Simon Hughes 'could back Labour against education cuts'

Simon Hughes, the Liberal Democrat deputy leader and Coalition education spokesman, has said he could support Labour in opposition to Government funding cuts.

Up to a quarter of a million applicants are expected to fail in their quest for places this summerPhoto: GETTY IMAGES

By James Kirkup, Political Correspondent2:54PM GMT 16 Jan 2011

Mr Hughes, last month appointed the Coalition advocate for its higher education policy, said he was opposed to cutting the education maintenance allowance (EMA), money paid to encourage children to stay at school after 16.

The Coalition has announced plans to scrap the 30-a-year EMA, arguing that much of the money spent on it is wasted because it goes to children who would have been in education anyway.

Labour has attacked the plan to cut the allowance, arguing that it will make it harder for children from poorer families to get ahead.

Andy Burnham, the Labour shadow education secretary, will this week call a Commons debate on EMA where MPs will vote on a motion opposing the cut.

Mr Hughes last week said that ministers should rethink their plans and yesterday, he said he was talking to Labour leaders about voting with them against the Government.