Day of action as Labour urges 'rethink' on plans to scrap EMA
Activists to hold lobby in Westminster ahead of Commons vote on Labour motion calling for government to 'rethink' decision' to scrap education maintenance allowance
Campaigners opposed to controversial plans to scrap the education maintenance allowance (EMA) are gathering today to take part in a day of action as MPs prepare to vote on a motion urging a government "rethink".
Activists will hold a lobby in the House of Commons ahead of MPs debating a Labour motion calling on the government to "rethink its decision" to scrap the EMA, a weekly payment to the poorest 16- to 18-year-olds to help them stay in education, which they hope coalition MPs will back.
In an unusual level of co-operation, Labour's education spokesman, Andy Burnham, has held talks with the Lib Dem deputy leader and government advocate on access to higher education, Simon Hughes, about a form of words that he would support.
The motion mirrors a statement made by Hughes at a meeting last Friday where Hughes said he would have to abstain rather than vote with the government. Burnham used the word "rethink", which last week Hughes said was what he wanted.
Hughes became the government's access advocate in December and in that role advises the government on the replacement for the EMA when it is wound up at the end of this academic year. Last week, before the motion was tabled, he told campaigners: "We haven't seen a motion yet. If I am meant to be giving advice on this to ministers, I will probably abstain."
He went on: "I've never abstained in my life before the tuition fees debate. If what Labour is saying is a call for the government to rethink its plans, I will support that. There's some careful brokering to do."
However Hughes' office said yesterday that the government would now be tabling its own amendment, pledging to work to find a suitable replacement for EMA, which Hughes would now support. They said they could not support the opposition's motion because it was calling for a co! mplete U -turn by the government, which was never on the cards.
Labour MPs will be on a three-line whip to ensure every single MP comes out to vote against the government but a substantial Lib Dem rebellion is not expected.
MPs will be lobbied by teenagers travelling from around the country to protest at parliament ahead of the vote. There will be a "teach-in" in a House of Commons committee room this morning while leaflets and cookies stamped "Save EMA" will be handed to commuters at Westminster tube.
Sally Hunt, general secretary of the University and College Union (UCU), said the government's decisions over the EMA have been a "complete shambles".
"First they pledged they would not axe it, now they say they will. They clearly have no understanding of how important the EMA is or the difference it makes to so many people's chances of improving themselves.
"Once again, they look horribly out of touch with the majority of people in the country something highlighted by the revelation that the education secretary decided to axe the EMA despite never having visited a further education college."
Today's vote is "a chance for all MPs to put a stop to the mess the government is making of the EMA and ensure they think again", she said.
"I urge every MP to use their vote to really make a difference to the life chances of thousands of young people across the country," she added. "With the job market as it is, we cannot afford to consign a whole generation to the scrapheap of inactivity."
A survey published yesterday by the UCU, which represents lecturers, found that 70% of students who receive the EMA would drop out of college if it is withdrawn, and that 63% get no help from their families to meet study costs.
Martin Doel, chief executive of the Association of Colleges, said: "Given the exceptional level of public support for EMAs and the political interest in the issue as well as the wealth of new evidence about their positive impact it is time the government thoug! ht again about the proposed abolition.
"While we understand the ongoing pressures on the public purse, we believe that these young people are being asked to bear a disproportionate burden."
Earlier this month the education select committee announced an inquiry into the participation in education and training of young people aged 16 to 19. The inquiry will look at the impact of the EMA on participation, attendance, achievement and the welfare of young people.
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