DURING the General Election campaign the Liberal Democrats campaigned to vote against any increase in tuition fees and many to have current fees reduced.

So how can these same MPs now abstain or vote for measures they pledged to oppose? A calculated abstention, designed to ensure a Tory victory in the Commons, is no different morally than voting for the measure.

We urge every Liberal Democrat member to lobby their MP to maintain their integrity and vote “No”, a case ably put by MP and former party leader Sir Menzies Campbell.

Without doubt a rise in tuition fees could threaten Britain’s ability to attract overseas students to our universities and deter young people from less affluent parts of society progressing to university.

Pushing graduates into debt can only encourage emigration after qualification.

Lastly, a rise in fees will not have any immediate or significant impact on the public debt as loans will not be paid in the major part for years to come.

If Lib Dems claim their party has not lost its distinctive voice, now is the time for its MPs to be counted. Abstention counts for nothing but political cowardice.

Councillor Steve Radford, Leader, Liberal Party Group, Liverpool.