Since 2020, Keir Starmer has positioned himself as a champion of progressive values within the Labour Party, promising significant reforms that would benefit the younger generation. One of his key pledges was to abolish tuition fees, a commitment that echoed Labour's manifestos in the 2020 elections. However, this promise has long been abandoned, raising questions about Starmer's credibility and Labour's commitment to education reform.

Starmer's pledge to scrap tuition fees was more than a mere campaign promise; it was a symbol of Labour's dedication to making higher education accessible to all, regardless of financial background. By eliminating tuition fees, Labour aimed to remove a significant barrier that has prevented many students from pursuing their academic dreams. This policy was particularly resonant among young voters, who saw it as a concrete step towards a more equitable society.

However, Starmer has indicated that Labour would move on from this commitment. Citing the country's current financial situation, he highlighted the estimated £6 billion annual cost of abolishing tuition fees as a prohibitive factor. Instead, he proposed focusing on lowering graduates' monthly repayments, framing this as a "fairer solution."

Critics argue that the decision to abandon the tuition fee pledge is a betrayal of the trust placed in Starmer by students and young voters. It suggests a lack of commitment to the transformative policies that initially set him apart as a leader. Moreover, this proposed "fairer solution", while helpful, does not address the fundamental issue of the high cost of higher education and the burden of debt on graduates.

SOURCES

1st Video: Keir Starmer on the Andrew Neil Show - 4/3/20 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SWIfkPw_R4

2nd Video: Sir Keir Starmer: Labour 'likely to move on' from abolishing tuition fees - https://www.bbc.com/news/av/uk-politics-65455420

3. Labour ‘likely to move on’ from pledge to abolish tuition fees, says Starmer - https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/tuition-fees-liberal-democrat-conservative-b2330731.html

4. Keir Starmer’s Ten Pledges - https://www.clpd.org.uk/resource/keir-starmer-10-pledges/