Students 'could win' Oxford East for Lib Dems

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 10th Apr 2005

NUS (National Union of Students) President Kat Fletcher claimed at this week's NUS conference that the election result in 27 seats - including Oxford East - could be determined by student voters. The number of students in Oxford East is greater than Andrew Smith's majority over the Steve Goddard, and polling shows the Lib Dems are first choice for student voters.

Steve Goddard said 'Students have been penalised by Labour's unfair tuition fees, and are now facing top-up fees as well. Unlike Labour, the Liberal Democrats believe in free higher education. We also share the concerns of many students who opposed the Iraq war, and want the environment put at the top of the political agenda.'

Lib Dem Youth & Student Regional Chair (and Oxford City Councillor) Patrick Murray, added 'Student voters could be vital in electing the first Liberal Democrat MP for Oxford East. Andrew Smith has let down students with his support for tuition fess and top-up fees. Now I look forward to students playing a key role in the election campaign.'