

‘Of course these people have a right to protest. But I also believe they have a responsibility to know the full facts about what they’re objecting to — and judging by the fury that’s been unleashed, there are a lot of misconceptions flying around.’

It is vital that the Conservatives assist their embattled colleagues; the government must be unified. Unity in coalition is, of course, mutual. Vince Cable will have to honour his personal instincts and vote for the legislation he introduced; Lib Dem ministers will have to follow suit.