Students stage cuts and fees hike protest

2011-01-29 624


Thousands of students have taken to the streets in a largely peaceful protest against Government cuts and university fee hikes.


A handful of arrests were made as demonstrators marched through central London, with a half-hearted attempt to storm Tory HQ thwarted by police.


But Scotland Yard reported no serious violence or disorder during the event, in marked contrast to earlier protests.


Ill-feeling over proposals to raise tuition fees and scrap the Education Maintenance Allowance had led to ugly scenes at previous demonstrations in the capital.


Thousands also attended a rally in Manchester organised by students and trade unions.


There were 16 arrests after disturbances when a group broke away from the main body of protesters.


Students are protesting against coalition proposals which would see universities charge them up to £6,000 a year, or £9,000 a year in "exceptional circumstances".

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