On Tuesday 7 July 2009, officers from the Union of UEA Students met with Norwich North Lib Dem Candidate April Pond and Lewes MP Norman Baker. These student officers wanted to hear their views on the big issues facing local students prior to the forthcoming by-election on 23 July.  

Around two-fifths of UEA students are from the local area and so the need for affordable and reliable public transport to get into university is essential.

Martin Jopp, Union Finance Officer commented: “The Union has been putting pressure on First Buses for the past year in an attempt to improve bus services available to the UEA.”

April Pond, the Lib Dem candidate for Norwich North, responded saying;

“The way forward is to encourage more competition with First forcing them to improve their service”.

One of the biggest issues for students to overcome is the debt that comes with studying at university and a recent survey revealed that UEA students graduate with an average of £23,194 worth of debt*.

Liberal Democrats have historically opposed tuition fees and this stance received firm support from Norman Baker: “I feel quite angry about the introduction of tuition fees. I believe in the basic principle that education should be available to all free of charge, irrespective of your financial situation”.  

When asked on her position on tuition fees, April commented “Lib Dem views will always remain the same - If I had to choose between a renewal of Trident and scrapping tuition fees I know which one I would choose”.

Following this meeting Academic Officer, David Sheppard said; “We think that the current system is completely unsustainable and totally unfair. Students want a higher education system that is free for all who want to attend and we hope that all political parties will join us in supporting the campaign to end fees.”

Student officers are planning to meet with all Norwich North candidates in the build up to the election to quiz them on student issues.

On Tuesday 7 July 2009, officers from the Union of UEA Students met with Norwich North Lib Dem Candidate April Pond and Lewes MP Norman Baker. These student officers wanted to hear their views on the big issues facing local students prior to the forthcoming by-election on 23 July.  

Around two-fifths of UEA students are from the local area and so the need for affordable and reliable public transport to get into university is essential.

Martin Jopp, Union Finance Officer commented: “The Union has been putting pressure on First Buses for the past year in an attempt to improve bus services available to the UEA.”

April Pond, the Lib Dem candidate for Norwich North, responded saying;

“The way forward is to encourage more competition with First forcing them to improve their service”.

One of the biggest issues for students to overcome is the debt that comes with studying at university and a recent survey revealed that UEA students graduate with an average of £23,194 worth of debt*.

Liberal Democrats have historically opposed tuition fees and this stance received firm support from Norman Baker: “I feel quite angry about the introduction of tuition fees. I believe in the basic principle that education should be available to all free of charge, irrespective of your financial situation”.  

When asked on her position on tuition fees, April commented “Lib Dem views will always remain the same - If I had to choose between a renewal of Trident and scrapping tuition fees I know which one I would choose”.

Following this meeting Academic Officer, David Sheppard said; “We think that the current system is completely unsustainable and totally unfair. Students want a higher education system that is free for all who want to attend and we hope that all political parties will join us in supporting the campaign to end fees.”

Student officers are planning to meet with all Norwich North candidates in the build up to the election to quiz them on student issues.

On Tuesday 7 July 2009, officers from the Union of UEA Students met with Norwich North Lib Dem Candidate April Pond and Lewes MP Norman Baker. These student officers wanted to hear their views on the big issues facing local students prior to the forthcoming by-election on 23 July.  

Around two-fifths of UEA students are from the local area and so the need for affordable and reliable public transport to get into university is essential.

Martin Jopp, Union Finance Officer commented: “The Union has been putting pressure on First Buses for the past year in an attempt to improve bus services available to the UEA.”

April Pond, the Lib Dem candidate for Norwich North, responded saying;

“The way forward is to encourage more competition with First forcing them to improve their service”.

One of the biggest issues for students to overcome is the debt that comes with studying at university and a recent survey revealed that UEA students graduate with an average of £23,194 worth of debt*.

Liberal Democrats have historically opposed tuition fees and this stance received firm support from Norman Baker: “I feel quite angry about the introduction of tuition fees. I believe in the basic principle that education should be available to all free of charge, irrespective of your financial situation”.  

When asked on her position on tuition fees, April commented “Lib Dem views will always remain the same - If I had to choose between a renewal of Trident and scrapping tuition fees I know which one I would choose”.

Following this meeting Academic Officer, David Sheppard said; “We think that the current system is completely unsustainable and totally unfair. Students want a higher education system that is free for all who want to attend and we hope that all political parties will join us in supporting the campaign to end fees.”

Student officers are planning to meet with all Norwich North candidates in the build up to the election to quiz them on student issues.