UNIVERSITY of Cumbria students who took part in the mass demonstration against a rise in tuition fees in London have condemned the violence that tainted the march.
Over 150 students from the Carlisle, Penrith and Lancaster campuses of the University of Cumbria joined the protest against the Government’s announcement that universities will be free to charge fees of up to £9,000 a year.
The NUS confirmed that no students from the university were involved in storming Conservative Party HQ Millbank Tower or attacks on police.
Martin Dodd, of the NUS, said: “All the students from Cumbria were horrified to hear of the trouble.
“Due to the size of the crowds on the march most of us only became aware of it when we got back on the coach through radio reports.
“We are extremely frustrated by the dangerous actions of the minority of marchers as it seriously compromises any ground gained by students on the wider issues of fees and cuts.”
He said Cumbria students had gone to protest peacefully and would continue on a path of reasoned debate with politicians.
“Our students were a great example of conscientious protest and a credit to the student community,” he said.
“We went to highlight how strongly our members feel about the threats to the future of higher education.
“We cannot sit idly by as the Coalition Government condemns the next generation of students to a lifetime of debt.”
Some students at the university believed the violence was inevitable.
First year forrestry student Liam Dalrymple, 25, said: “When you’ve got that many empassioned young people who don’t think the Government is listening to them then it’s inevitable that violence will break out.
“It was disapointing it happened but there is always going to be trouble with that many people.”
Fellow student Luke Hemmings, 23, said: “The violent incidents made the news and the real issue about fighting against a rise in fees was lost.
“I’m glad that there was a protest but there not being enough police, the students have come across really badly and what they were fighting for overlooked. “
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